Fishing and conservation areas follow state rules

In Oregon County, much of the land and water sits inside federal land. But fishing, hunting, and trapping still follow the rules of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the state agency for fish and wildlife. You still need MDC permits and must follow MDC seasons. The Eleven Point River and the smaller creeks that feed it are great places to fish. MDC also runs its own conservation areas and river accesses here, separate from the national forest. The tricky part is that two sets of rules can cover one trip. The USDA Forest Service handles the land, camping, and the river corridor. MDC handles the fish and game and the permits you need. Before you go, the current MDC rules and any special-area rules for the spot you are fishing or hunting are the things to check, along with having the right permit. MDC’s Atlas and regulations tell you what is allowed and where. When in doubt, confirm with the local office.