Sources: Missouri Constitution; Vernon's Annotated Missouri Statutes, 1990, Chapter 252; 1992 Cumulative Annual Pocket Part.
STATE WILDLIFE POLICY
The ownership of and title to all wildlife of and within the state, whether resident, migratory or imported, dead or alive, are hereby declared to be in the state of Missouri. A person who fails to comply with or who violates this law or rules and regulations shall not acquire or enforce any title, ownership or possessory right in wildlife; and a person who pursues, takes, kills, possesses or disposes of the wildlife, or attempts to do so, shall be deemed to consent that the title of wildlife shall be and remain in the state of Missouri, for the purpose of its control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation (252.030). (See also HABITAT PROTECTION.)
PROTECTED SPECIES OF WILDLIFE
No wildlife shall be pursued, taken, killed, possessed or disposed of except in the manner, to the extent and at the time permitted by rules and regulations, and pursuit, taking, killing, possession or disposition, except as permitted by rules and regulations, are prohibited. A violation is a misdemeanor, except that violation of rules and regulations pertaining to recordkeeping requirements of licensed fur buyers/fur dealers shall be an infraction and a fine of $10-100 (252.040).
HABITAT PROTECTION
No motor vehicle shall be operated within the boundary of land owned, leased or managed by the Commission except upon roads, thoroughfares or areas specifically designated for travel by the Commission. Unless specifically posted by the Commission, the speed limit within the lands should be 45 miles per hour. Swimming, camping, shooting, fires, use of firearms, digging, tree stands, horses, pets, cave exploring, the operation and parking of motor-driven land conveyances and aircraft are permitted only where, when and in the manner specifically authorized by the Commission on all wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, state forests, natural areas, lakes, fishing accesses and all land and waters owned, leased or managed by the Commission (252.045).
It is the intent of sections 252.300 to 252.333, "The Missouri Economic Diversification and Afforestation Act of 1990," to address environmental, economic, and social programs with a long-term, integrated strategy that will result in soil conservation, improved water and air quality, enhanced wildlife habitat, increased job opportunities, and reduced social problems, to the benefit of all citizens of the state of Missouri (252.300). The Department shall develop, in cooperation with various state and federal agencies, agriculture departments, and private industry councils, an agroforestry program. The program is designed to complement a new or extended federal conservation reserve plan which allows and encourages the development of a state program of agroforestry, and shall encourage soil conservation and diversifications of the state's agricultural base through the use of trees planted in lanes with grass strips or row crops or both in between the lanes (252.303). Payments are to be made to landowners who have eligible land, susceptible to soil erosion, which is placed in the federal conservation reserve program to encourage participation in the program and to encourage tree planting to reduce erosion and restore habitats (252.306 and .309).
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New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu