Refresher Course

By Jeff Berti
Preparation for outdoor activities this spring should include a refresher course on trespassing laws. Turkey and mushroom hunters and nature viewers should be aware that purple markings on trees and fence posts is one way landowners identify private property where trespassing is prohibited.
Missouri’s Purple Paint Statute of 1993 was designed as a simple way for landowners to protect their property rights. The law recognizes purple paint on trees and fence posts as a means of marking private property against trespass. It enables property owners to clearly identify the boundaries of their land without the expense and problems of erecting and maintaining fences and signs.
Landowners using paint to mark their property must place paint between three and five feet off the ground on trees and fence posts no more than 100 feet apart. The paint stains must be vertical lines at least eight inches long.
The bright purple stains can help prevent outdoors enthusiasts from unknowingly breaking the law. Often it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine where the land that you have permission to explore ends. When you find purple markings you will know to go no further without landowner permission.
Trespass in the first degree is punishable by a fine of up to $500, a six-month jail sentence, or both. This charge is filed in cases where land has been adequately marked or fenced to prevent trespass. However, land does not have to be marked for trespassing for laws to be enforced. A charge of trespass in the second degree can be filed in cases where land is not marked. A fine of $200 is possible in such cases. It’s the responsibility of the individual to determine ownership of a parcel of land and acquire permission before entering.
Landowners deserve the courtesy and respect any homeowner would expect to receive in their own yard. Look for and get permission before stepping onto property marked with purple paint.
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With small eyes that peer over a two-foot long spoonbill snout at one end and a shark’s tail at the other end, it’s unlikely many would describe the paddlefish as attractive. But for hundreds of Missouri anglers there is nothing more beautiful than the sight of a seven-foot long, 100 pound paddlefish at the end of a snagline.
The paddlefish is a sort of living fossil. More closely related to sharks than to Missouri’s other fish, it has a skeleton of cartilage. Its food consists of tiny aquatic plants and animals. Paddlefish collect these by swimming around with their mouths open and filtering water though their gills. They make the most of this diet, reaching weights of over 100 pounds.
The paddlefish snagging season runs from March 15 through April 30. The daily limit is two. Paddlefish must be released immediately if they measure less than 24 inches from eye to the fork of the tail.
Full details of paddlefish regulations are listed in the 2016 Summary of Fishing Regulations, which is available free wherever fishing permits are sold.
The challenge of hauling in a large fish is just part of the thrill of paddlefish snagging. Paddlefish aren’t interested in any kind of lure or bait that can be put on a hook. Consequently, anglers must snag the big fish by randomly jerking lines with treble hooks in the water. Snagging is only effective when paddlefish are concentrated in a few areas. This occurs in the spring, when the fish move upstream in response to their spawning urge.
Even though paddlefish still obey their urge to spawn, dams, pollution and habitat destruction now prevent successful spawning. Missouri’s paddlefish population depends on stocking by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
If you are looking to get outside or shake off winter blues, why not head south and see if you can snag a prehistoric monster. If you’re lucky, you might come home with some of the best meat you can find on the end of a rod and reel.