It’s adventure season

Winter is dead; here are six ways to get back outdoors

It’s spring. That means it’s time to get off your rear and spend some time outdoors. To help, we consulted some local outdoors experts, who helped us put together a list of outdoor must-dos and must-sees to fully embrace the beautiful weather before the summer heat chases you back to your PlayStation.

Float your boat

Spring is the best time of year to float because the rivers are higher. Barring a complete drought, you’re pretty much guaranteed not to have to get out and push your canoe, kayak or raft through the low spots on the rive—not to mention the fact that there are fewer drunken canoe chains spoiling your Zen moment.

Looking for the best river around? Local outdoors guru Matt O’Reilly, owner of Dynamic Earth Equipment (3036 S. Fremont Ave., 417-877-8855), tells us to look no further than the Buffalo National River, just over the state line in Arkansas. Find out more about the Buffalo River at Tyler Bend Visitor Center (870-439-2502.) Spring operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call a turkey

We’re picturing you on a blanket in the middle of the woods, eyes closed and in a total state of relaxation. Department of Conservation spokesperson Francis Skalicky insists that taking time to listen to birds sing is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have outdoors. For a more, ah, interesting birding journey, try to catch the fancy of a passing turkey. Skalicky, who can demonstrate quite the turkey call (and did so over the phone), said turkeys can even be “called” closer this time of year—it’s mating season. Unfortunately it’s also hunting season (March 31–April 1 and April 16–May 6) so you might avoid calling turkeys during those periods. You can get a cheap turkey call at Bass Pro for $12. For a chance to hone your gobblin’ skills, check out the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area (U.S. 65 south of Ozark).

Get some equipment

We found a hidden gem of a shop that will rent bicycles, canoes and kayaks right here in Springfield. Galloway Creek Outfitters (3545 S. Lone Pine Ave., 417-887-1005) owner Larry Thompson will set you up with gear for any excursion—and even haul them for you if you’re not going too far.
Fees: Canoe for 24 hours: $40
One-person kayak for 24 hours: $30
Two-person kayak for 24 hours: $45
Bicycle: $12 for the two hours it will take you to ride the Galloway Greenways trail.

Join a biking club

Longer daylight hours mean more time to hop on your bicycle and get your Lance Armstrong on, and we all know it’s easier to get motivated when there are other people to hold you accountable. Wondering where to ride and who to ride with? Springbike Bicycle Club will help you with both. This group rides every night from varying locations until November. One night a week they offer rides for beginners. Expect to bike anywhere from 10 miles as a beginner to 30-plus miles as an expert.
Join the club: $20 yearly dues for a household. The website is also an insider’s dream, with a place to report road conditions and even vicious dogs.

Become an angler

Fishing is one of the easiest activities to enjoy in the Ozarks. You don’t have to drive far: Fellows Lake (just north of Springfield) and Lake Springfield (just south of town) offer convenient locations for fishing. For gear, Bass Pro Shops can’t be beat for a run-of-the mill fishing pole (the simplest pole at basspro.com is $50. Fake worms: $2-$5). You’ll also need a license: Call the Missouri Department of Conservation (800-392-4115) or register online. It’ll cost you $19, plus a $2 handling fee.

Find your morels

Think “Indian doctor meets gourmet chef.” You’re outside, enjoying the outdoors, and wind up taking home a tasty souvenir to boot. Morel mushrooms, something of a delicacy in these here hills, can be found mid-March through May in wooded areas along streams and river bottoms. A tip from the Department of Conservation: Pick up a guidebook of mushroom pics so you know what you’re getting—many are poisonous. You can pick up a guidebook at the DOC’s headquarters (2630 N. Mayfair Ave., 417-895-6880).