March 2017 vol 78 no 2

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The Voice for Missouri Outdoors MARCH 2017 - VOL 78 | NO. 2

Director’s Message

Engage with the Legislative Action Center

W

inds of change have blown, leaving Missourians and all Americans wondering what the future holds.

For those of us who care deeply for our wildlife and natural resources, this is a time of uncertainty. It is also a time, perhaps more so than any other in recent history, that demands citizen engagement.

CFM Supports:

HB 177 - Changes the laws regarding feral swine.

HB 181 - Grants law enforcement officers, agents of the conservation commission, and the water patrol the authority to enforce certain laws, with restrictions.

SB 241 - Provides that any person convicted of poaching a turkey, white-tailed deer, black bear, or elk illegally may be required to provide restitution to the state.

CFM Opposes:

If we are to maintain Missouri’s status as the greatest conservation state in the Union, you and your family and your friends and your neighbors are all going to have to do your part to communicate the importance of conservation to our elected officials. Ask yourself these simple questions. Do you know who your state senator and your state representative is? If you answered no, then how do you know what they are doing to represent you in the state legislature?

SJR 16 - Amends the Constitution to require that the sales tax dedicated to conservation purposes be resubmitted to the voters for approval every 10 years.

HJR 25 - Proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal the Conservation Commission's authority to acquire land.

HB 279 - Modifies provisions relating to captive cervids.

Yours in Conservation,

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) provides a tool for all citizens to use, free of charge, to engage directly with their elected officials on legislation CFM is supporting or opposing. It’s called the Legislative Action Center. The bills listed here are a small sample of the legislation CFM is engaged on this year. For a complete list, please visit the Legislative Action Center at www.confedmo.org/lac.

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM

Sign Up TODAY

www.confedmo.org/lac

"Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children's children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

Theodore Roosevelt MARCH - 2017

3

CONTENTS

Conservation Federation March 2017 - V 78 No. 2

Features

OFFICERS Ron Coleman

President

Gary Van De Velde

1st Vice President

Mossie Schallon

2nd Vice President

Richard Mendenhall Secretary Randy Washburn

42

Treasurer

STAFF Brandon Butler

Executive Director & Editor

Rehan Nana

Director of Corporate Relations

Micaela Haymaker

Director of Operations

Laurie Coleman

Membership Director

Jennifer Sampsell

Education & Outreach Coordinator

Michael Wardlaw

Events Manager

Public Land Bobs: An Exercise in Expectations (Part 1)

Emma Kessinger

Creative Director

Conquering the Challenge of Wintertime Bass Fishing

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

58 34

34

54

New Park is a Botanical Garden

LaBarque Creek Conservation Area showcases natural beauty in winter.

42

The MRAP program is creating new outdoor opportunities.

46

A lake ozark guide gives insider tips for excelling at winter fishing.

54

Taneycomo in February

Unseasonably warm February weather makes for great fishing memories.

58

The Mighty Oak

Missouri's mighty oak tree creates habitat for many animals and insects.

62

The Daughter Delight of a Wannabe Mountain Man

Daughters provide unique opportunities for outdoorsmen to connect.

Departments 3 6 8 10

23 36

4

Director’s Message Business Alliance Spotlight President's Message Member News New Members Gear Guide Calendar Wildgame Recipe Affiliate Spotlight Agency News

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Highlights 22 24 28 41 49 56 60

Conservation Day at the Capitol Yeti Membership Promotion CFM Media Event Recap Bison at Dunn Ranch Hodgdon Celebrates 75 Years Holy Trinity of Conservation Buildings Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt

CFM Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members.

Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation.

Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices.

Send address changes to: LColeman@confedmo.org | 573-634-2322

FRONT COVER Chris Brown of Fayette during the 2016 Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt.

Photo: Brandon Butler

Business Alliance

Thank you to all of our Business Alliance members.

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Alps OutdoorZ Bushnell Diamond Pet Foods Enbridge, Inc. G3 Boats Kansas City Zoo MidwayUSA Redneck Blinds Riley Chevrolet Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC Weston Products United Country Real Estate

Aberdeen, South Dakota Burgers’ Smokehouse Custom Metal Products Doolittle Trailer Forrest Keeling Nursery G&W Meat & Bavarian Style Sausage Co. Jaguar Land Rover St. Louis Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina Logboat Brewing Missouri Wildflowers Nursery Mitico

Moneta Group National Feather-Craft Co. Pure Air Natives, Inc. SportDOG Brand Starline, Inc. Sydenstrickers Tiger Hotel

Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Huzzah Valley Resort Inn at Grand Glaize Missouri Wine & Grape Board

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Sierra Bullets, LLC Walter Knoll Florist

Greenbrier Wetland Services Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc. HMI Fireplace Shops Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning J&B Outdoors Kansas City Parks and Recreation Kleinschmidt’s Western Store Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Midwest Mailing Service Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Credit Union Missouri Deer Classic

Missouri Teardrops MTAR Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. REMAX Boone Realty Shade Tree Service, Inc. St. Joseph Harley Davidson Tabor Plastics Company Tanks Pawn & Gun Truman’s Bar & Grill United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative

Bronze Association of Missouri Electric Coop.

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Drury Hotels Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Iron Advantage Metals Recycling Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Blue Springs School District Blue Springs Park and Recreation Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Columbia Daily Tribune Dickerson Park Zoo Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association General Printing Service

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation. Contact Rehan Nana: 573-634-2322 or RNana@confedmo.org.

MARCH - 2017

5

Business Alliance

Burgers’ Smokehouse: A Missouri Tradition

M

aking country ham is not easy. Historically, it took farmers nearly a full year to complete and each step had to be meticulously monitored to ensure quality and flavor. The final product, if correctly cured and processed, was a prize to be celebrated. Over the years, the country ham became a well-known Missouri holiday tradition.

Burgers’ Smokehouse is a Missouri company carrying on this tradition. Founded in 1952 by E.M. Burger, Burgers’ Smokehouse has grown to be one of the largest providers of smoked & cured meats.

The family owned corporation now comprises more than 305,545 square feet and is still located on the original site. Interestingly enough, that first little 1952 building remains a part of the existing plant complex. At the present time, the company produces 750,000 hams, bacon, sausage and a dozen other specialty meats.

President Steven Burger attributes much of the success of the family business to the hard work of the first and second generation, to the loyalty of past and present employees, and to the commitment of the third and fourth generation family members who are dedicated to its future success.

Currently they, both the third & fourth generations of the Burgers family and the California, Mo., community, are working to ensure Burgers’ Smokehouse continues to provide the highest quality smoked & cured meat products in Missouri and nationwide for years to come.

“Only 3% of companies make it to the 4th generation,” said Chris Mouse, vice president of Burgers’ Smokehouse. “Burgers’ Smokehouse has the rural Missouri work ethic that made this possible. Our employees take pride in what they do. Not everyone has ownership in their work that our employees have.”

Burgers’ Smokehouse employs up to 250 people during the peak business season of November and December, most of who are from the California, Mo., and surrounding area. These employees help Burgers’ produce more than 200 products, with the company’s country ham being one of the most popular items.

Today’s method for making country ham mimics the historical conditions. At the Burgers’ Smokehouse facility, a single ham will go through a series of different processing rooms that emulate the different seasonal changes.

6

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Business Alliance

Proud to Support Missouri Conservation Efforts

The first step is to apply the curing salts onto the ham, before it is then taken to a cooler where it sits for three months or more to allow the salt and sugar rub mixture to penetrate, imitating the winter months of January, February, and March.

Next, the ham is taken to a drying room that mimics spring time temperatures. The large fans in the room create a “spring-like� wind that pulls moisture from the ham. Next comes the hottest room to simulate June/July/August. This step is where the ham’s robust flavor comes to life, but this is also where it shrinks in total weight.

5HVSRQVLEOH 6WHZDUGVKLS )DFW

%XUJHUVŇ‹ 6PRNHKRXVH 5HF\FOHG RYHU OEV RI FDUGERDUG LQ

The final step is to seal in that flavor through the smoking process. Burgers’ uses no liquid smoke on their hams, but instead, smokes actual hickory wood 30 chips and sawdust. While this is a more expensive 0,66285,B:,/'/,)(B$'B)(%B2/B LQGG Missouri is fortunate to have businesses like Burgers’ process, it creates a better tasting & overall quality Smokehouse that believe in the importance of ham. After the smoking time, the hams are ready for community and quality products. The next time you your holiday table. are looking to start a holiday tradition with friends or family, start with Burgers’ Smokehouse.

With so many steps in this process, it truly takes a community to make Burgers’ Smokehouse products.

You can find them online, at your local retailer or Burgers’ Smokehouse recognizes this every day. The stop by their factory store near California, MO. As only thing more amazing than the products Burgers’ Chris said, “We’re a large company, but still using Smokehouse makes is their dedication to their small business values. Service, memories and community and Missouri. tradition - that’s Burgers’ Smokehouse.�

In addition to supporting the Conservation Federation of Missouri as a business alliance member, Burgers’ Smokehouse supports Relay for Life, local 4H, and other community organizations. Burgers’ Smokehouse also gives scholarships for above average school attendance to teach the importance of work ethic.

Rehan Nana Director of Corporate Relations, CFM

MARCH - 2017

7

President’s Message

CFM: Coming To A Community Near You

T

he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) was founded in 1935 by a group of dedicated conservationists with the primary goal of taking important decisions about the conservation management of our forests, fish and wildlife out of politics. The work of these early visionary leaders paid off, and as a result of a successful campaign for Constitutional Amendment 4, citizens voted to create Missouri’s non-political Conservation Commission in 1936.

For over 80 years the CFM and the Missouri Conservation Commission have been working collaboratively to ensure that our Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) remains one of the best funded and professionally managed conservation agencies in America.

We Missourians are fortunate to have such a successful model of how a state should manage its wildlife and natural resources. Indeed, we are the envy of many other states in our nation. The collaboration between CFM and MDC has reaped many benefits for both man and wildlife over the past eight decades.

MDC is center stage in this unique conservation partnership because of its constitutional charge for day-to-day game management, funding, research, education, enforcement and other agency endeavors.

On the other hand, CFM, Missouri’s largest and most active citizens’ conservation organization, often operates in the shadow of MDC providing many conservation programs, educational initiatives and critical advocacy services.

You might say that for a number of years CFM has had somewhat of a identity crisis since CFM is often confused with MDC because of such a tight historical relationship. I am often asked about the difference between the two, and I take the time to explain the mission of CFM as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization and MDC as a state conservation agency.

To help mitigate this confusion, CFM is hosting a series of statewide events in 2017 to help us reach a wider outdoor audience. This effort will be spearheaded by CFM’s new events manager, Michael Wardlaw. To learn more about these planned CFM events, you may contact MWardlaw@confedmo.org.

In addition to our 81st Annual Convention scheduled for March 10-12, 2017 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, I hope that you will join us at any of the following exciting CFM conservation events when they come to your region of our state. We encourage you to invite friends and family members, too!

Conservation Day at the Capitol - April 12 Explore the Outdoors: Kansas City - April 29 Pull for Conservation: St. Joseph - May 20 Explore the Outdoors: Springfield - June 17 Pull for Conservation: Boonville - July 29 Explore the Outdoors: Columbia - August TBD Affiliate Summit: Osage Beach - September 14, 15 Explore the Outdoors: St. Louis - October 7 Pull for Conservation: Branson - October 14 I look forward to seeing you at one of our many events. CFM is determined to bring its mission closer to your community in 2017.

Yours in Conservation, Ron Coleman President, CFM

8

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

®

Member News

&

Honorariums In memory of Scott Chastain

Memorials In memory of Jackson Kirchhoff

Katheryn Cox, Willard Christy Mathews, Bolivar

Alan & Sandy Poletti, Troy, IL

In memory of David Risberg Barry & Barbara Bell, St. Louis Michael Clear & Marie Bone, Clayton Charles Cobaugh, St. Louis Helen Comfort, St. Louis Constance Fischer, Kirkwood Fred Fishman, St. Louis Michael & Lori Flannery, Oak Brook, IL David & Carol Fleisher, St. Louis Bradley & Jane Frick, Webster Groves William Gleiber, St. Louis Imre & Mary Hetenyi, Kirkwood Anne Hetlage, St. Louis Jane Heymann, Madison, WI Douglas Hill, St. Louis Mark Hillis & Patricia Aldrich, St. Louis Dennis & Lynne Hummel, Chesterfield Lamco Ventures, St. Louis I. Joseph Liuzza, Chesterfield Steve Maritz, Fenton Elizabeth Marshall, St. Louis

Paul Martin, St. Louis Jerry McAdams, St. Louis Lesley McIntire, Kirkwood Peggy Morris, St. Louis James & Lisa Nouss, St. Louis John O'Neill, St. Louis Thomas & Michaela Purcell, St. Louis David Reiter, St. Louis David & Mary Renard, St. Louis Charles Rogers, Chesterfield Donald & Jane Sauer, St. Louis John & Evey Schweig, Glencoe, IL Norman & Marsha Schwesig, St. Louis Michael & Lucia Spellecy, Des Peres Henry & Suzanne Stolar, Miami Beach, FL Jack & Debbie Thomas, St. Louis Mary Ann Tipton, St. Louis Charles & Jane Vogt, Bonita Springs, FL James & Stacey Weddle, Clayton William & Regina Wischmeyer, St. Louis

Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation Sunday, April 30, 2017 Pomme De Terre Lighthouse/Harbor Marina 7:00 am (safe light) to 3:00 pm CST Attendance Prize Drawings: Live Target Baits Bass Pro Shops Gift Cards

Benefits the Conservation Federation of Missouri For the registration form and list of rules, visit: http://www.mobass.com/Downloads/2017/2017_MOBASS_tournament_Flyer_Trio.pdf

10

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

WELCOME NEW CFM MEMBERS Colin Anthony, Jefferson City

Siekelina Homan, Imperial

Davidson Mullgardt, Saint Louis

Susan Appel, Leawood, KS

David Hoover, Jefferson City

James Plannett II, Saint Louis

Amy Beussink, Saint Louis

Duncan Hughes, Wellington

Fredric Rissover, Saint Louis

Zachary Beussink, Springfield

Glennon & Patricia Hunn, Chesterfield

Rudi Roeslein, Saint Louis

Harry Bozoian, Columbia

Roger Jungclaus, Saint Louis

Gail Rowley, Willow Springs

Dalton Brauch, Jefferson City

John Kaiser, West Plains

Tyler Schwartze, Tebbetts

David Calandro, Joplin

Andy Kerckhoff, Saint Louis

John Sievers, Ballwin

Thomas Carroll, Kansas City

Eugene King, Saint Louis

Susan Smydra, Glencoe

Joe Chilton, Columbia

David Kottmann, Saint Peters

Matt Thal, Grover

Robert & Cindy Distefano, Harrisburg

George Kracke, Columbia

Ryan Thompson, Columbia

Jeannie Farmer, Ozark

Heather Krempa, Lees Summit

Emily Tracy-Smith, Columbia

Christopher Ferree, Saint Louis

John Kuessner, Eminence

Matt Tucker, Byrnes Mills

Betty Ford, Arnold

Robert Lamberg, Saint Louis

Linda Yow, Glenallen

Drew Fowler, Columbia

Kenneth Lee, Annapolis

Keith Goyne, Ashland

Nancy Masterson, Camdenton

Doug Grove, Columbia

Wilbert Meyer, Leslie

Barry Hart, Jefferson City

Max Miller, Columbia

CFM would like to thank the 239 members that renewed since our last publication.

Why I Became A CFM Life Member: Steve Nagle

I

n a faraway time and a place called “Four Mile” deep in Dallas County my Great Cherokee Granny would hold my hand to lead me down the paths behind her cabin. My first idea of the great outdoors was born here. As I grew a little older grandpa and my great uncles would let me tag along to hunt quail along the edge of their farm fields. They carried old pumps and double barrels, gave me my great grandpa’s old shot through worn out Stevens 22, just to make me feel like I was one of them. As I got old enough to carry a shotgun, a coming of age, I went quail hunting with them but was never a match for grandpa’s ability to put food on the table.

So what does this have to do with why I became a Life Member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM)? My Ozark elders taught me not only to hunt but to cherish the land, as farmers they were natural conservationists.

I pursued a life career in natural resources and environmental planning, and can say we all owe a debt of gratitude to Missouri’s great conservation leaders. Now that I have retired (semi), the time has come to be a Lifetime Member of CFM. Whatever you do don’t take as long as long as I did to do it! Soon CFM will be celebrating 82 years of conservation leadership and a passing of this legacy to a new generation. Come join the celebration and what a perfect time to become a Life Member!

To remind me of those earlier years of awakening I still have great grandpa’s rusty old Stevens 22 and double barrel Ithaca and I can still feel great granny’s hand leading me to Missouri’s great outdoors.

MARCH - 2017

11

12

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

Gear Guide Bushnell Elite 1-Mile Rangefinder - BUSINESS ALLIANCE Bushnell's Elite 1-Mile ARC laser rangefinder with CONX Technology won the National Rifle Association’s Golden Bullseye Award for 2017 Optic of the Year. This rangefinder eliminates the math and guesswork needed for dialing in long-range accuracy by providing instant, custom ballistic data for precise shot placement at a moment's notice. The military grade rangefinder features wireless connectivity to interface with a custom smartphone app that allows users to select or craft custom ballistic curves. www.bushnell.com

Camp Chef Triton 10L Portable Water Heater Whether you're on the family camping trip, having a day at the lake, or swimming in the pool, sometimes you just need a hot shower. Simply attach a garden hose and you have all the hot water you need. The Triton portable water heater produces more hot water per minute than any other unit in its class. Capable of producing 2.6 gallons of hot water per minute, this heater is great for everything, from filling up a portable pool to washing your pets or showering off at the beach. www.campchef.com

Lew’s Laser Lite Spinning Combo - BUSINESS ALLIANCE The lightweight skeletal graphite rotor design of the 4-ball bearing Speed Spin reel cuts out weight in all the right places, without hampering its structural integrity. The reel’s frame is dependable graphite construction that looks great in its silver finish. The Laser Lite combo rod is one-piece and comes in two ideal ultralight lengths, 5’ and 5'6". The super sensitive IM6 light action graphite blank brings castability and a fish-whipping performance to the outfit. www.lews.com

Tuff Truck Bag Tuff Truck Bags are collapsible, waterproof and dustproof cargo bags that fit all pickup truck bed models to store/protect luggage, cargo, equipment and more for camping, tailgating and other outdoor entertainment lifestyles. Each Tuff Truck Bag seals tight with a heavy duty, commercial grade zipper and waterproof PVC triple fold flap that covers the zipper. Tuff Truck Bags are heat fused together with epoxy to maintain its watertight structure. Tuff Truck Bags also have heavy-duty metal rings in all four corners to easily fasten the bag to the truck bed using adjustable bungee cords. Tuff Truck Bags make it easy and convenient to maximize storage in your truck. www.tufftruckbag.com

Flextone Thunder Series Turkey Decoys Every effective turkey decoy spread includes a hen or two. The Thunder Chick Feeding Hen has a natural, head-down feeding posture that puts birds at ease, while the Thunder Chick Upright Hen features a relaxed and versatile upright pose that is highly visible. The Upright Hen can also be placed on the ground to effectively simulate breeding, nesting or dusting positions. The brand new hunter-friendly Flextone Thunder Series Turkey Decoys offer exceptional realism and value. www.FlextoneGameCalls.com

MARCH - 2017

13

Member News

CALENDAR UPCOMING AFFILIATE EVENTS BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MAR 1-2: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 - 3:30pm) MAR 4: Bird Banding, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (10am) MAR 15-16: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 - 3:30pm) MAR 21: General Meeting, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City (6:45pm) MAR 29-30: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 - 3:30pm) APR 5-6: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 - 3:30pm) APR 8: Annual Dinner, Garozzo's Ristorante, Lees Summit FOREST AND WOODLAND ASSOC. APR 4-5: Missouri Woodland Conference, Missouri Farm Bureau, Jefferson City APR 22-23: Earth Day Festival, Muny Grounds Forest Park, St. Louis GATEWAY CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED MAR 18: Youth Fishing Day, Westover Farms Resort, Steelville (9am) GREENWAY NETWORK MAR 6: Board Meeting, St. Peters (7 - 9pm) MAR 8: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A's, St. Charles (6 - 8:30pm) MAR 18: Confluence Trash Bash (8am - 2pm) APR 1: Mission Clean Stream/Earth Day Recycling (8:30am - 2pm) APR 2: Recycling Extravaganza, St. Louis Community College - Forest Park Campus, St. Louis (10am - 2pm) APR 3: Board Meeting, St. Peters (7 - 9pm) APR 6: Shred It and Forget (9am - 12pm) APR 12: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A's, St. Charles (6 - 8:30pm) APR 23: Earth Day Festival, St. Louis (9am - 6pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION MAR 3-4: Trout Trip to Lake Taneycomo MAR 8: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm) APR 1: Wetland for Kids, Busch Wildlife, St. Louis APR 12: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm)

14

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION APR 30: 28th Annual Spring Fling, Pomme De Terre - Lighthouse/Harbor Marina (7am - 3pm) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAR 2: Dinner, Boulevard Brewery, Kansas City (5:30 - 10pm); Daniel Lacy (816) 918-1558 MAR4: 16th Annual Christian County Banquet, Meeting Event Center, Nixa (5:30 - 10pm); Scott Lambeth (417) 838-8441 MAR 4: Dinner, Eagles Lodge, New Madrid (6 10pm); Pat Carlson (573) 380-9048 MAR 4: Banquet, Ritchie Brothers Auction, Odessa (5 - 10pm); Vic Barker (816) 456-6100 MAR 11: Dinner, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (5:30 - 10pm); Jeff Knott (660) 2023422 MAR 11: Shrimp Boil, Knights of Columbus, Columbia (5 - 10pm); Gary Ford (573) 424-5386 MAR 11: Dinner, Saint Peters Catholic Church, Fulton (5:30 - 10pm); Drew Oestrich (573) 2203000 MAR 18: State Convention, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia (6 - 11pm); Sharon Koch (314) 7074993 MAR 25: Dinner, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy (5:30 - 10pm); Shane Creasy (636) 3229747 MAR 25: Bowling for Ducks, Ten Pin Alley, Hannibal (4 - 10pm); Linda Leffeler (573) 4706324 MAR 25: Dinner, Saint Gerard Majella Church, Kirkwood (5:30 - 10pm); Steve Wunsch (314) 703-9074 MAR 25: Dinner, Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton (6 - 10pm); Mike Grady (785) 6918491 APR 8: Mizzou Shoot and Dinner, Prairie Grove Shooting Sports, Columbia (3 - 10pm); Brendan Woodall (636) 358-4387 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FED. MAR 18: 6th Annual Spring Fling Trap and Turkey Shoot (1 - 6pm) MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION MAR 2: Current River Longbeards, SoMo Baptist Assembly, Van Buren (5:30pm); Delbert Dewolf (573) 660-1119 MAR 3: Stealth Gobblers, Elks Lodge, Warrensburg (6pm); David McCannon (667) 747-8260 MAR 3: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Community Center, Stover (6pm); Kurt Heisler (573) 3780763

MAR3: Osage Prairie Thunderin' Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada (6pm); Adam Dean (417) 4487380 MAR 4: Cooper County Limbhangers, Knights of Columbus, Boonville (5:30pm); Vaughn Sell (660) 882-7833 MAR 4: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi (5:30pm); Tony Hollinsworth (573) 854-0497 MAR 4: Clearwater Longbeards, Trinity Methodist Church, Piedmont (5pm); Richard Ayers (573) 223-2356 MAR 4: Turkey Creek Longbeards, Elks Lodge, Joplin (5:30pm); Terry Greer (417) 540-8526 MAR 4: Show-me MO, White River Conference Center, Springfield (5pm); Matthew Kramer (417) 839-6366 MAR 4: Platte Purchase, No Place, Saint Joseph (5pm); Bryan Lukehart (816) 244-6858 MAR 10: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville (6pm); John Shene (816) 365-2856 MAR 10: Marshfield Full Strutters, Marshfield Buildings, Marshfield (5:30pm); Kenny Grunlien (417) 224-1857 MAR 10: Carman Springs Longbeards, R-4 Elementary Cafeteria, Willow Springs (5:30pm); Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 MAR 11: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline (5:30pm); Dennis Paalhar (660) 537-3459 MAR 11: Randolph County Longbeards, Saint Pius X Gymnasium, Moberly (5:30pm); Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 MAR 11: Heartland Gobblers, American Legion, Poplar Bluff (5pm); Chuck Stewart Farms (573) 222-7182 MAR 11: Saint Louis Longbeards, Elks Lodge, St. Louis (5:30pm); Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAR 14: Bayou Strutters, Cedars Banquet and Gatherings, East Prairie (5:30pm); Larry Neal (314) 334-4942 MAR 17: Putnum County Chapter, Putnum County High School Commons, Unionville (5:30pm); Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 MAR 17: Rocky Top Limbhangers, Howell County Rural Fire Station #1, West Plains (5:30pm); Larry Lindeman (417) 256-0980 MAR 17: Reynolds County, Reynolds County Fairgrounds, Redford (6pm); Gary Black (573) 634-9344 MAR 18: Kirksville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville (5:30pm); Ron Darr (660) 341-6936 MAR 18: Big River Gobblers, Knights of Columbus, House Springs (5pm); Rich Christopher (636) 274-2574

Member News MAR 18: Truman Lake Chapter, Benson Convention Center, Clinton (5:30pm); Christopher Tucker (660) 885-4486 MAR 18: River Hills Thunderin' Longbeards, Knights of Columbus, Bloomsdale (5pm); Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 18: Mid America Calling Contest, Cabela's, Hazelwood; Mitch Norris (314) 496-4180 MAR 24: Lake Show-me Longbeards, VFW, Memphis (5:30pm); Chris Comstock (660) 2160634 MAR 25: North Central Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe (5:30pm); Bill Wehrle (660) 6464362 MAR 25: Saline County Strutters, Martin Community Center, Marshall (5:30pm); E.W. Browning (660) 886-3295 MAR 25: Four Rivers, Knights of Columbus, Washington (5pm); Mark Burns (636) 584-4046 MAR 31: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana (6pm); Tim Brooks (573) 754-6692 MAR 31: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar (6pm); Jared Chestnut (417) 682-3767 APR 1: King City Strutters, Tri County Alternative Energy, King City (5:30pm); Justin Washburn (660) 853-2377 APR 1: Hocomo Big Beards, Saint Joseph Church Hall, Fayette (5:30pm); David Glaskey (573) 631-5533 APR 7: Lewis County Strutters, Queen of Peace Parish, Ewing (5:30pm); Ron Richardson (660) 462-3640 APR 8: State Fair Strutters, Mec Building, Sedalia (5:30pm); Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 APR 8: Lake Area Longbeards, The Exchange Venue, Camdenton (5pm); Charles McElyea (573) 376-7231 APR 14: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton (6pm); Robin Chambers (660) 654-1192 APR 15: Carroll County Longbeards, Goppert Community Center, Norborne (6pm); Robert Peetoom (660) 593-3475 APR 20: Mid State, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia (5pm); Jody Martin (573) 999-9024 APR 21: Meramec Valley Strutters, Knights of Columbus, Sullivan (6pm); Dennis Twyman (573) 468-5010 APR 21: Spring River Toms, Memorial Hall, Carthage (6pm); Jerry Hartman (417) 388-2923 APR 22: Gentry County Gobblers, Tri Meadows, Conception Junction (6pm); Mitch Holtman (816) 273-6774 APR 28: Osage Gobblers, Osage County Community Center, Linn (6pm); Steve Brune (573) 897-2211

MISSOURI PARKS AND REC. ASSOCIATION MAR 7: Board Meeting, Hilton Convention Center, Branson MAR 7-10: Conference and Expo, Hilton Convention Center, Branson MAR 28-30: CPSI Course, St. Charles APR 11-12: AFO Course, Jefferson City MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION MAR 10: Grow Native! Workshop, Nelson Center - Lewis and Clark Community College, Edwardsville, IL (7:30am - 12:30pm) APR 1: Grow Native! Workshop and Plant Sale, MDC Northeast Regional Office, Kirksville (9am - 3pm) MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY MAR 4: Banding, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center, Blue Springs (10am - 1pm) MAR 15: Bird Feeding Seminar, Senior Center, Sedalia (11:30am - 12:00pm) APR 1: Arrow Rock First Saturday Speaker Series: Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic, Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock (10 - 11am) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ASSOC. MAR 21: Monthly Meeting, American Legion, Brentwood (7 - 9pm) APR 18: Monthly Meeting, American Legion, Brentwood (7 - 9pm) MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION APR 1: 4th Annual Banquet and Fundraiser, Bear River Ranch, Rolla (5pm) MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN'S ASSOC. SPRINGFIELD MAR 2: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6 - 9pm) MAR 7: Monthly Meeting, Lions Community Building, Branson (6 - 9pm) MAR 11: Fly Fishing, Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon MAR 11: State Council Pre-Derby Meeting, Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon (8am - 5pm) MAR 30: Fly Fishing Class, Missouri State University - Kemper Hall, Springfield (6 - 9pm) APR 1: Picnic and Fishing, Mountain Springs Trout Park, Highlandville (11am - 3pm) APR 4: Monthly Meeting, Lions Community Building, Branson (5 - 8pm) APR 6: Fly Fishing Class, Missouri State University - Kemper Hall, Springfield (6 - 9pm) APR 13-15: Camping and Fly Fishing, White River, Mountain Home, AR APR 20: Fly Fishing Class, Missouri State University - Kemper Hall, Springfield (6 - 9pm) APR 27: Fly Fishing Class, Missouri State University - Kemper Hall, Springfield (6 - 9pm)

MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED MAR 11: Miller County Chapter Banquet, Mary's Home School Gym, Eugene MAR 11: Monroe City Area Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Monroe City MAR 25: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Expo Center, Macon APR 1: Central Missouri Chapter Banquet, Walsworth Community Center, Marceline APR 8: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Saint Mary's Activity Center, Pierce City APR 15: Pike County Twin Rivers Chapter Banquet, Pike County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green APR 29: Audrain County Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Mexico MULE DEER FOUNDATION MAR 4: Ha Ha Tonka Chapter Banquet, Osage Beach; Cindy Mosteller (307) 391-1524 OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAR 11: Operation Wild Lands Honeysuckle Hack, Forest River Trail Park, Sunset Hills (9am - 12pm) MAR 25: Operation Wild Lands Honeysuckle Hack, Forest River Trail Park, Sunset Hills (9am - 12pm) OZARK FLY FISHERS MAR 11: Chili Tie-In, Marlan Graham's Club House, Manchester (9am - 1pm) MAR 23: General Membership Meeting, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, Ballwin (7 - 9pm) APR 1: Wetlands for Kids, August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, St. Charles (9am - 3pm) APR 8: Boy Scouts Angler Education Day, Hixson Middle School, Webster Groves (9am - 3pm) APR 21-23: North Fork - White River Outing, River of Life Farm, Dora APR 27: General Membership Meeting, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, Ballwin (7 - 9pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAR 11: Snake Saturday Parade, Kansas City (8:30 - 9:30am) MAR 11: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30 - 7:30pm) MAR 11: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30 - 9pm) APR 1: Blue River Clean Up, Lakeside Nature Center, Kansas City (8am - 12pm) APR 8: Stream Team Water Quality Testing, Minor Park, Kansas City (10 -11am) APR 8: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30 - 7:30pm) APR 8: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30 - 9pm)

MARCH - 2017

15

Member News PHEASANTS FOREVER/QUAIL FOREVER MAR 4: West Central Quail Forever Annual Banquet, Elks Lodge, Harrisonville (5:30pm); Tom Lampe (816) 884-4862 MAR 11: Missouri River Valley Quail Forever Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Washington (5 - 10pm); Arvil Kappelmann (636) 239-4127 MAR 11: Corner Covey Quail Forever Banquet, American Legion Hall, Sweet Springs (6 - 10:30pm); Tracey Bernard (660) 229-5285 MAR 18: Green Hills Quail Forever Banquet, Walsworth Community Center, Marceline (5pm - 12am); Tyler Gordon (660) 734-1278 MAR 25-26: West Central Missouri Quail Forever Banquet, Baiers Den Kennel & Shooting, Peculiar; Glenn Coleman (816) 820-4822 APR 1: Piney River Covey Quail Forever Banquet, Intercounty Auditorium, Licking (4:30 - 10pm); Terry Gorman (417) 260-0283 POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES MAR 17-18: No Ice Tournament, Pomme de Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623 APR 22: Outing and Meeting, Pomme de Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAR 11: Ridge Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Troy; Chris Kaimann (636) 775-3164 MAR 25: Pony Express Chapter Banquet, Kovac's Hall, Saint Joseph; Michael Mooney (816) 232-9553 APR 8: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Butcher's Block Event Center, Joplin; Steve Smith (417) 850-8043 APR 22: Thousand Hills Chapter Banquet, Community Center, Milan; John Buell (660) 265-5592 ST. LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAR 4: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15 - 10:30am) MAR 16: Mingle with Native Plant Professionals, The Schlafly Tap Room, Saint Louis (5 - 8pm) MAR 18: Confluence Trash Bash, Saint Louis (8am - 1pm) APR 1: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15 - 10:30am) CFM EVENTS MAR 10-12: Annual Convention, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City APR 12: Conservation Day at the Capitol, State Capitol, Jefferson City APR 29: Explore the Outdoors, Kansas City

CFM Convention Gun Raffle

P

urchase your raffle tickets now to win this CZ 912.

It will be engraved with both the CFM and Missouri Electric Cooperatives logos.

The CZ 912 is built with a high gloss finish and sleek look with attractive lines both on the alloy receiver and on the walnut stock. The modern-style recoil pad provides for not only a significant reduction in perceived recoil, but is snag-free as well. A long recoil spring is located in the butt of the stock, simplifying assembly and allowing it to cycle a wide variety of loads across the power spectrum in both 2 3/4"and 3".

16

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

In addition, the rearward spring design makes required cleanings less frequent and easier when they are needed.

Removal of the installed magazine plug is simple, requiring only the magazine cap to be unscrewed.

Without the plug it gives the upland hunter a 4+1 capacity. With superb balance and an average weight of 7.4 lbs, the 912 is well-suited to the pursuit of both birds and clays.

Raffle Rules: • Ticket Pricing: 1 ticket - $10.00, 3 tickets - $20.00 or 10 tickets - $50.00 • Winner will be drawn at the CFM Annual Convention on Saturday, March 11 (Winner need not be present to win) To purchase tickets contact Laurie Coleman at 573-634-2322 ext. 107 or email lcoleman@confedmo.org.

Wildgame Recipe

Weston Recipe: Teriyaki Venison Shish Kabobs Sweet, smoky, skewered with pineapple...

What's not to love about these shish kabobs?

Ingredients: (for 6 skewers) 3/4 lbs venison, cubed 3 tablespoons Weston Teriyaki Jerky Seasoning 1/2 cup cubed pineapple 1/2 red pepper, cut into one inch squares 1 yellow onion, quartered salt & pepper, to taste Directions: 1. In a large bowl, toss venison with teriyaki seasoning until well coated. Transfer to a Vacuum Sealer Bag or Canister, then use a Vacuum Sealer to seal. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Soak the smoker chips and preheat your Smoker to 175°F. 3. Slice pineapple, red pepper, and yellow onion into 1 inch chunks.

Skewer and alternate the venison, onion, pepper, and pineapple.

4. Place skewers on the smoker racks and smoke under heavy smoke for one hour, or until they reach your preferred internal temperature.

Tools • • • •

Weston Vacuum Sealer Skewers Weston Smoker Smoker wood chips (something sweet like cherry is best)

MARCH - 2017

17

Committed to Community & Conservation Owned by the members they serve, Missouri’s electric cooperatives do more than provide reliable and affordable electricity. They are active in their communities, concerned for the wellbeing of their neighbors and devoted to the rural way of life that makes the Show-Me State a special place to live, work and play. Missouri’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to protecting the land, air and water resources important to you and your quality of life.

Learn more at www.amec.coop.

18

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

Cabela's Spring Events

S

pring is the only cure for Cabin Fever. Thankfully, Cabela’s Hazelwood has a number of upcoming events to get your mind back in the woods or on the water.

“It’s that time of year again to get outside and have some fun. Come to the Hazelwood Cabela’s and get some great tips and tricks to make the most of your outdoor fun!” said Trom Proctor, marketing manager for Cabela’s Hazelwood location.

March 4 • 11AM Calling all Turkeys – Join our NWTF calling expert and learn how to select the correct call as well as how to properly use that call to make your upcoming hunt a success.

March 11-12 • 11AM Tune-Up your Turkey Skills – Local turkey-calling pros from NWTF will be on hand with a wide variety of calls and can help you better your skills no matter your level of experience.

• 2PM Fly Fishing Basics - Even if you’ve never tried casting a fly reel, you can have success!

Cabela’s professional Outfitters will show you everything you need to know, from equipment to the proper techniques.

March 18-19 • 12PM Mid-America Open Wild Turkey & Owl Hooting Contest – Come show off your calling skills and you could win up to $1000!

• 2:30PM Gearing up for Spring Turkey – Check out the latest in camo clothing and turkey vests to help you blend in this spring. Specialists will talk about springtime layering systems to keep you more comfortable and in the field longer.

March 25 • 11AM Fresh Catch on a Pellet Grill – Cabela’s will demonstrate new techniques that are only possible on a Pellet Grill that will draw out amazing flavors of your catch.

• 1PM Campsite Cooking – Cabela’s Outfitters will show you the tools and share with you the tastes of some of our best products for your campsite feast.

March 25-26 • 10AM-3PM Kids Casting Pond – Cabela’s will provide the gear and Greater St. Louis Area BSA Certified Angling Instructors and the Greater St. Louis Area Chapter of Fishing’s Future experts will teach your children how to fish!

20

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

April 1 • 11AM Kids’ Calling Clinic/Contest – Whether you’re new to turkey calling or you’ve been practicing for years, bring your skills to Cabela’s and receive tips from NWTF pros. All kids who participate will go home with free prizes!

April 8-9 (10AM-3PM) • Kids Casting Pond - Cabela’s will provide the gear and the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Greenville College Fishing Team will teach your children how to cast and fish.

• Mobile Fish Aquarium - Come see the 4x8 trailer with 7 aquarium tanks with fish from local streams and waterways. It's a unique way to see the variety of fish in our state waters.

• Hands-On Shooting at the Safe BB Gun Range w/Project Outdoors - Project Outdoors offers fishing and hunting adventures to our veterans at absolutely no cost to them.

April 15-16 • 11:00AM Backpacking Backcountry Trails - Do you want to explore the backcountry trails on your own? If so, let Cabela’s Outfitters introduce you to backpacking equipment, packing techniques, food packs, water purification and the best trails our great state has to offer.

April 23 • 2:00PM Campfires 101 - Does it frustrate you and your family when the campfire refuses to start? If so, why not bring your kids and learn together how to properly build, start (even in damp conditions) and extinguish a campfire safely and easily!

April 29-30 • 11:00AM Survival 101 - Do you enjoy exploring the backcountry? If so, plan to attend Survival 101. This workshop teaches basic wilderness first aid and life-saving survival tips that will come in handy should you ever find yourself in a hazardous outdoor situation.

• 2:00PM Kayaks 101 - Learn all about kayaks and the different models, lengths and styles available.

You’ll also find out about kayaking accessories and how to be safe out on the water.

As the first Cabela’s in Missouri, we pulled out all the stops to bring a serious outdoor experience to the Show-Me-State.

The Hazelwood Cabela’s store was built to not only surround customers with quality outdoor products, but to engage them with lifelike taxidermy, local fish swimming in the aquarium and an indoor archery test area.

5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd. Ste. #167 Hazelwood, MO 63042

(314) 225-0100

Located just off I-270, north of I-70 (Exit 22B, Hwy. 370), the impressive 130,000-sq.-ft. retail showroom is packed with outdoor equipment. Whether you’re visiting the St. Louis Arch, exploring the wilds of the Ozarks or just stocking up on gear, our experienced Outfitters are ready and waiting to help you get the most out of your next adventure.

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL UPCOMING STORE EVENTS AT CABELAS.COM/HAZELWOOD

Member News

Join Us for Conservation Day at the Capitol

H

ave you made plans to join CFM for Conservation Day at the Capitol? If you haven’t quite yet, you should.

Conservation Day at the Capitol is a key opportunity to voice your support for Missouri outdoors. Conservation Day at the Capitol is a great event for conservation supporters or those who just want to learn more about what can be done for protection of our natural resources.

Learn about the different organizations involved in conservation efforts across our state by visiting CFM’s affiliate booths at the event. Last year, over 25 partner organizations had information highlighting their missions in conservation. The more that participate, the better chance we have of showing legislators that our natural resources are important to Missourians.

Conservation Day at the Capitol is also a good opportunity to stop in and meet your local legislator.

Sign up for CFM’s Legislative Action Center (LAC) and find out who your local legislator is. Let your representatives know what you are passionate about.

Tell them what is important to you in regards to conservation. This is one way your voice can be heard.

The LAC is updated regularly with current bills affecting conservation and our natural resources in Missouri and our members can learn what we support, oppose, or are watching. It is a good resource to educate yourself about issues that may be important to you and current topics that are gaining legislative attention.

As a former educator and professional in the conservation field, I know how important it is to pass on the legacy of protecting our natural resources. CFM knows this too and actively supports, educates and engages the next generation, our future leaders in conservation.

CFM does this through the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) and the Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance (MCCA). These programs work to unite, educate and engage the youth of today in conservation of our natural resources. Being educated and speaking out is important for all, but it's especially important we teach this to our youth, who will be our future conservation leaders.

22

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

David Calandro is interviewed during the first annual Conservation Day at the Capitol. (Photo: Emma Kessinger)

David Calandro, a CLC alumni and founder of MCCA states, “MCCA was created by college students for college students. It is a great way to stay informed on current conservation issues directly from the source and then to make a real difference in the state of Missouri. Attending the Conservation Day at the Capitol is just one of the many effective and powerful ways this organization works to unite and empower the next generation of leaders to make a difference. Join the united efforts of countless other students across Missouri and stay informed and engaged by signing up today! This is your voice for your state!”

The event brings awareness to some of the most pressing conservation issues in Missouri. It also encourages students and citizens to interact with their local elected officials. It is a chance to meet your local legislator and be an advocate for our natural resources.

Join us on April 12 for Conservation Day at the Capitol.

Meet your local legislators. Have your voice be heard.

To sign up for the Legislative Action Center, visit www. confedmo.org/lac. To become involved in MCCA visit www.confedmo.org/mcca.

Jennifer Sampsell Education and Outreach Coordinator, CFM

Affiliate Spotlight

Missouri TroutBusters

T

he Missouri TroutBusters is a non-profit dedicated to helping military veterans and cancer survivors recover from the physical, mental and emotional trauma of their battles through therapeutic fly fishing and support both on and off the river.

TroutBuster members are passionate about fly fishing and are enthusiastic about helping others heal through sharing their love of the sport directly through teaching fly fishing skills and indirectly through fundraising. TroutBusters focuses its fundraising efforts on committed, grass roots organizations that make a significant difference in the lives of others.

The Missouri TroutBusters began when Jim Wallace (founder and chairman) met Chris Hellman (president).

After discovering their shared passion for fly fishing, they began organizing weekend camping and fishing trips with friends and families. The term TroutBusters was originally a phrase Jim and his daughter used for their memorable father-daughter fishing trips, coining the term from the popular Ghostbusters movies.

2016 Spring TroutBust. (Photo: Missouri TroutBusters)

When a family friend was killed during combat in 2007, the TroutBusters rallied together for an event to raise money for a scholarship in the soldier’s name at St. John Vianney High School. The event had such an overwhelming response that the group decided to formalize their events and create a nonprofit.

What began with a few dozen people enjoying the outdoors, food, and family has rapidly expanded into twice-a-year outings with over 100 people in attendance.

To learn more about Missouri Troutbusters, visit their website at www.troutbusters.org

Affiliate Organizations Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass Slammer Tackle Big Game Hunters, Inc. Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Deer Creek Sportsman's Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Garden Club of St. Louis Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri Greenway Network, Inc. Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Katy Land Trust L-A-D Foundation Lincoln University Wildlife Club Mid-Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri BASS Federation Nation

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunters for Fair Chase Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Outdoor Communicators Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association

Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Mule Deer Foundation North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Ozarks Water Watchers Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Bluffs Audubon Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers St. Louis Audubon Society Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Troutbusters of Missouri United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman's Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

MARCH - 2017

23

CFM'S HISTORY OF SUCCESS Member News

ϭϵϯϱ

ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ &ĞĚĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ formed at the Tiger Hotel.

Join CFM41936 for Three Years to Get a FREE CFM Yeti Rambler Amendment created DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝΖƐ ŶŽŶͲƉŽůŝƟĐĂů ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ͘ or a limited time, the Conservation Federation

F

of Missouri (CFM) is offering a three-year membership for $100 that includes a stainless1960 &ŝƌƐƚ ƚƵƌŬĞLJ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŝŶ Ϯϯ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ steel 20 oz. CFM Yeti Rambler.

The many historic 1982 achievements of CFM have KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ 'ĂŵĞ dŚŝĞĨ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ͘ all been made possible thanks to individuals like you working together to 1990 accomplish extraordinary &ŝƌƐƚ ƐĞŐŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ <ĂƚLJ dƌĂŝů feats. If our future is to be ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ŝŶ ZŽĐŚĞƉŽƌƚ͘ as successful as our past, then we will need your help.

Please join CFM today.2002

Our members are hunters,1940 fishermen, foresters, campers, trappers, hikers,&ŝƌƐƚ ĚĞĞƌ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŝŶ ϳ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ paddlers, birdwatchers, gardeners and general outdoor enthusiasts. Anyone who appreciates Missouri's 1976 natural resources and sporting heritage benefits ĞƐŝŐŶ ĨŽƌ ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ^ĂůĞƐ dĂdž ƉĂƐƐĞĚ͘ from the actions of CFM. We are “The Voice for Missouri's Outdoors” for 1984 citizensWĂƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ ^ŽŝůƐ across the state and at the Capitol.

Become a ^ĂůĞƐ dĂdž ƉĂƐƐĞĚ͘ member and know you are supporting the outdoors you cherish.

1992 ^ŚĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ,ĂƌǀĞƐƚ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ͘

To join CFM, visit our website for easy online ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ >ĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ Your membership ŽƌƉƐ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ͘ includes registration at 2006 www.confedmo.org/join, mail a three-year subscription to DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ ǀŽƚĞƌƐ ƌĞŶĞǁĞĚ ƚŚĞ WĂƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ our magazine Conservation the below application to 728 ^ŽŝůƐ dĂdž ďLJ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ƉĞƌĐĞŶƚĂŐĞ ƚŽ ĚĂƚĞ͘ Federation, special memberW. Main Street, Jefferson only discounts to select businesses and invitations to City, MO 65101 or contact Laurie Coleman at Today CFM events throughout the year.

573-634-2322 ext. 107. &D ĐĞůĞďƌĂƚĞƐ ϴϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŶŐ Missouri's natural resources.

I want to support CFM’s mission to protect Missouri’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

EĂŵĞ͗ ____________________________________ ĚĚƌĞƐƐ͗ __________________________________

__________________________________ dĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ͗ ________________________________ ŵĂŝů͗ ____________________________________

ŶĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝƐ ŵLJ ĐŚĞĐŬ ƉĂLJĂďůĞ ƚŽ &D͘ ŶĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝƐ ŵLJ ĐĂƐŚ ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ĐŚĂƌŐĞ ŵLJ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ĐĂƌĚ ďĞůŽǁ͗ Card #: ________________________ džƉ͘ _______ ^ŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ͗ _________________________________ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ džƉƌĞƐƐ

ƚŚƌĞĞͲLJĞĂƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ͗ ΨϭϬϱ Discount price: ,QFOXGHV D )5(( <HWL 5DPEOHU

ůŝĨĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ͗ ΨϭϬϬϬ ŽŶĞ ƟŵĞ ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ͗ ΨϭϬϬ $________

ŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ

MasterCard

Visa

Thank you.

zŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂůůŽǁƐ ƵƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŶŐ DŝƐƐŽƵƌŝ͛Ɛ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌƐ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŶLJ ŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵĞ͘

&D ŝƐ Ă ϱϬϭ;ĐͿϯ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ŵĂĚĞ ƚŽ &D ĂƌĞ ĚĞĚƵĐƟďůĞ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŶŽƌ ĂƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ĨĞĚĞƌĂů ƚĂdž ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞƐ͘

24

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

Volunteer for Conservation

T

he 2017 event season for the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is under way and we are looking for your help. With events from St. Louis to Kansas City, Jefferson City to Branson and many stops in between, you have the opportunity to impact conservation in your home state by getting involved with CFM events.

Volunteers and donations are the lifeblood of any charitable organization and that is certainly the case in regards to conservation. CFM needs a team of motivated, conservation minded, individuals and groups to pull off the many events it takes on each year.

This year the event schedule features stops in Jefferson City, Branson, Springfield, Columbia, St. Louis, Booneville, St. Joseph, and many other communities across the Show Me state.

As the new Events Manager I am asking you to join me in our efforts to raise awareness and funds as we help keep Missouri at the forefront of conservation in America.

How can you help?

It is simple really. We have two event series Pull for Conservation and Explore the Outdoors, both designed to engage people in conservation.

Pull for Conservation is a series of sporting clay shoots produced in conjunction with the electric cooperatives in Missouri. With these events we are looking for people to volunteer their time to man shooting stations, help with registration, or just be an extra set of hands to help wherever needed. This year there will be a shoot in St. Joseph on May 20th, in Booneville on July 29th, and in Branson on October 14th that promise to be a great time.

Guests listen to a speaker at the Explore the Outdoors regional event in Kansas City. (Photo: Emma Kessinger)

Explore the Outdoors is a series of dinner/auction events with a guest speaker delivering a conservation minded message. The series kicks off on April 29th at the Kansas City Zoo followed by an evening at Bass Pro Shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield on June 17th and wraps up at the St. Louis Zoo inside the Living World exhibit on October 7th.

In addition to manpower, this series will need donated items from local businesses or organizations. Your help in procuring these items is greatly needed.

No matter how you choose to get involved, the donation of your valued time or items for the various auctions is greatly appreciated and helps ensure a successful event season.

If you are interested in taking on a role with any or all of our events please feel free to reach out to me via email at mwardlaw@confedmo.org. I look forward to working with you to grow conservation in our wonderful Missouri home.

Michael Wardlaw Events Manager, CFM Conservation Commissioner Dave Murphy takes aim at the Pull for Conservation in Boonville. (Photo: Emma Kessinger)

MARCH - 2017

25

The importance of your motor running well, especially in tournament fishing, is to get you there quicker. Spend more time fishing instead of more time traveling. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Crappie Masters supports gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol - a fuel made from corn grown in America.

Mike Vallentine, Crappie Masters President

Get the truth about ethanol. www.mocorn.org 2014 Crappie Mag_Half Page.indd 1

26

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

11/5/2014 1:00:44 PM

MISSOURI-BORN. MISSOURI-BASED. DIAMOND PET FOODS PROUDLY SUPPORTS ALL THOSE WHO HELP KEEP OUR STATE BEAUTIFUL.

©2016 SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. DIAMOND, DIAMOND & DESIGN, DIAMOND NATURALS, TASTE OF THE WILD AND APPALACHIAN VALLEY ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS AND DIAMOND CARE AND THE TASTE OF THE WILD SEAL ARE TRADEMARKS OF SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.

MARCH - 2017

27

Member News

CFM's Third Annual Media Event Promotes Conservation Awareness

T

he Conservation Federation of Missouri held our 3rd annual media event February 5-7th at Lilleys’ Landing Resort & Marina on Lake Taneycomo in Branson. There were 21 media members in attendance that left the event with many conservation and natural resources story ideas to write about in newspapers and magazines, and to talk about on the radio.

Media support has played a large role in the recent growth of CFM and raising awareness of our mission across Missouri. We must thank our sponsors for their support, because without them the event would not be possible: Lilleys’ Landing Resort & Marina, Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bass Pro Shops, Lew’s Fishing, G3 Boats, Hunting Works for Missouri and Fit to Hunt.

Top: The sun sets over Top of the Rock. (Photo: Scott Heminger) Left: Mike Huffman (left) with Bass Pro Shops fished with guide Darin Schildknecht. (Photo: Scott Heminger) Right: Guide Steve Dickey helps Tony Reiss of Hunting Works for Missouri land his first trout. (Photo: CFM)

28

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News Top: Amanda Masters with Bass Pro Shops admires a trout held by guide Billy Babler. (Photo: CFM) Left: Phil Lilley nets a fish for Jim Low to photograph. Media members left with great stories and pictures. (Photo: Rehan Nana) Right: Lake Taneycomo is full of trout, including the prized Brown Trout. (Photo: Scott Heminger) Bottom: Bobby "The Bobfather" Whitehead editor of Outdoor Guide magazine soaks in the scenery of Top of the Rock. (Photo: Scott Heminger)

MARCH - 2017

29

Outdoor News

Saved From Extinction: The Scimitar-Horned Oryx

S

cimitar-Horned Oryx once populated vast areas of North Africa but had completely disappeared by 1910 due to drought and over hunting. During the last 30 years, the Scimitar-Horned Oryx, still declared extinct in the wild, has bred in captivity and returned to Tunisian and Moroccan habitats thanks in large part to the work of conservation organizations like the Kansas City Zoo. In 1997, the Zoo joined the conservation effort with the goal of reestablishing this flagship species in its former native range. While participating with the Oryx SSP (Species Survival Program Š) the Zoo has successfully bred dozens of these enigmatic antelope. In 2006, the Kansas City Zoo sent two oryx to be repatriated in Tunisia. Today, there are stable populations of reintroduced oryx roaming protected areas of North Africa. Acting as a catalyst for the entire Tunisian ecosystem their reintroduction has improved vegetation and habitat for other mammals, bird and reptiles.

(Photo: Kansas City Zoo)

From Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest animal the Masai Giraffe, to the smallest native Missouri mussels, the Kansas City Zoo proudly supports wildlife conservation at home and around the globe.

Release Courtesy of Kansas City Zoo

Explore

KANSAS CITY ZOO

Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore.

Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo. Meet Milo!

Meet Masika!

Every visit you make to the Kansas City Zoo is a donation to conservation locally and globally.

OPEN DAILY | kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

30

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Road trip. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choose the perfect playlist. Or program the GPS. But we did fuel the car that made you realize there are no wrong turns, only new adventures.

When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, amazing journeys happen.

MARCH - 2017

31

32

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

PROUD SPONSOR

EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

DELIVERING INNOVATION, PERFORMANCE AND VALUE CROSSFIRE X

F O R E V E RY H U N T I N G N E E D. P R E M I U M D E S I G N F E AT U R E S B A L L I S T I C & H Y PA L O N FA B R I C S LY C R A ® S O F T- E D G E S T R A P S M O L D E D F OA M S U S P E N S I O N

MARCH - 2017

33

Feature Story

New Park is a Botanical Garden

A

bright sun nudged the thermometer to 10 degrees and glistened off the light snow that covered the forested hills and valleys on the opening day of Don Robinson State Park.

The view of the wintry scene was spectacular from the highest point in the park where the late Don Robinson built his home. A picnic shelter and overlook with rocking chairs now welcomes visitors to pause and inspect the rugged landscape.

“I can’t think of any other overlook in Jefferson County where you can look out 360 degrees and not see another house,” said Ron Colatskie, a natural resource steward for Missouri State Parks who grew up and lives nearby.

34

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Wearing a stocking cap and a scarf around his face, Colatskie led a tour that started at the top of the highest hill and descended into the labyrinth of box canyons, where seeping water had frozen into ice sculptures on the sandstone walls.

Although he had been there many times before, even Colatskie was impressed by the icy formations in a small canyon that Robinson had named Green Gulch because of its verdant display of lichen, mosses and Christmas ferns.

Ron Colatskie of Missouri State Parks admires an ice formation on one of the park’s many shelter caves. (Photo: Tom Uhlenbrock, Missouri State Parks)

Feature Story Winter is a great time to visit the park’s 818 acres because the leafless trees offer a better look into the canyons cut by small streams that form the headwaters of LaBarque Creek. The creek supports 42 species of fish and is the most pristine in the Meramec River watershed.

Doug Ladd, the Conservancy’s top botanist, had visited the land and praised its “unique diversity.”

When the forests and glades green up in spring, the park becomes a botanical garden, with some 524 species of vascular plants, in addition to more than 100 species of mosses.

“Beyond that,” Ladd said, “its incredible scenery on the doorstep of St. Louis.

Winding, steep-sided sandstone canyons, trickling springs, moss mats. Scenery you normally don’t associate with the Midwest.”

The Real Gems Located just 20 minutes south from the Highway 109 exit off Interstate 44 at Eureka, the park is a wild sanctuary amid the booming development at the southwest corner of the St. Louis area.

The LaBarque Creek Conservation Area is on the park’s northern boundary, and the two combine to form designated natural areas that total almost 2,000 acres.

Natural areas represent some of the best, and last, examples of Missouri’s original wild landscape. “I would argue it’s the highest quality natural area around St. Louis,” Colatskie said. “The box canyons are the real gems of the area.”

The park will be for day use only, and has two trails that show off its steep hills and deep valleys. Don Robinson’s wood-and-stone house, with a widow’s walk to take in the view, is the only remaining structure, alongside new restrooms.

The LaBarque Hills Trail is a 2.4-mile loop that takes hikers along the backbone of the park’s western ridge.

The Sandstone Canyon Trail is a four-mile loop that follows a ridgetop along the upper edge of a sandstone canyon. There also is a half-mile paved ADA trail.

Promoting the Wildness In an interview at his hilltop home in 2010, at the age of 83, Robinson said his main goal was to keep the land intact for future generations to enjoy. “The most depressing thing I’ve ever had to do is worrying about what to do with this place,” he said. “I’m used to putting things together, not writing the last chapter.”

He had been visited by several agencies interested in his property, ranging from the St. Louis office of The Nature Conservancy to the New York Botanical Garden.

The late Don Robinson wanted Missourians to enjoy his land as a state park. (Photo: Tom Uhlenbrock, Missouri State Parks)

Robinson ultimately chose to leave the land to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources when promised it would become a state park. When he died in March of 2012, Robinson’s gift of land included a trust fund to help in its management. “Don wanted to limit development and highlight the natural aspects of the land,” said Colatskie, who first met Robinson when he shopped at a grocery store where Colatskie worked as a young man.

“He really promoted the wildness of the land,” Colatskie said. “I think he would be impressed with what we’ve done with it.”

A gravel path leads from the overlook parking lot to a grove of trees at the top of a nearby knoll. A park bench sits before a granite headstone that says, simply, “Don A. Robinson.”

“Don was always adamant that he would become a permanent feature of the landscape once he passed away,” Colatskie said. “He once told his friends that he didn’t care if someone left him in the woods for the vultures, but instead settled to be interred on a small knoll overlooking the landscape he loved.”

For more information, visit mostateparks.com.

Tom Uhlenbrock Missouri State Parks

MARCH - 2017

35

Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION MDC Sets Upcoming Deer and Turkey Hunting Dates At its meeting on Dec. 16, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved date recommendations by MDC for 2017-2018 turkey-hunting and deer-hunting seasons.

2017 Spring Turkey Hunting Dates • Youth Portion: April 8 and 9 • Regular Turkey Season: April 17 through May 7 2017-2018 Fall Turkey Hunting Dates • Archery Season: Sept. 15 through Nov. 10 and Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2018.

• Firearms Turkey Season: Oct. 1 - 31 2017 – 2018 Fall Deer Hunting Dates • Archery Deer: Sept. 15 through Nov. 10 and Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2018 • Firearms Deer Early Youth Portion: Oct. 28 and 29 • Firearms Deer November Portion: Nov. 11 - 21 • Firearms Deer Late Youth Portion: Nov. 24 - 26 • Firearms Deer Antlerless Portion: Dec. 1 - 3 • Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2018

At its meeting on Dec. 16, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation for 2017-2018 turkey-hunting and deer-hunting season dates. (Photo: MDC)

MDC Continues Work to Remove Feral Hogs From the Landscape In 2016, more than 5,000 feral hogs were removed by MDC, partner agencies, and private landowners.

MDC wildlife biologists have tallied up numbers for 2016. The year yielded a total of 5,358 feral hogs removed by MDC, partner agencies, and private landowners, which is a significant increase over the previous year. In 2015, 3,649 feral hogs were removed.

36

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

“We made significant progress in 2016,” said Alan Leary, MDC’s Wildlife Management Coordinator and leader of the Department’s feral hog eradication efforts “The key to eradicating these destructive, invasive pests is cooperation with private landowners and partners in efforts to report hog sightings, continue trapping and deter hog hunting and the illegal release of hogs.”

“It’s vital we continue our efforts and get the feral hog population under control before it spreads any further,” Leary said.

As feral hogs root for food, they develop long and strong snouts that enable them to tear deep into soil. (Photo: MDC)

Agency News

MDC Encourages People to Help Prevent Forest Fires The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that a combination of strong winds, low humidity, dry conditions, and warming temperatures this time of year has the potential for unexpected wildfires.

According to MDC's Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as trash and brush piles.

Each year, MDC staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress numerous wildfires that can consume thousands of acres. The Department urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires by following safety rules.

MDC Forestry Resource Technician Keith Crabtree sets a backfire off a prepared bulldozer control line. The intentionally ignited backfire will meet the wildfire some distance from the control line to reduce the chance the wildfire will cross it. (Photo: MDC)

A key safety reminder is to avoid conducting outdoor burning during times when grasses, brush and other fire fuel are very dry, humidity is low and weather is windy. Dry fuel -- combined with high temperatures, low humidity and high winds -- makes fire nearly impossible to control.

For more information on preventing wildfires, go online to mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire/wildfire-prevention.

MDC Reports Final Deer Harvest 263,832, Archery Turkey Harvest 2,304 Top deer harvest counties were Franklin, Howell, and Texas. Top archery turkey counties were St. Clair, Franklin, and Greene.

Missouri's 2016-2017 deer-hunting season ended Jan. 15 with MDC reporting a preliminary total harvest of 263,832 deer. Top counties for the overall season were Franklin with 5,272 deer harvested, Howell with 5,242, and Texas with 4,608. Hunters harvested 273,249 deer during the previous season.

Deer hunting ended with the close of the archery season.

Preliminary data from MDC showed that hunters checked 47,550 deer during the archery season. Top counties for the archery season were Jefferson with 1,118 deer harvested, Wayne with 980, and St. Louis with 979.

Archery hunters checked 49,759 deer the previous year.

Missouri's 2016-2017 deer-hunting season ended Jan. 15 with the Missouri Department of Conservation reporting a preliminary total harvest of 263,832 deer. (Photo: MDC)

Fall archery turkey hunting also ended Jan. 15. Preliminary data from MDC showed 2,304 turkeys harvested. Top counties for the fall archery turkey season were St. Clair with 57 birds harvested, Franklin with 51, and Greene with 50. For the previous year, hunters harvested 3,042 turkeys.

The past season was the first in which MDC began allowing crossbows as a legal method during the deer and turkey archery season. Of the 47,550 deer harvested under archery methods, 14,336 were with crossbows. Of the 2,304 turkeys harvested under archery methods, 853 were with crossbows.

MARCH - 2017

37

Agency News

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Healthy Environment - Healthy Economy

I

am delighted to join Governor Greitens’ executive cabinet and lead the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ efforts to protect our air, land and water; preserve our unique natural and historic places; and provide recreational and learning opportunities for everyone.

March 1 is the beginning of trout fishing season, which runs through Oct. 31. It is the busiest day for our three trout parks at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem.

Anglers line up shoulder-to-shoulder to share in the tradition of standing in one of Missouri’s cold-water streams eagerly awaiting the sound of the 6:30 a.m. horn to cast their lines. The pristine, spring-fed waters flowing through these parks provide the essential habitat for trout to thrive and fishing opportunities to abound.

As an attorney with extensive experience on environmental issues in government and business, I firmly believe that environmental protection and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. Missouri can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy economy, but the state won’t have a healthy economy without a healthy environment. As director, my goal will be to continue protecting Missouri’s air, land and water quality while encouraging economic growth so that Missouri and all Missourians prosper.

One perfect example of Missouri’s vital natural resources supporting a healthy economy can be found within our very own Missouri State Parks. Thousands of visitors explore and experience nature in Missouri’s beautiful state parks and historic sites. A 2012 study found that for every dollar spent to operate the state park system, Missouri’s economy sees a $26 return on investment from visitor spending.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Missouri State Parks. The park system was officially established on April 9, 1917. Today, there are 91 state parks and historic sites within the system considered “Missouri Masterpieces” that preserve the natural and cultural treasures found throughout the state.

38

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Anglers line up shoulder-to-shoulder to wet a line at one of the Midwest’s premier trout-fishing destinations at Montauk State Park, near Salem.

(Photo: MoDNR)

Experience all Missouri State Parks have to offer and don’t forget to bring your Centennial Passport before heading out on your next adventure. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Carol S. Comer Director, Department of Natural Resources

Agency News

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks - Elephant Rocks State Park

One of the most curious geologic formations in Missouri is found at Elephant Rocks State Park, located in Belleview. Giant boulders of 1.5 billion-year-old granite stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. Many of the elephant rocks lie within the 7-acre Elephant Rocks Natural Area. The rocks have created formations that intrigue geologists, are popular with history buffs interested in the past quarrying, and fascinate children who love to climb on and between the boulders.

Elephant Rocks Natural Area can be easily viewed from the 1-mile paved Braille Trail. Designed especially for people with visual and physical disabilities, the Braille Trail is the first of its kind in Missouri state parks. An extension off the trail leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine house.

The formation of this extraordinary herd of elephants began during the Precambrian era about 1.5 billion years ago. Molten rock, called magma, accumulated deep below the earth's surface. The magma slowly cooled, forming red granite rock. As the weight of the overlying rock was removed by erosion, horizontal and vertical cracks developed, fracturing the massive granite into huge, angular blocks.

Water then permeated down through the fractures, and groundwater rounded the edges and corners of the blocks while still underground, forming giant rounded masses.

Erosion eventually removed the disintegrated material from along the fractures, and exposed these boulders.

Since no official census of the herd has ever been taken, the exact number of "elephants" inhabiting the park is unknown. Although the elephant rocks are continually eroding away, new elephants are constantly being exposed. Information collected on Dumbo, the patriarch of Elephant Rocks State Park, shows that he is 27 feet tall, 35 feet long and 17 feet wide. At a weight of 162 pounds per cubic foot, Dumbo tips the scales at 680 tons.

Numerous picnic sites among the giant red boulders provide ample opportunity for family picnicking and exploration. Camping is not available in this park, but can be found in several nearby state parks.

Carol S. Comer Director, Department of Natural Resources The giant elephant-shaped granite boulders are the star at Elephant Rocks State Park, located in Belleview. The elephant rocks are giant boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. (Photo: Ivan Greer, Columbia, MissouriDNR40 Photo Contest Winner)

MARCH - 2017

39

40

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Outdoor News

Why Bison?

A

piece of Missouri’s natural heritage, bison helped to shape our prairie ecosystems. Dunn Ranch Prairie, a 3,258 acre reserve in Hatfield, MO, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is home to 105 bison.

The bison at Dunn Ranch originate from the herd at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. Unlike most bison herds, the Wind Cave herd has never been crossbred with cattle.

Though there is management staff on site, the bison are prairie managers all their own. Their natural habits, such as ground wallowing and rubbing, work mutually with the needs of prairie birds and plants.

Reintroducing bison reintroduces a biological process.

In addition to its thriving bison herd, Dunn Ranch Prairie boasts more than 300 native wildflowers species. “Different sections of prairie are burned seasonally, producing tender, green vegetation that bison love to eat,” explains Randy Arndt, site manager for Dunn Ranch Prairie. Bison will avoid the unburned area, and graze the burned areas more heavily, creating shorter grass habitats and allowing the wildflowers, grasses, and forbs to reestablish themselves.

This diversity in plant structure is especially important for native birds. Nationwide and worldwide, grassland birds are in decline. Prairies and temperate grasslands are imperative for an increase in grassland birds, yet they are the least-protected habitat. “Some of [the birds] prefer short grass, some of them prefer long grass. Some birds need last year’s vegetation to nest in, some need this year’s vegetation,” says Arndt.

The presence of bison helps to naturally restore our iconic American prairies. (Photo: TNC Photo Vault by Chris Helzer)

The Nature Conservancy uses controlled fire and bison to manage the necessary impacts for the grassland birds’ habitat. Burning portions of the prairie, or “patch-burning” returns the dryer areas to a state of lush and green. Moving the patches of fire around the prairie every year creates a diversity of structure in height and openness, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people; Our mission is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Since its establishment in 1951, TNC has protected more than 119 million acres of land, thousands of miles of rivers worldwide, and operates more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. We work closely with the private sector and have partners and offices worldwide, including throughout Missouri, in St. Louis, Springfield, Hatfield, and Van Buren.

Dunn Ranch is open to the public. Find our tour schedule online or learn more about The Nature Conservancy in Missouri at nature.org/Missouri.

Hayden Andrews Communications Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

MARCH - 2017

41

Feature Story

Public Land Bobs: An Exercise in Expectations Part One of Two

42

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Feature Story “I’m 15 minutes away,” said Dave Miller over the phone as I sat outside an old gas station that time may or may not have forgotten. We were meeting early that Saturday morning to hunt Missouri’s new Recreational Access Program (MRAP) public lands program.

As U.S. citizens we are lucky to live in a country that has public hunting. As Missourians we are even luckier to live in a state in which the Department of Conservation is placing an emphasis on the revival of bobwhite quail. Quail hunting holds a special place for Dave and me, as it does for many people in Missouri. It’s what we grew up hunting. It’s why we spend hours training and conditioning birddogs. It’s why we both are conservationists, me at CFM and him at CZ-USA, one of CFM’s top supporters.

Professionally, Dave is responsible for developing CZ-USA’s new shotgun lines. Earlier in the year when he told me CZ-USA was coming out with a new 628, 28-gauge pump, my ears perked up and I asked him if we could try it out in the field. For those readers who don’t know, the 28-gauge is a gun shrouded in bird hunting mystique, known traditionally as either a beginners’ gun or an experts’ gun. Recently, the gauge has seen a revival within upland circles, because it is light, fast, and it has proven to deliver a more efficient and effective shot pattern than traditional shotgun gauges.

While one of the smallest gauges, it is very effective at dispatching game. "I never hesitate shooting it on a pheasant hunt, especially not dove, quail, grouse, anything really,” said Miller. “When you shoot it just be smart, I never shoot a rooster pheasant past 25-30 yards. Just remember with any shot you take regardless of the gauge you are responsible for that shot, if you wound a bird and do not recover it you’ve got to live with it.”

Built on a gauge-specific 7075 aluminum action, the 628, 28 gauge pump has a deep glossy blue finish and select grade Turkish Walnut. A set of interchangeable chokes lets you tune constriction and the full forend and pistol grip help make this lithe shotgun feel good in the hands. With a 28" barrel, both variants clock in at well under 6 lbs., it would be a light gun to carry in the quail hunt, which sometimes can last many miles.

In its third year, the MRAP program is proving to be a boon for the state’s outdoorspeople. Missouri is 93% privately owned, so one of the limiting factors for hunter recruitment and retention is hunting access.

MRAP is a voluntary program that offers private landowners annual incentive payments ($15-$25 per acre) for opening their land to public access for outdoor recreational activities.

Any Missouri landowner (except governmental entities) is eligible to participate in the program.

Landowners may offer all, or portions of tracts, as long as the offered acres meet minimum acreage and habitat requirements. Offers must be at least 40 contiguous acres in size, and at least 20 percent of the tract must provide quality habitat. The exception is land offered for fishing access, which is not subject to the minimum acreage and habitat requirements.

Additionally, Missouri’s Recreational Use Immunity Law offers liability protection to private landowners participating in MRAP, so they can rest assured about having new hunters on their property.

“This program is a win-win for both landowners and outdoor enthusiasts. We compensate the landowner for allowing public hunting, fishing or wildlife viewing, then the outdoorsperson gets a chance to enjoy an area with quality wildlife habitat,” said Bill White, private land services division chief for the Missouri Department of Conservation. “We received a lot of positive comments about the program from deer and quail hunters who utilized it.”

As Dave and I pulled up to the MRAP parking lot, it looked like ideal habitat. The parcel was a few hundred acres mixed with beneficial native grasses, shrubby cover, woodlines and food plots. This type of quail landscape is known as a “habitat mosaic” and allows for year-round survival of upland species by providing the species habitat need at any given time.

Our dogs saw the field and yipped with pre-hunt excitement. We dropped the tailgates, and at the breakaway my Irish setter, Annie, and Dave’s two young springer spaniels disappeared into the grass.

To read the full article visit: www.confedmo.org/ public-land-bobs-an-exercise-in-expectations.

Rehan Nana Director of Corporate Relations, CFM MARCH - 2017

43

View our real estate listings at UnitedCountry.com

44

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Wildlife are wild about...

3523(57< 3$571(5 WKURXJK HYHU\ VHDVRQ

)RU RYHU \HDUV 6\GHQVWULFNHU KDV EHHQ \RXU SURSHUW\ SDUWQHU LQ 0LVVRXUL +HUH \RXŤOO ILQG WKH EHVW GHDOV DQG HDV\ ILQDQFLQJ RQ D ZLGH VHOHFWLRQ RI -RKQ 'HHUH HTXLSPHQW 9LVLW XV WRGD\ DQG ZHŤOO KHOS \RX ILQG ZKDW \RX QHHG

â&#x20AC;˘ Superior mast production â&#x20AC;˘ Greater survivability â&#x20AC;˘ Faster growth

Your Partner in Growing a Better Tomorrow | Visit us at www.sydenstrickers.com MEXICO â&#x20AC;˘ MACON â&#x20AC;˘ ROCHEPORT â&#x20AC;˘ KIRKSVILLE â&#x20AC;˘ CHILLICOTHE â&#x20AC;˘ PALMYRA MOSCOW MILLS â&#x20AC;˘ CURRYVILLE â&#x20AC;˘ TIPTON â&#x20AC;˘ HERMANN â&#x20AC;˘ DUTZOW

Bucksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Unlimited Oaktm is a trademark owned by the University of Missouri (â&#x20AC;&#x153;MUâ&#x20AC;?) for a tree developed at MU with the support of Forrest Keeling Nursery.

Forrest Keeling Nursery is the exclusive licensee for this product.

800 -FKN-2401 â&#x20AC;˘ (573) 898-5571 â&#x20AC;˘ forrestkeeling.com

DINING WILD on American Beauty Berry.

Our native plants provide birds with seeds, berries, insects and nesting sites.

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery PRZOGĂ UV#VRFNHW QHW www.mowildflowers.net

You need our excellent catalog by mail or online.

MARCH - 2017

45

Feature Story

Conquering the Challenge of Wintertime Bass Fishing “The wind is out of the East, “Jack pointed out right off the bat. “Wind out of the East, fish bite the least,” I chimed in.

“I don’t put much stock in that old saying,” Jack rebutted. “Winds are supposed to reach 40mph, too.

It may get a little rough out there, but Lake of the Ozarks has a million coves. We will find some out of the wind.” Uxa has been guiding on Lake of the Ozarks for a couple of decades and he knows its waters like the back of his hand, another old saying.

I had fished with him a couple of times previously.

His performances proved impressive. Despite the fact that I believed in the out of the East wind theory, I had confidence that Jack would find fish before the day ended.

A pro staffer for Bass Pro Shops, Jack launched his Nitro boat at a well hidden boat ramp. It was armed with all the latest devices, which, according to him, gave him an edge for locating fish for his customers and in turn gave them ample opportunities to catch fish.

Uxa began searching familiar spots for largemouth bass. Within minutes he swung a chunky 13-incher into the boat. “The jerkbait bite has been pretty good recently,” he said. I immediately asked what bait he was throwing. “It’s a Megabass jerkbait,” he responded. “They are a great bait and easy to cast.”

T

he thermometer read 22-degrees when I left the house at 6 a.m. The weather report the night before predicted 41-degrees. Regardless, I headed towards Lake of the Ozarks to spend the day with bass and crappie fishing guide Jack Uxa. We planned to put together a video about cold weather bass fishing techniques.

46

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

“The wind has shifted dramatically from yesterday,” Uxa said. “Wind that hit these steep banks and points yesterday, is now coming from the side or away from them. It definitely changes how bass relate to them.”

Jack changed colors of his jerkbaits as different structure types appeared. He continued to pick up a few smaller bass, but nothing to write home about.

We eased up near a boat dock and Jack picked up a crappie rod. He “shot the dock,” a tricky maneuver of grasping the jig, bending the rod heavily and slingshotting the jig up under the dock. He caught crappie steadily. Next, it was back to bass fishing.

Feature Story “One of the biggest mistakes winter time bass fishermen make is fishing too deep,” he related.

“Tournament fishermen started a trend years ago by fishing deep to get the big fish. That's ok, but you are only going to get one, or two, if you are lucky. I like to catch numbers and I can do that by fishing steep banks with deep water nearby.”

Jack also pointed out that he does not fish his jerkbaits as slowly as tournament guys, either. “I tend to fish them a little too fast at times, but if I don’t get bit, I slow down a little more.” The way to fish a jerkbait, according to Uxa, is to cast, reel the bait down and let it suspend for a long few seconds before twitching it slightly. Repeat, repeat, repeat. As the hefty 4-pound bass rolled into view, we both noticed that the fish was barely hooked. Jack lipped it quickly and swung the red-gilled bass into the boat.

A few minutes later, his rod arched heavily again.

We had traveled only 20 yards down the bank.

Through the view finder of the video camera, this fish appeared larger. “These certainly aren’t the largest bass in Lake of the Ozarks, Uxa said. “But, if I were in a tournament today, I would be very happy.”

I picked up my baitcaster, which Jack had rigged with a silver and black Berkley Skinny Cutter. Within ten minutes, I felt a jolt. “Fish on,” I laughed. I slid the respectable 3-pound plus bass back into the cold waters of the lake. I resumed filming, while Jack added a few more bass to the files. “One key to our success today lies in the fact that I use 8-to-10-pound test line for jerkbaits, while many guys use 12-pound and above. You lose too much sensitivity with those heavy lines.”

“Temperatures and weather patterns can change quickly. A key to success is to stick with it until you find a pattern for the day.”

Contact Jack Uxa at: 573-434-2570 or find him online at lakeoftheozarksfishingguide.com.

Bill Cooper Lake of the Ozarks guide Jack Uxa hoists a heavy bass he caught recently on a Megabass jerk-bait. (Photo: Bill Cooper)

JIG TECHNIQUES FOR WINTER BASS CASTING JIG Casting a jig along ledge banks of creek TECHNIQUES channel swings will produce strikes from

bass holding along the ledges 10 to 25 feet deep. Try a 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a pork frog trailer to make the lure more buoyant and sink slower. Good color combinations for the jig are brown-andblue or black-and-blue. Tie the jig on 10to 12-pound test line or 8-pound test if the water is ultra-clear.

The best techniques for casting a jig are steep ledges with big rocks. After casting the jig near the bank, slowly raise the jig and let it fall, keeping the lure as close to the edge as possible. This allows you to stair-step the jig down the shelf and keep it in the strike zone on the ledges.

FOOTBALL JIG Dragging a jig along the bottom in deep TECHNIQUES water will trigger strikes from wintertime

bass but sometimes “dead sticking” the jig is the most effective way to coax sluggish bass into biting.

When fishing offshore ledges, position your boat parallel to the ledge and dead stick a 5/8-ounce jig by crawling it along the bottom with extremely long pauses.

After letting the jig sit for several seconds, shake the jig a couple of times and inch it along the bottom before pausing it again.

For more aggressive fish, slowly sweep your rod like a broom to make the jig bang along the bottom and then briefly pause.

FINESSE JIG A 5/16-ounce finesse jig in brown or TECHNIQUES green pumpkin hues combined with a

green pumpkin plastic chunk is ideal for catching wintertime bass along rocky shallows where bass seek the warmth of the rocks on sunny days. A creature can also be a great trailer for a jig, as natural presentation can lead to a huge bite. Fan cast the jig on 12- to 14-pound test line and slowly hop it over the rocks.

Tips courtesy of mysterytacklebox.com.

MARCH - 2017

47

Outdoor News

Goodwin Pit Sinkhole and Cave Restoration Project

T

he Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy (MCKC) owns Goodwin Pit Sinkhole and Cave, located in Laclede County. Goodwin Pit is an important karst resource that consists of a major sinkhole and the entrance to Goodwin Pit Cave. Sadly, Goodwin Pit was utilized as an illegal dump site for over 60 years.

In 1980 and again in 2009 the Missouri Department of Natural Resources dye-traced the water leaving the sinkhole and cave and determined that it flows to Ha Ha Tonka Spring before entering the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, ten miles away.

In 2012, MCKC began the clean-up of the sinkhole and cave. There was trash, tires, woody debris and mud all the way up to the roof of the cave and you had to crawl to get around. Between 2012 and the end of 2016 MCKC removed over 32 tons of trash, 142 tons of trash laden material, seven tons of tires, three tons of metal (which was recycled) and over 4,000 tons of clean fill from the sinkhole and cave.

There were a total of 962 volunteers helping during 91 workdays.

The MCKC has faced numerous challenges with this project. A major challenge is that no one had seen the sinkhole and cave before the dumping started. The weather has had a huge impact. Temperatures can vary from sub-freezing to over 100 degrees.

Soldiers from Fort Leonard Wood are among the many volunteers who have contributed hundreds of hours to the cleanup efforts. (Photo: Meramec Regional Planning Commission)

48

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Goodwin Pit Sinkhole after a heavy rainfall. (Photo: Klaus Leidenfrost)

The sinkhole can partially or entirely fill with water after heavy rains. It can take months before things dry out enough to be able to work in the sinkhole and cave again. Having adequate funding for equipment rental is always a concern. Finding volunteers to help is also an ongoing challenge.

In 2014, heavy equipment was able to be used in the bottom of the sinkhole to help open up the cave.

Two sediment traps were constructed to help catch material which was being washed into the sinkhole, before it could enter the cave.

Unfortunately, there have been setbacks due to the weather. The sinkhole totally filled with water after heavy rains in August 2013, July 2015 and December 2015. These rains washed more material into the sinkhole and cave and undid a lot of the previous work that had been done. In December 2014, one of the volunteers was able to get approximately 130 feet into the cave, until their forward progress was blocked by a tire. In December 2016, you could not get more than 80 feet into the cave. According to a neighbor when the sinkhole used to fill with water, it took days for the water to drain out. Now it takes less than one day.

In 2017, MCKC hopes to continue clean-up efforts if the weather cooperates, to raise additional funding for equipment rental and can find enough volunteers to help.

Release Courtesy of Klaus Leidenfrost

Outdoor News

Hodgdon Celebrates 70th Anniversary

H

odgdon, The Brand That's True®, is pleased to recognize 2017 as the 70th Anniversary for the Hodgdon brand.

In 1947, Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, along with sons JB and Bob, launched Hodgdon, with the first surplus powder offering after World War II. Over the last 70 years, Hodgdon Powder Company has grown into the preeminent supplier of gunpowder and blackpowder to handloading and muzzleloading enthusiasts. Along the way, Hodgdon Powder Company has also acquired the IMR® and Goex® brands, as well as licensing the Winchester® Smokeless Propellants brand.

The Hodgdon box car. (Photo: Courtesy of Hodgdon)

"Our father Bruce was drafted into the service during World War II, where he served as an aerial gunnery instructor for the Navy," said JB Hodgdon, Hodgdon co-founder. "He used skeet to teach his students about the lead required to hit targets. He couldn't get enough ammunition to teach skeet but could get components, so brother Bob and I would help him most nights loading shotshells so he could teach class the next day."

"After the war, Dad was instrumental in convincing the government to sell him surplus 4895 and he brought it to market in 1947 as Hodgdon H4895," said Bob Hodgdon, Hodgdon co-founder. "Our first ad selling surplus powder appeared in American Rifleman magazine in November, 1947. Although we've grown over the last 70 years and our company has a lot of accomplishments to celebrate, in our hearts, we're still a group of proud handloading shooters and hunters from Kansas. We are grateful to our employees who manufacture, package and ship the product and for our handloading and muzzleloading customers who appreciate what we do."

At a recent company celebration, Hodgdon employees presented JB and Bob Hodgdon with replicas of Hodgdon signage to commemorate the 70th Anniversary.

About Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, today, sons J.B. and Bob have grown Hodgdon Powder Company into the largest US supplier of smokeless, blackpowder and blackpowder substitute propellants.

The company distributes gunpowder under the Hodgdon®, IMR®, Winchester®, Pyrodex®, Triple Seven®, Goex® and VihtaVuori® brands.

Learn more about the brands at these websites - www.Hodgdon. com, www.IMRPowder.com, www.

WWPowder.com or www.GoexPowder. com and connect with the Hodgdon brand on Facebook or YouTube.

Release Courtesy of Hodgdon

MARCH - 2017

49

2017 RANGE ROVER SPORT

FOR THOSE WITH A DESIRE TO DRIVE

Some are born to lead. The 2017 Range Rover Sport offers a driver-focused cockpit and dynamic handling, allowing you to take your driving experience to the next level. Visit your nearest Land Rover Retailer during the Own the Adventure Sales Event and enjoy exclusive offers on the Range Rover Sport. Offer ends March 31, 2017.

Land Rover St. Louis 11654 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 (314) 485-4926 LandRoverStLouis.com Model Shown: 2017 Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic. © 2017 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

Invest wisely. Hire a guide.

Creating Win-Win-Wins in Environmental Mitigation www.miticomo.com I 314-882-6623 Mitico is a contract fulfillment provider for The Land Learning Foundation - North Missouri’s Land Trust landlearning.org

50

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

James T. Blair IV, CFP®, AWMA® Coleman Sheehan, CPA, CFP®, MSA John Steffens, CPA, MBA

monetagroup.com/blair 314-726-2300

Set your sights on

G&W Deer Processing Bring us your deer and it will be processed separately so you get your venison back.

Choose from summer sausage, landjager/ deer sticks, bratwurst, ground venison, steak or roasts.

314-352-5066 www.gwsausage.com 4828 Parker Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116

Proud supporters of the Share the Harvest program.

MARCH - 2017

51

Starlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new rifle brass cases will always feature burr-free and centered flash holes, uniform primer pockets, minimized wall thickness YDULDWLRQV DQG D SUHPLHU VXUIDFH ͤQLVK 6WDUOLQH VWDQGV EHKLQG WKHLU quality brass with a 100% Guarantee to provide a minimum of 5 reloads XQGHU QRUPDO FRQGLWLRQV $V UHORDGHUV ZH NQRZ TXDOLW\ FRPSRQHQWV DUH NH\ 6WDUOLQH KDV D SURYHQ PDQXIDFWXULQJ SURFHVV EDFNHG E\ RYHU \HDUV RI H[SHULHQFH PDNLQJ VXSHULRU TXDOLW\ EUDVV FDVHV 7KDW̵V ZK\ A Great Shot Starts with Starlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Rifle Brass.

starlinebrass.com

1(800) 280-6660 © 2017 Starline Brass

185.35138 Mar Apr 2017 CFM.indd 1

KEEP YOUR PADDLE WET

2/1/17 1:18 PM

tasting room & brewery â&#x20AC;¢ 504 fay st. â&#x20AC;¢ columbia, mo

52

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Outdoor News

Monarch Conservation Group Hires Communications Specialist New position increases outreach to Missourians interested in creating pollinator habitat.

M

issourians for Monarchs recently named Megan Tyminski as the organization’s parttime communications specialist. Tyminski will work alongside the collaborative’s coordinator and its members to develop and disseminate educational and how-to materials to landowners, homeowners and volunteers interested in pollinator conservation.

“As more and more Missourians learn about the plight of the monarch butterfly, there is increasing demand for information on what can be done to reverse declines in the species,” said Jason Jenkins, Missourians for Monarchs coordinator. “We’re excited to have someone like Megan, who is passionate about pollinators, join our efforts. She’ll be a critical asset as we deliver habitat information to the public through various brochures, how-to articles and our website.”

Missourians for Monarchs formed in the summer of 2015 with a mission of increasing and sustaining habitat for monarch butterflies and pollinators.

Members of the collaborative include diverse sectors such as conservation, agriculture, academia and utilities.

During the past 20 years, it’s estimated that monarch overwintering populations have decreased by as much as 90 percent. Missouri is especially important in monarch conservation efforts because it lies within the spring and fall migratory path for the butterflies.

The Show-Me State also provides a vital breeding ground.

Some of the collaborative’s priorities include creating habitat corridors connecting fragmented habitat, increasing availability of native seeds and plants for habitat restoration, and establishing 19,000 acres of additional pollinator habitat per year for the next 20 years. This will require increased involvement by both public and private land managers, as well as the general public.

“Pollinators are environmental indicators. When we see decline in their populations, it tells us that we should act,” said Tyminski, whose position was made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation matched by the University of Megan Tyminski. (Photo: Madeline Stanley with the Mizzou Botanic Missouri’s Mizzou Garden) Botanic Garden in Columbia. “Pollinators contribute to ecosystem services, biodiversity and food security. They need a voice, and I hope that by working with Missourians for Monarchs, more people will understand their importance and value, and will engage in conservation efforts.”

Tyminski has truly embraced her passion for pollinators. Originally from Oswego, Ill., she currently is an MU undergraduate studying science and agricultural journalism with an emphasis in strategic communications and the environment.

She is minoring in sustainable agriculture and multicultural studies.

Concerned about pollinator decline, Tyminski spearheaded a project to place the first beehives on campus. Since then, the project has helped restore native pollinator habitat. Through her work at the Mizzou Botanic Garden, she helped the university to earn a Bee Campus USA designation. She also has helped organize pollinator day camps that educate organizations about birds, bats, bees and butterflies with hands-on experiences and educational materials. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking and attending concerts.

To learn more about Missourians for Monarchs, visit www.facebook.com/MissouriansForMonarchs.

Release Courtesy of Missourians for Monarchs

MARCH - 2017

53

Feature Story

Taneycomo in February

Lake Taneycomo flows down an ancient chute through a valley that changes from homes to tree covered white-stone bluffs at every bend in the river. Rainbow and brown trout cruise the flow in search of food or a place to rest. Various minnows including ancient sculpins try to survive in their world full of predators that include death from above as birds swoop down for a fish dinner.

T

he Conservation Federation of Missouri held their annual Media Camp February 5th through the 8th at beautiful Lilley’s Landing Trout Resort on Lake Taneycomo, a fine family-owned business.

Sadly T.J. died unexpectedly a couple days earlier and many of us felt his spirit on the lake. Perhaps he helped arrange our fishing conditions of unseasonably warm fishing weather in the 70’s, quite a Missouri treat in February.

Writers and broadcasters enjoyed some of Branson’s best in restaurants, notably “The Top of The Rock” and “The Saltgrass Steak House,” excellent food. But few meals equaled Phil Lilley’s fish fry with jalapeno beans and slaw, served on their outside pavilion on a warm winter day—classic memories.

But spirits still soared as old friendships were reacquainted with celebrity journalists and photographers like Bobby Whitehead, Ken White, Brandon Butler, Steve Matt, Bill Cooper, Ray Eye, John Neporadny and Thayne Smith who shared stories.

We were all very happy to see many younger outdoor journalists present. I wonder if they will someday remember us as we remember past outdoor writers that shaped our futures in many ways.

This was a bitter-sweet event, however, as longtime friends shared quips about outdoor endeavors and memories, some about our lost friend T.J. Stallings, Marketing Director for Road-Runner Lures, who was scheduled to attend this event.

54

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Fog hangs over Lake Taneycomo on an early winter morning. (Photo: Steve Matt)

Feature Story Superb Fishing

Quite a History

All present caught fish, including several larger rainbows and brown trout, but this was not surprising. Rainbow trout almost constantly bite and browns feed when they feel like it.

Lake Taneycomo is really a tailrace river flowing from the bottom of Table Rock 22 miles to the Powersite Dam at Bull Shoals Lake.

“Many of our rainbows are caught on, bait, 1/80 to 1/100 ounce jigs or flies,” said Tracy Frenzel, Taneycomo guide. “I like to fish a nymph under small floats. Sometimes you can see the bobber slightly move, an indication to lift your rod for a hook set.

This is sometimes a problem for bass fisherman. One client never caught a trout because he jerked the nymph out of their mouths.”

The following day guide Tim Sainato used a different tactic by casting jigs on a 45 degree angle across the lake to give trout a different look.

“Trout see thousands of lures and baits going with the current,” Sainato said. “Casting at a 45 degree angle makes the retrieve slightly different and your lure or bait slides across the current where trout often bite. I like to use this same tactic with weighted nightcrawlers. The bites may be light, but you feel a difference from the constant bumping of lure or bait over submerged rocks, more of a jerking sensation.”

Quest for a World Record A state or world record brown trout could be caught on any cast from this remarkable lake. Several in the 40 pound range have been shocked up during trout surveys by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Many fish Rogue type lures for the bigger browns and rainbows. When selecting color patterns, most anglers go along two lines of thought, either the “bright day/bright lure, dark day/dark lure” theory or the “clear water/more natural” line of thought. On a bright, bluebird day, oftentimes a chrome or clown pattern works best.

The most effective is a modified twitch-twitch-pause similar to bass fishing. Sainato casts and cranks the lure down a little, then begins a long, quick pull or two before pausing it. They kill it on the pause.

Powersite, brought into service in 1913, is the oldest hydroelectric dam west of the Mississippi. Table Rock Dam was constructed in The author holds up a rainbow trout on an unseasonably warm day of winter trout 1958. The dam’s fishing. (Photo: Courtesy of Kenneth Kieser) height made the water released from Table Rock cold year round, turning Taneycomo into a prime trout stocking area.

The name Lake Taneycomo was derived from its location in Taney, County, MO, hence Taney-co-mo.

Lake Taneycomo looks like a river, but dams at both ends impound the water, making it a lake. It is one of four lakes in the chain of the White River system.

Beaver, located in northwest Arkansas, is at the top of the chain, followed by Table Rock, then Taneycomo and lastly Bull Shoals.

It’s a slower pace down on the river and a chance for two worlds. You can enjoy great entertainment in Branson and then escape to a quieter world a couple miles away. The serenity of this quiet stretch known as Lake Taneycomo makes folks sit back and enjoy the scenery. I always do!

Try Taneycomo Fishing or their great restaurants, and contact the Branson Chamber of Commerce for a vacation package at 1(800)-961-1221. Contact Lilley’s resort at 1-888-lilleys or check their web site at www. lilleyslanding.com. Maybe Phil will make you a pot of his jalapeno beans!

Kenneth Kieser

MARCH - 2017

55

Outdoor News

Missouri Couple Recreates “Holy Trinity” of Historical Conservation Buildings

I

n 2007, Bruce and Jan Sassmann decided to improve the family farm’s landscape for the benefit of wildlife. Little did they know this idea would begin them down a path oriented to a life dedicated to conservation. After years of hard work and conservation education, the Sassmann’s made their little corner of Osage County some of the best wildlife habitat in Missouri with restored glades, prairies and savannahs.

During the land restoration process, the Sassmann’s enjoyed the connection to many of Missouri’s most conservationminded citizens. However, there was no place for these conservationists to stay. The solution, Bruce thought, would be to build simple guesthouses with conservation and environmental significance.

“There are three men in American conservation history that have laid the foundation for all modern day conservation and environmental thinking; Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Aldo Leopold. Thoreau had his tiny house on Walden Pond, the spirit of John Muir could be captured in a campsite, and Aldo Leopold’s sand county shack still stands,” said Bruce Sassmann. “Those were the shelter-guest houses that we would build. The voices and stories of America’s Holy Trinity of Conservation would be heard in those shelters and around those campfires.”

In the late winter of 2016 construction started and by late spring 2016, the shelters were finished.

Thoreau’s replica house may be the only one in the Midwest and the full size likeness of Leopold’s “shack” may be the most detailed replica in the country. The wall tent camp that is in the spirit of Muir is a reminder of the century old messages of American conservation wisdom.

A replica of John Muir's tent. (Photo: Mark Gordon)

To encourage conservationist to continue the mission of Thoreau, Muir, and Leopold, the Sassmann’s are hosting a “Holy Trinity of Conservation” event on June 2 and June 3. Open to the public, this event will offer an authentic, historical conservation experience that will educate, motivate, and activate participants to develop a personal conservation ethic. Onsite will be historical reenactors in the persona of Thoreau, Muir and Leopold. Throughout the day, attendees will have an opportunity to tour the Sassmann’s property, interact with these reenactors and learn their conservation significance in the United States.

"The doorways of our shelters tell those stories of conservation that need to be repeated," noted Sassmann. “Your ticket to the event is a passport in time travel, and participants will have the opportunity to witness 100 years of coast to coast conservation history in just one day.”

Visit www.holytrinityofconservation.com for more information.

Release Courtesy of the Sassmann's

56

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Outdoor News

Holy Trinity of Conservation - A Calendar of Events Event Details Special Reserved Dinner Date: Friday June 2, 2017 Social Hour: 5pm – 7pm Program: 7pm – 10pm Self-guided Walking Tour; Meet and greet Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017 Location: Prairie Star Restoration Farm - Bland, Missouri Time: 9am - 5pm:

Speaking Schedule Henry David Thoreau - 10am July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862 Thoreau was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, critic, surveyor and historian. Thoreau is best know for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. Among his lasting contributions are his writings on natural history and philosophy, where he anticipated the methods and findings of ecology and environmental history, two sources of modern-day environmentalism. It has been said that Walden is America’s first primer of the environmental movement.

Richard Smith: For almost 20 years he has been portraying Thoreau at Walden Pond, dressing up in meticulous 19th century regalia, and fielding questions from the public about the man’s life.

John Muir - 12pm April 21, 1838 – Dec. 24, 1914 Muir was a naturalist, author, environmental philosopher and early advocate of preservation of wilderness. He is today referred to as the “Father of the National Parks” and is considered to be one of the patron saints of twentieth century American environmental activity. In his life, Muir published six volumes of writings, all describing explorations of natural settings. They have had a lasting effect on American culture and helped to protect and preserve wild and natural environments.

Lee Stetson: For the past 35 years, Lee Stetson has produced interpretive stage productions focusing on the themes of land use, environmental ethics and the concept of engaging wilderness through the works of Muir’s.

Aldo Leopold - 2pm January 11, 1887 – April 21, 1948 Leopold was an American author, ecologist, forester, conservationist, environmentalist and scientist.

He was best known for his book, A Sand County Almanac (1949). Leopold was influential in the development of modern environmental ethics and in the movement for wilderness and wildlife conservation. His ethics of nature and wildlife management had a profound impact on the environmental movement, with his ecocentric ethics regarding land.

Jim Pfitzer: Jim’s show, Aldo Leopold – A Standard of Change, continues to find success around the country in theaters, conferences, universities and festivals.

MARCH - 2017

57

Feature Story

The Mighty Oak I

n the central Missouri bottomlands lies a bend in the road that hugs a giant oak tree. Known as “the Big Tree,” the McBaine oak is a king in the court of bur oak trees. It began its reign more than a hundred years before Lewis and Clark passed down the Mighty MO a few hundred yards away. It has witnessed surrounding native flora turn to cropland and the river confined to her channel.

The McBaine oak stood in 9 feet of water for weeks during the flood of 1993 and has survived tornados, fire, and lightening. This beloved state champion tree ranks as the mightiest bur oak around and regally represents the most fabled genus of trees in North America. Missouri is home to more than 19 species of oak.

The rich history of oak trees runs across the land from their prized timber to their role in legends and lore. What may be less known about oak trees is the endless support they lend to wildlife. Beginning with the tiniest invertebrate, oak trees collectively host 534 species of caterpillars in the eastern United States. This includes two species of the silk moth family—the largest moths in North America.

58

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

These caterpillars support numerous bird species—96% of terrestrial birds in North America feed invertebrates to their young. A European study indicates that the more caterpillars trees support, the more nesting birds are attracted to raising their young nearby.

Additionally, oak trees add bird diversity to the area.

Some birds are largely oak dependent such as blue jays, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch and of course woodpeckers. Find a good crop of acorns and a red-bellied woodpecker is sure to be nearby, busily caching acorns for harder times.

The acorns that fall to the ground are a long awaited feast for deer, turkeys, squirrels, and black bears.

The bountiful acorn crop of 2014 spread out the deer population and left hunters wondering when the deer would return to their food plots. This was a stark difference to the acorn crop of 2008 that was 49% below the 48-year average.

Feature Story Like crops, acorn production is weather-dependent.

Oak tree species are classified as belonging to either the red oak or white oak group. Red oak trees produce acorn crops every two years; white oaks every year.

The Easter freeze of 2007 hit as the oak trees were flowering, wiping out the white oak crop for that year and the red oak acorn crop for the following year.

These shortages in acorns sent the deer searching for other food sources, concentrating them in food plots and agricultural fields.

Squirrels are entirely dependent upon nut production and the drop in acorns will send them looking for other nuts such as hickory and walnut. This may make squirrels more visible as they move around looking for a new food source. It can also cause low reproduction rates in the spring.

Being able to identify red oaks from white oaks can help with finding wildlife. Deer prefer white oak acorns as they are sweeter in taste. White oak trees include bur, overcup, and chinquapin oak. Their leaves are lobed or wavy and have smooth, rounded edges.

The red oak family includes black, pin, shingle, willow, and shumard oak trees. This species can be distinguished by pointed or spiny ends to their leaves. Even in the case of shingle oaks, where the leaves are not lobed, you can still see a pointed, bristled tip at the end of the leaf. The higher tannic acid in the acorns makes them bitter.

A good survey of a trees in an area can help you find concentrations of red and white oak trees and the wildlife that depend upon them.

You can also enjoy oak trees and the wildlife they attract on your property by purchasing these trees from Grow Native! professional members who sell them. Visit www.grownative.org for resources.

Mary Nemececk Conservation Chair of Burroughs Audubon

THE BURR OAK DESCRIPTION A medium to very large tree with a broad, spreading, rounded crown, a massive trunk, and low, large, spreading branches.

HABITAT In the Ozarks, occurs in low woods in valleys or on lower slopes and along streams; in northern Missouri, occurs in upland woods as well as in valleys and in degraded or former savannas. It prefers the floodplains of our major streams but is also one of the few trees to grow on moist prairies and plains. When westering pioneers first encountered the vast sunny grasslands of the Midwest, the open groves of these massive trees provided them with the most delightful shade they had ever known.

STATUS Sometimes called "mossycup oak" for the fringed scales on the edge of the acorn cup. "Bur" also refers to those shaggy fringes. Bur oaks can live for hundreds of years and become giants; many have legendary or historic status. The famous Council Oak at Sioux City, Iowa, was the shade tree under which (according to legend) explorers Lewis and Clark met with a group of Native Americans in 1803; when it was cut in the 1970s, a replacement bur oak was planted soon after to mark the historic spot.

ECOSYSTEM As with most oaks, the nuts of this species CONNECTIONS are eaten by many birds and mammals.

The larvae of acorn weevils eat acorns, too! If you collect acorns, don't be surprised if a few contain these grubs.

Once the larvae exit the acorn, they burrow into the ground to become skinnynosed, brown beetles.

Visit mdc.mo.gov for more information on the Burr Oak.

The caterpillar larvae of the polyphemus moth, one of the largest moths in North America, feed on oak leaves.

(Photo: Mary Nemececk) MARCH - 2017

59

Outdoor News

Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt Set for 2017

C

FM is pleased to announce Governor Greitens is continuing the tradition of hosting the Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt. The 2017 Youth Turkey Season takes place on April 8 & 9. The Conservation Federation partners with MDC and the National Wild Turkey Federation to support the Governor in hosting this event.

The Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt begins with firearms safety training and turkey hunting instruction on Friday, April 7. Participants and their guardians are then invited to a formal dinner at the Governor’s Mansion. While being treated to dinner, participants will hear from Governor Greitens, CFM Executive Director Butler, MDC Director Pauley and other leaders of the conservation community.

Hunters then disperse across the state to camps set up with private landowners who serve as volunteer hosts and mentors. Hunting takes place on Saturday and Sunday. In 2016, 12 out of 16 youth hunters harvested a turkey, but all the youth hunters were successful in experiencing nature through a safe, enjoyable and educational hunt.

The Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt is an exceptional way for Missouri youth to experience their first hunt. If you know of a child between the ages of 11-15 who would benefit from taking part in this outstanding experience, please fill out and mail in the accompanying application. Space is limited. For more applications, visit www.monwtf.org.

The 2016 Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt was a success.

Registration Form Name of Student __________________________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ Age __________ E-mail address ____________________________________________ Parent/Guardian __________________________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________ City ____________________________ State _____ Zip____________ Phone Number ____________________________________________ Were you recommended by a local chapter of the NWTF? What chapter? __________________________________

Send completed application to: John Burk, 7152 Tomahawk Lane, Steedman, MO 65077.

All information is due by April 1, 2017.

In addition to filling out the information above please enclose a letter describing why you wish to participate in the hunt and whether or not you have ever hunted previously. Priority will be given to first time hunters but first time turkey hunters will also be welcome if there are openings available.

Conservation Day at the Capitol April 12, 2017 Missouri State Capitol 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join conservationists from across Missouri at the State Capitol for a day of celebrating and supporting conservation and natural resources Broadcasting Live: The Morning Shag with Shags and Trevor: 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The 3rd floor Rotunda will be filled with booths hosted by CFM affiliate organizations. Learn about diverse conservation organizations and how we all work together to protect and conserve our natural resources. Meet your legislators and tell them how much conservation and natural resources matter to you.

For an affiliate booth contact: Laurie Coleman at LColeman@confedmo.org or 573-634-2322

Feature Story

The Daughter Delight of a Wannabe Mountain Man

T

he nurse handed over my first-born wrapped in a tiny pink blanket. Transfixed by the onslaught of emotion, I gazed into her angelic eyes while wondering what in the heck I was going to do.

Thirteen months later, this same scene repeated itself.

62

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

A Midwesterner by birth, my only goal upon college graduation was moving out West to become a mountain man. I moved to Montana, but instead of being swept downriver by a rushing current, I was swept off my feet by a woman. In the span of just two years, Melissa and I married and had two daughters.

Feature Story Before I ever arrowed an elk, I was back in Indiana.

Football, fishing and hunting; these are the things I understand. I was supposed to have sons. I was going to teach them the thrill of busting through the line to smash a running back, the many advantages of a slip-bobber and the importance of always keeping the wind in your face. I was meant to date cheerleaders, not raise them. But sons weren’t in the cards for me, and now, eleven years later, I thank God every day.

Being a father of daughters is the greatest gift a man’s man will ever know. My little girls have developed my softer side, and I am a better man because of them.

Bailee is a hunter. She’s athletic and has inherited my competitive nature. She killed a turkey on her first hunt when she was seven. The next spring, she cried when she missed. Bailee fishes, camps, hikes and turns over rocks in the river just to see what’s crawling underneath. She wants to skydive. I won’t let her.

Annabel is a butterfly. She floats through life.

Her nickname is “Oopsy,” because trees and rocks have a way of jumping out in front of her. Letting a breeze sway her hammock as she draws pictures is her paradise. She’s also fond of fly-fishing, which is fitting. Fly fishing requires a sort of concentrated aloofness.

Hugs and kisses everyday, resounding laughter, intense curiosity, curled lips and crocodile tears Annabel and I took a trip, just the two of us, to constantly pull at different heart strings, and Arkansas. We spent three days fishing and floating. responding to each unique daddy/ With each trout she pulled from daughter situation is a test I Run Creek, her confidence Hugs and kisses everyday, Dry was never prepared for. The give grew. It was like watching a resounding laughter, and take of my relationship with balloon fill until it popped. Then my daughters requires a level she wanted to go take pictures intense curiosity, curled of carefulness void from other of birds. lips and crocodile tears aspects of my aggressive nature. constantly pull at different Grandsons would be cool As a new father of a baby girl, someday. But for now, life as a heart strings, and everyone wants to tell you, “Girls father of daughters couldn’t be responding to each unique better. I never suspected love like the outdoors too.” But you know it won’t be the same. And daddy/daughter situation this intense could exist, nor that it’s not. But in many ways, it’s it could be so fun giving myself is a test I was never better. One reason it’s better is to these two tiny creatures who because you pay closer attention scare me senseless, yet motivate prepared for. to girls. You remain more my every next move. present in the moment. Males are hardwired to be protective of females, and on Raising cheerleaders, and they both do cheer, was the water and in woods it shows. I’ve observed my not the dream of this wanderlust, wannabe mountain friends, all great dads, with their sons. It’s different. man. Today, all I can say is, I’m thankful life has a Their leash is longer. way of working itself out. If you are open to accepting of the joys that come your way in life, you’ll find Bailee is now 11 and Annabel is 10. They’re amazing, more happiness than you ever thought possible. Mine and similar in a lot of ways. They’ve had no chance to is rooted in the love of my little girls. escape the wonders of nature in our household, and thankfully they have each embraced the outdoors.

Brandon Butler They love Willie, our Labrador, and each received Executive Director, CFM a kayak this past Christmas. They’re gleeful when they hear the whistle of a bobwhite quail. They can spot a deer in the brush 100 yards away. They know the value of morel mushrooms, even though they don’t like the taste. Yet as much as they share, their profound differences are also apparent.

MARCH - 2017

63

Celebrate 81 Years of CFM!

81

Annual Convention

st

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on CFMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest event of the year!

March 10-12, 2017 Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City, MO Convention Highlights:

This is the time for conservationists to gather and share fellowship, present awards and craft resolutions to improve the outdoors.

Annual Conservation Awards Ceremony Meet Conservation & Natural Resource Leaders Natural Resource Committee Reports Banquet, Silent and Live Auctions

Enjoy the opportunity to connect with other sportsmen who share your passion.

Check inside this issue for more details and a registration form.

For more information, visit: www.confedmo.org/annual-convention/ or call 573-634-2322

M

an uri o s is

Ser

vin g

e Air Nati Pudradjacent states ves

ww

Specialists in native vegetation including seed and live plants for wetland mitigation, erosion control, green infrastructure, slope stabilization and landscapes comprised of native plants.

co m w.pur e a i r n a t i v e s.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THEY COULDN’T BE IN THE

SAME ROOM

TOGETHER

1400 W. Henry St. Sedalia, MO

800-223-8799

ExploreBranson.com

www.sierrabullets.com

Free Tours • Factory Seconds Outlet Store

MARCH - 2017

65

You’ve got it bagged with legendary Hodgdon powders.

Phone 913-362-9455 www.hodgdon.com

H170-044538-6_MOWildlifeGuide_Ad.indd 1

6/13/16 4:30 PM

10%

DISCOUNT FOR CFM MEMBERS

THE EXTRAS AREN’T EXTRA!® Free Hot Breakfast Free 5:30 Kickback® Free WiFi Throughout the Hotel Swimming Pools with Whirlpools Microwave & Refrigerator in Every Room

1-800-DRURYINN | DruryHotels.com ZDOWHU NQROO ñRULVW FRQVHUYDWLRQ IHGHUDWLRQ RI PR RFW

Proud to support our outdoor heritage Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives 66

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Explore

Outdoors: KANSAS the

CITY

Save the date for our Kansas City Regional Event.

When:

Where: What:

April 29, 2017

Banquet doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner at 7:15 p.m., with live and silent auctions Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO Dinner Banquet Silent and Live Auctions

The cost is $50 per person with discounts for familes.

The price includes a one-year membership to CFM.

For information on sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit

www.confedmo.org/kansas-city/

If there are errors in your name or address, please notify us at: Missouri Wildlife 728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call 573-634-2322.