MARCH 2016 - VOL 77 | NO 2

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

MARCH 2016 - VOL 77 | NO. 2

Director’s Message

Attend Convention to Influence Conservation CFM is actively involved in state and national issues relating to conservation. We have long been a prominent and effective voice before the Missouri General Assembly, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The members of CFM are the conscience of hunters, fishermen, foresters, campers, trappers, hikers, paddlers, birdwatchers and more. CFM speaks for wildlife and natural resource enthusiasts whenever and wherever necessary to support the future of Missouri outdoors.

In fact, most of the conservation legislation in Missouri today exists because of CFM’s strong advocacy work.

If you have any question about what the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) does, then you need to attend our annual convention. I assure you this small investment of time and money will leave you much more aware of conservation and natural resource issues in Missouri, and more importantly, you’ll learn how you may influence the future of our state’s great outdoors.

This year’s convention, CFM’s 80th, is being held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, March 18-20. Friday night kicks off Convention in style with our annual awards ceremony. During the day on Saturday, CFM resource committees meet to discuss issues of concern within certain segments of conservation and natural resources. Committees produce resolutions to help shape the future of our state. Our Saturday night banquet features entertainment and dinner along with silent and live auctions. The auctions are always a highlight of Convention, and the money raised is put to great use.

CFM is not a branch of state government or an entity of a public agency. It is a non-profit, citizen-led organization made up of tens-of-thousands of Missourians who work together to better our natural resources.

For example, if you’re a passionate deer hunter, then you’ll want to attend the meeting of the Deer, Wild Turkey and Elk resource committee. You’ll hear reports from the Department of Conservation deer biologist, along with the turkey and elk biologists. Then attendees will hear and vote on proposed resolutions that may ultimately steer the direction of rules and regulations relating to deer, wild turkey and elk. If there is a change you would like to see made, then this committee meeting is where you can have your voice heard and look for others of the same mindset to join forces.

Maybe paddling is your thing. Or your passion lies with involving the next generation in the outdoors. Maybe you live for state parks. Whatever it is that drives you outdoors, CFM has many members who care just like you.

Convention is where they all come together. You should be there.

Lend your voice to Missouri’s largest and most active conservation organization. Take a moment and register on our website for CFM’s 80th Annual Convention.

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM

RESOURCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS Archery Camping, Hiking, Trails & Water Sports Deer, Wild Turkey & Elk Ecology, Environment, Climate Change & Energy

Fisheries Forestry Furbearers & Black Bears Grasslands Natural History, Parks & Wildlands

Rivers, Streams & Water Resources Small Game & Game Birds Sportsman’s Rights, Firearms & Hunter Safety Waterfowl & Wetlands Youth Leadership & Conservation Education

MARCH - 2016

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CONTENTS

Conservation Federation March 2016 - V77 No. 2

Features

OFFICERS

46

40 18

18

MDC to Ban Feral Hog Hunting “The proposed ban on hog hunting on conservation lands is a direct result of misguided hunters disrupting trapping efforts by MDC staff."

30

Minnesota's Lake of the Woods: An Angler's Dream

40

To Find Spring, Find a Woodland

46

1st Vice President

Gary Van De Velde

2nd Vice President

Nicole Wood

Secretary

Randy Washburn

Treasurer

STAFF Brandon Butler

Executive Director & Editor

Rehan Nana

Director of Corporate Relations

Emma Kessinger

Communications Director

Micaela Haymaker

Director of Operations

Laurie Coleman

Membership Director

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Spring Ephemerals create a spectacular spring display. Learn what flowers Missouri has to offer and where to find them.

Hunting white geese provides an exciting challenge for waterfowl hunters. Read about the success story of the Conservation Order.

Departments

Highlights

3

Director’s Message

17

Wildgame Recipe

6

Business Alliance Spotlight

21

Fishing March Bass

8

President's Message

22

Share the Harvest - 2015

Member News Member Memories New Members, Memorials Gear Guide Calendar

29

Moving St. Louisans Past the Rams and Into the Outdoors

44

Historic Route 66 Bridge's Restoration Efforts

48

Chicago Ferris Wheel Comes to Branson

23

Affiliate Spotlight

32

Agency News

4

President

Ron Coleman

The next installment of CFM's Federation Destinations a fishing destination known as "The Walleye Capital of the World."

White Geese: A Springtime Favorite

10

Al Vogt

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Missouri Wildlife is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Missouri Wildlife (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 Missouri Wildlife.

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

Send address changes to: Missouri Wildlife 728 W. Main St. Jefferson City, MO 65101 LColeman@confedmo.org | 573-634-2322

FRONT COVER Snow Goose Hunt Credit: Bill Konway Copyright: Bill Konway

Business Alliance

Thank you to all of our Business Alliance members.

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Alps OutdoorZ Enbridge, Inc. MidwayUSA Riley Chevrolet Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC Show Me Farms Weston Products United Country Real Estate

Burgers’ Smokehouse Custom Metal Products CZ-USA Doolittle Trailer Forrest Keeling Nursery G&W Meat & Bavarian Style Sausage Co. G3 Boats Learfield Communication, Inc.

Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina Lowe Boats Missouri Humanities Council Missouri Wildflowers Nursery National Feather-Craft Co. Poke N’ Stoke Pure Air Natives, Inc. Scott’s Power Equipment Starline, Inc.

Bronze Advantage Metals Recycling Ameren Missouri Association of Missouri Electric Coop.

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Drury Hotels

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. Huzzah Valley Resort Inn at Grand Glaize James T. Blair IV Missouri Wine & Grape Board

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

Greenbrier Wetland Services Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc. Hartco Exteriors Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Kansas City Parks and Recreation Kleinschmidt’s Western Store Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative Lew’s Fishing Logboat Brewery Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Midwest Mailing Service Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Credit Union

Missouri Deer Classic Missouri Mavericks Missouri Teardrops MTAR Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. REMAX Boone Realty Shade Tree Service, Inc. Shady Lane Cabins & Motel Tabor Plastics Company Tanks Pawn & Gun Truman’s Bar & Grill White River Valley Electric Cooperative United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Iron 3 Creeks Outdoor Group Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Blue Springs Harley Davidson Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Columbia Daily Tribune Commerce Bank Dickerson Park Zoo Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Fast Yeti General Printing Service

Learn how your business can benefit from supporting conservation by contacting Rehan Nana at 573-634-2322 or RNana@confedmo.org.

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Business Alliance

Martin Metal Builds New Partnership with CFM Martin Metal is truly your "One-Stop Shop" for any post or stud frame-building project. The company offers everything you will need including metal roofing and siding, lumber products, CHI overhead garage doors, walk-in doors, windows, fasteners, insulation products, vinyl siding materials and trim and custom post frame and stud frame building packages. It has never been easier for the do-it-yourselfer to complete a project.

Jason Martin (left) and Ammon Martin (right) are presented a Platinum Business Alliance Granite plaque by Brandon Butler. (Photo: Rehan Nana)

T

he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is pleased to announce Martin Metal as the organization’s newest Platinum Level Business Alliance. Located just outside Versailles, MO in the heart of Mennonite country, Martin Metal is a modern, multifaceted company that offers everything you will need for your next building project.

“Martin Metal is proud to be supporting the outdoors through the Conservation Federation of Missouri,” said Jason Martin of Martin Metal. “Being a Missouribased company, we look for every opportunity to support the state. We understand the important work CFM does for conservation, and look forward to helping CFM with their crucial efforts to protect our natural resources and preserve Missouri’s heritage.”

In recent years, Martin Metal has seen a surge in the metal roofing and siding business. More and more residential consumers are realizing the many benefits of metal roofing and are taking advantage of the savings and durability of the metal versus conventional shingles.

The company rolls form steel at their location, Rolls of metal are turned into siding on site.

(Photo: Rehan Nana) allowing them to get the product to the customer the same day as ordered if necessary. Being located near the Lake of the Ozarks, the company has seen a noticeable increase in metal roofing sales for property owners. The maintenance free advantages and durability of metal roofing make it a perfect choice for a property owner.

"We understand the important work CFM does for conservation, and look forward to helping CFM with their crucial efforts to protect our natural resources and preserve Missouri’s heritage.”

Martin Metal was founded by Eli and Edna Martin in 1986.

The company is now owned by their good friend Glen Graber, but is still operated by some of Eli and Edna's sons. Ammon Martin is the CEO of the company. Jason Martin is the assistant manager and oversees the day-to-day operations within the company.

Many other family members work at Martin Metal as well, helping to create a welcoming family environment.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

The company also offers custom wood frame trusses manufactured in their own truss plant. They can order trusses to your specifications to complete your building package and even delivery them to your home or job site with the aid or their roll-off truss trailer for your convenience.

When it comes to doing business, Martin Metal continues to keep it simple, provide the best products for the fairest prices, respect and trust customers while exceeding customer expectations.

Rehan Nana Director of Corporate Relations, CFM

18151 Hwy K,Versailles, MO 65084 (866) 378-4050 Website: www.MartinMetalLLC.com Email: sales@MartinMetalLLC.com

Metal Roofing & Siding Overhead Doors Walk-in Doors Windows Full Lumber Yard Custom Trusses

MARCH - 2016

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President’s Message

Missouri Conservation Past, Present and Future Greetings Conservationists!

It has been my privilege and honor to serve as CFM’s president for the past two years. In this, my final President's column, I offer some thoughts about CFM’s influence on Missouri conservation in the past, present and future.

Past - The development of today’s conservation began in the 1930’s when a group of dedicated, clear-thinking, conservation-minded citizens formed the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). CFM started by organizing citizen support that led to the creation of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Decades later, CFM helped secure approval of a dedicated 1/8 of one percent sales tax to fund the Department of Conservation’s Design for Conservation. Citizens then gained a dedicated 1/10 of one percent sales tax to support the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation and State Parks. These historic actions spoke volumes about the depth of Missourians dedication to conserving our natural resources. That’s history to be proud of!

Present - CFM’s mission includes ensuring the conservation of wildlife and natural resources through partnerships and collaboration. In 2009, CFM organized a summit involving 150 outdoor leaders addressing the future of Missouri outdoors. The summit led to the formation of a CFM Outdoor Action Committee (OAKS).

OAKS is actively developing collaborative projects involving state and federal agencies, municipalities, academia, conservation groups, agribusinesses and private individuals to support outdoor conservation projects. Two of the most recent projects address arresting the decline of monarch butterflies and other pollinators and developing information and opportunities to increase public participation in outdoor activities that are not only enjoyable, but also good for one's health.

A family of present and future conservation stewards walk a trail at Rock Bridge State Park in Columbia.

Other ongoing collaborative projects and programs: Teaming with Wildlife to protect wildlife from becoming endangered; Share the Harvest to provide venison for the hungry; Missouri Stream Teams to target cleaning streams and water quality; Katy Trail State Parks to create public access to recreation; and the Conservation Leadership Corps to engage youth conservation leadership. There will be many more.

Future - It is comforting to realize that Missouri is ready and capable to tackle future conservation challenges.

However, lest we become complacent, I suggest there are at least three specific challenges that require vigilance: 1. Protecting the dedicated Conservation Sales Tax that supports Missouri’s Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources 2. Continuing collaborative partnerships to address conservation issues 3. Engaging youth in outdoor experiences on the trail toward becoming future conservation stewards

Yours in Conservation, Al Vogt President, CFM

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

A LITTLE CHANGE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE A few cents here and there may not seem like much.

But your contributions to The Cabela’s Outdoor Fund really add up.

A tax-exempt organization, the Fund works tirelessly at lobbying and advocacy for conservation and promotion of hunting, fishing, camping, boating and other outdoor activities. Thanks to your donations, children across North America have the opportunity to enjoy their first experiences in the outdoors through hands-on education programs. The valuable skills and principles learned by these young men and women will help ensure a thriving great outdoors for generations to come.

We at Cabela’s truly appreciate your generosity toward a cause dear to us all.

The Outdoor Fund is a tax-exempt organization dedicated to the promotion of conservation and of hunting, fishing, camping, boating and other outdoor sporting and recreational activities. The Fund engages primarily in lobbying and advocacy for these activities. The Fund is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to the Fund are not deductible as charitable contributions under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

MARCH - 2016

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Member News

Member Memories (Left) Submitted by Scott Wilson: Zack and Chewy patiently wait for ducks outside the blind.

(Bottom) Submitted by Brittney Cliburn: Brittney practices her archery skills before her next morning in the tree stand.

(Top) Submitted by Seth Jackson: Seth waited patiently to photograph this eagle and two juveniles at the Moses Eagle Village Park in Stella, Mo. (Left) Submitted by Lance Sitton: Joe Angel, left, battles a boulder at the newly developed area dubbed "Narrow Gap Bluff." The area features amazing climbing and a beautiful overlook.

(Right) Submitted by Vincent Gaia: Vincent photographs the mesmerizing night sky in North St. Louis County just outside of Sioux Passage Park. The night was the first clear chance to photograph star trails after weeks of waiting.

Share your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and they could be published in the next issue!

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

ConFedMo

Member News

WELCOME

NEW

Clif Baumer, Columbia Nanci Beck, Holts Summit Louise Belt, Chesterfield Ted Betzen, Springfield Dan Billington, Chamois Stephen Bost, Salem Timothy Brooks, Louisiana Penney Bush-Boyce, Saint Louis Michael Canfield, Warsaw Marie Casey, Saint Louis Corey Cottrell, Steelville David Cowan, Columbia Paul Crombie, Marthasville Stephen Dahl, Ballwin Scott Darrough, Hillsboro David DeGraffenreid, Boonville Helen Dohr, Saint Louis Mark Entrup, Springfield Elizabeth Ewers, Columbia Susan Ford, Licking Matthew Gompper, Columbia Johnny & Margie Green, Auxvasse Belinda Henson, Aldrich Kristen Hirst, Holts Summit Michael Hochstedler, Lees Summit Lynne Hooper, Hartsburg Greg Hrdina, Columbia Alan & Allison Hughes, Saint Louis Vernon Hull, Maryland Heights Janice Karson, Kansas City Ed Kniep, Saint Louis Warren Lammert, Jr., Saint Louis Steven Lechner, Saint Louis Donald Leible, Farmington Scott Lenharth, Nevada Kenneth Liefer, Saint Charles Melva Long, Saint Louis Fred Luth, Saint Louis Ammon Martin, Versailles Ilion Miller, Saint Louis

Byron Minor, Columbia Donna Moore, Bowling Green, KY Barbara Mungenast, Saint Louis Raymond Noll, Columbia Harry Pfeifer, Ballwin William Piper, Saint Louis Byron Putman, Nixa Antonio Racela, Belton Mike Renaud, Charleston Paul Rivard, Chesterfield James Robertson, Rutledge Michael Roper, Kansas City Laura Ruman, Columbia David Rush, Belton Joseph Schulte, Valley Park Fred Schuman, Troy Carl Settergren, Columbia Norma Shadrach, Hazelwood Stanford Shanker, Chesterfield Nancy Shy, Chillicothe Nicholas Sievert, Columbia Howard Sprick, Franklin Bruce Striler, Ballwin Gregory Strnad, Washington Bart Strother, Kansas City Forrest Summers, Columbia Kenneth Swails, O’Fallon Ron Terwilliger, Belton Lonnie Thompson, Perryville Lois Thornton, Saint Louis Gregory Vadner, Jefferson City Brandon Vogt, Colorado Springs, CO Frank Warren, Saint Louis Bob Whitehead, Chesterfield Jerry Williams, Republic Stephen Young, Strafford

CFM MEMBERS

CFM thanks the 269 members who renewed since our last publication.

&

Honorariums Memorials In memory of Ed Kissinger:

Mary Smith, Jefferson City Norman & Beth Stucky, Jefferson City

In memory of Dt. Lt. Colonel William McGeehan: Steve & Marilynn Bradford, Jefferson City

In memory of Sy & Sara Seidler: Ron & Rhonda Coleman, Saint Albans Larry & Delores Yamnitz, Jefferson City

In memory of Ryan Urban: Catherine Crump, Berkeley, CA Salima Merani, Newport Coast, CA Robert Nash, Canterbury Pratt, Mitchell & Co., Salem Jennifer Urban, Kensington, CA

In memory of Jim Wilmurth: Richard Ash & Judy Dixon, Nixa

MARCH - 2016

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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.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Member News

Gear Guide ALPS OUTDOORZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest - BUSINESS ALLIANCE The NWTF Grand Slam Turkey vest by ALPS is the ultimate turkey vest on the market today. With state of the art features such as the "sit anywhere" kickstand frame, thick padded fold away seat, a smartphone sleeve that allows you to use your phone while it's still in the pack, and a removable diaphragm call pocket among many others, this vest delivers. Other features include shell loops, H2O compatibility, side compression straps, two water bottle pockets, detachable shoulder straps and a protective and silent box call pocket. www.alpsoutdoorz.com

EBR Shotgun Slugs Engel Ballistic Research Inc., (EBR) is offering specialized ammunition for big game hunters and avid target shooters. EBR’s wide range of subsonic and frangible ammunitions – originally designed for law enforcement and military-specific use – are now available for purchase within civilian markets. The new 12-gauge slug designed for hunting large game. The 475-grain, copper projectile is unique in that it rapidly expands up to 1.4325 inches within the first inch of soft tissue, and is accurate at distances up to 100 yards. www.ebrammo.com

Plano FIELD LOCKER™ Case Engineered to meet military specifications, Plano's new Field Locker™ line of cases provides top-level protection for your valuables in the outdoors. Equipped with reinforced construction, watertight seals, double-density foam, industrial draw-down latches and customizable inserts, these cases provide security for the transportation and storage of firearms, camera equipment, fishing reels and other equipment in need of durable protection. www.planomolding.com

CMP Steel Targets - BUSINESS ALLIANCE The steel targets produced by Custom Metal Products (CMP) are made from AR500 hardened steel for long life and minimum damage due to bullet strikes. The stands, bases and mounting brackets are made from normal steel and can be damaged by repeated bullet strikes, and will not withstand rifle bullet strikes. The design of the targets protects much of the base with the AR500 target face, but occasional hits will occur. The hardware used to mount the targets is Grade 8 and will withstand bullet strikes. The gong targets (pictured) can be used with all handgun and most rifle calibers. Replacement hardware is available for sale.

And best of all, they are made in Missouri. www.custommetalprod.com

GSI Gourmet Kitchen Set 11 The GSI Gourmet Kitchen Set 11 includes everything else needed to make sure your family or friends are fed well during your next camping adventure. The all-in-one, 11-piece kitchen set includes every utensil needed for a gourmet expedition. It’s attractive zippered ballistic nylon case keeps everything organized and secure. Each utensil is made from safe, food-grade, BPA-free materials. The set includes: collapsible whisk, pivot spoon, pivot spatula, spicer, two condiment containers, cutting board, scrubber, scraper, camp towel and ballistic nylon carrying case. www.gsioutdoors.com MARCH - 2016

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Member News

CALENDAR AFFILIATE EVENTS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI APR 16: Birding Event, El Dorado Springs APR 29-30: Spring Meeting, Bunker Hill Retreat, Mountain View BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MAR 1: Purple Martins: Establishing and Growing a Colony, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, Kansas City (6pm) MAR 5: Bird Banding with Missouri River Bird Observatory, Burroughs Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (10am-1pm) APR 16: Native Plant Sale, Backyard Bird Center, Kansas City (9am-2pm) GREENWAY NETWORK MAR 3: Confluence Trash Bash Planning Meeting (3-4:30pm) MAR 6: Team Leader Training, Columbia Bottoms (10-11am) MAR7: Monthly Board Meeting, St. Peters (7-9pm) MAR 9: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A's Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30-8:30pm) MAR 9: Team Leader Training Cleanup, Columbia Bottoms (9am-1pm) MAR 19: Confluence Trash Bash (8am-1pm) APR 2: Mission: Clean Stream 2016 (8am1pm) APR 4: Monthly Board Meeting, St. Peters (7-9pm) APR 13: Big Muddy Paddle/Speaker Series, Big A's Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:308:30pm) APR 24: Saint Louis Earth Day Festival, Muny Grounds - Forest Park (9am-5pm) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED MAR 1: Monthly Meeting, Jack's Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7pm) APR 5: Monthly Meeting, Jack's Gourmet Restaurant, Columbia (7pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION MAR 9: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm) APR 13: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7:30pm) MISSOURI ASSN. OF MEAT PROCESSORS MAR 4-6: 77th Annual Convention and Trade Show, Columbia

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAR 5: Yellow Creek Texas Hold'em, Brookfield Tire, Brookfield (5-10pm); Jeff Hil (660) 258-2391 MAR 5: Shrimp Boil, Knights of Columbus, Columbia (6-10pm); Gary Ford (573) 4245386 MAR 5: 15th Anniversary Christian County Dinner and Reunion, Event Center, Nixa (5:30-10pm); Scott Lambeth (417) 838-8441 MAR 5: Odessa Dinner, Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Odessa (5-9:30pm); Vic Barker (816) 456-6100 MAR 12: Callaway County Dinner, St. Peters Catholic Church, Fulton (5:30pm-9pm); Drew Oestrich (573) 220-3000 MAR 12: Platte City Dinner, Platte County Fairgrounds, Platte City (5:30-9:30pm); Harry Lett (816) 532-3202 MAR 12: Saline County Dinner, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall (5:30-10pm); Jeff Knott (660) 202-3422 MAR 12: River Bend Annual Sportsman's Dinner, Eagles Lodge, New Madrid (6-10pm); Jonathan Riggs (573) 748-0890 MAR 19: Missouri State Convention, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia (6-10pm); Sharon Koch (314) 707-4993 MAR 26: Tri Lakes Annual Banquet, Big Cedar Grandview Conference Center, Ridgedale (6-9:30pm); Matt Hogenson (417) 331-0203 APR 2: Wetland for Kids Greenwing, August Busch Conservation Area, Saint Charles (10am-3pm); Justin Raith (573) 783-9784 APR 9: Saint Joseph Dinner, Moila Country Club, Saint Joseph (5:30-10pm); Chris Thompson (816) 383-2410 APR 9: 2016 Missouri State Banquet, Veridian Event Center, Springfield (5:3010pm); Trevor Reger (660) 247-2817 APR 9: NEMO Spring Dinner, Pike County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green (6-10pm); Linda Leffeler (573) 470-6234 APR 9: Saint Louis - Mid County Dinner, Elks Lodge, Saint Louis (2-6pm); Sam Kopsic (314) 229-5138 or Joe Kopsic (314) 255-7366 APR 16: Monroe City Dinner, Knights of Columbus, Monroe City (5-10pm); Richard Renner (573) 795-8121 APR 16: Troy Dinner, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Troy (5-9pm); Shane Creasy (636) 322-9747 APR 23: Wentzville Dinner, Recreation Center, New Melle (5:30-10pm); Levi Thomas (314) 723-1034

MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION MAR 12: 5th Annual Spring Fling Trap and Turkey Shoot, Lake Lotawana Sportsman's Club, Lake Lotawana (1-7pm); Stacie Hubler (816) 726-7084 MAR 19-20: Youth Hunter Education Clinic Chukar Hunt, Baier's Den Hunting Preserve, Peculiar; Jerri Lynn Keith (816) 309-8612 APR 9-10: Youth Hunter Education Clinic - Turkey Hunt, Lake Lotawana Sportsman's Club, Lake Lotawana; Steve Rulo (816) 9873336 MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION MAR 3: Current River Longbeards, So MO Baptist Assembly, Van Buren; Delbert Dewolf (573) 660-1119 MAR 3: Bayou Strutters, Cedars Banquet and Gatherings, East Prairie; Larry Neal (314) 334-4942 MAR 4: Parkville Gobblers, Athletic Complex, Parkville; John Shene (816) 365-2856 MAR 4: Stealth Gobblers, Elks Lodge, Warrensburg; David McCannon (660) 7478260 MAR 4: Osage Prairie Thunderin Toms, Eagles Lodge, Nevada; Adam Dean (417) 448-7380 MAR 4: Rocky Top Limbhangers, Howell County Rural Fire Station #1, West Plains; Larry Lindeman (417) 256-0980 MAR 5: Cooper County Limbhangers, Knights of Columbus, Boonville MAR 5: Mark Twain Forest Longspurs, Lions Club, Potosi; Tony Hollinsworth (573) 4382219 MAR 5: Turkey Creek Longbeards, Elks Lodge, Joplin; Terry Greer (417) 434-6745 MAR 5: Sho-me Missouri, White River Banquet Hall, Springfield; Matthew Kramer (417) 839-6366 MAR 5: Platte Purchase, Knights of Columbus, Saint Joseph; Bryan Lukehart (816) 244-6858 MAR 11: Putnam County Chapter, Putnam County High School Commons, Unionville; Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 MAR 11: Lake of the Ozarks Chapter, Tri County Convention Center, Versailles; Kurt Heisler (573) 569-0550 MAR 11: Carman Springs Longbeards, Willow Springs R-4 Elementary Cafeteria, Willow Springs; Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 MAR 12: NEMO, American Legion, Hannibal; Travis Moore (573) 231-2859

Member News MAR 12: Yellow Creek Gobblers, Walsworth Community Building, Marceline; Dennis Paalhar (660) 537-3459 MAR 12: Randolph County Longbeards, St. Pius X Gymnasium, Moberly; Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 MAR 12: Heartland Gobblers, American Legion, Poplar Bluff; Chuck Stewart (573) 222-7182 MAR 12: Saint Louis Longbeards, Elks Lodge, Saint Louis; Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAR 18: King City Strutters, Tri Co. Alt. Energy, King City; Justin Washburn (660) 535-4824 MAR 18: Pike County Twin River, Elks Lodge, Louisiana; Timothy Brooks (573) 754-6692 MAR 18: Reynolds County, Reynolds County Fairgrounds, Redford; Gary Black (573) 6379344 MAR 19: Kingsville Ridge Runners, NEMO Fairgrounds, Kirksville; Josh Meyer (660) 665-4300 MAR 19: Big River Gobblers, Knights of Columbus, House Springs; Rich Christopher (636) 274-2574 MAR 19: River Hills Thunderin Longbeards, Knights of Columbus, Bloomsdale; Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 MAR 25: Lake Show-me Longbeards, VFW Post 4958, Memphis; Chris Comstock (660) 216-0634 MAR 26: Saline County Strutters, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall; Joe Pycke (660) 631-3407 APR 1: Lewis County Strutters, Queen of Peace Parish, Ewing; Ron Richardson (660) 462-3640 APR 2: North Central Local, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe; Bill Wehrle (660) 646-4362 APR 2: Platte County Longspurs, Platte County Fairgrounds, Tracy; Brandon Biddle (816) 509-7588 APR 2: Four Rivers, Knights of Columbus, Washington; Eldo Meyer (573) 484-3102 APR 7: Mid State, Stoney Creek Inn, Columbia; Jody Martin (573) 999-9024 APR 8: Meramec Valley Strutters, Knights of Columbus, Sullivan; Dennis Twyman (573) 468-5010 APR 9: State Fair Strutters, MEC Building, Sedalia; Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 APR 9: Lake Area Longbeards, Old Kinderhook Resort, Camdenton; Charles / Phillip McElyea (573) 216-2769 APR 14: Warren County Strutters, American Legion, Warrenton; Amy Mergelmeyer (636) 221-1538 APR 15: Green Hills, National Guard Armory, Trenton; Robin Chambers (660) 654-1192

APR 15: Muddy Creek Gobblers, Thiebaud Auditorium, Lamar; Jared Chestnut (417) 682-3767 APR 16: Hocomo Big Beards, Community Center, New Franklin; David Glaskey (573) 631-5533 APR 22: Triple B Chapter - Buffalo Big Beards, Double Diamond Banquet Building, Buffalo; Travis Pierce (417) 840-8761 APR 22: Spring River Toms, Memorial Hall, Carthage; Jerry Hartman (417) 388-2923 APR 23: Gentry County Gobblers, Tri Meadows, Conception Junction; Mitch Holtman (816) 273-6774 APR 30: Carroll County Longbeards, Goppert Community Center, Norborne; Robert Peetoom (660) 593-3475 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION MAR 22-24: CPSI Course, Gould Building Wapelhorst Park, Saint Charles APR 1: Bowling Tournament, Olivette Lanes, Olivette MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION APR 16: Native Plant Sale - Go Native Event, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, Kansas City (9:30am-2:30pm) APR 23: Native Plant Sale, City Market, Kansas City (8am-1pm) APR 30: Native Plant Sale, City Market, Kansas City (8am-1pm) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAR 15: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7-9pm) APR 20: Monthly Meeting, American Legion Hall, Brentwood (7-9pm) MISSOURI SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS MAR 8-10: Missouri Community Forestry Council's Annual Conference, Downtown Riverfront Hotel and Conference Center, Saint Joseph MAR 15: Tree Health Update Webinar, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, Joplin (8:30-11am) MAR 15: Tree Health Update Webinar, Springfield Nature Center, Springfield (8:3011am) MAR 15: Tree Health Update Webinar, MDC Central Region Office and Conservation Research Center, Columbia (8:30-11am) MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION MAR 19: Spring Meeting, American Legion, Burlington Junction

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION - SPRINGFIELD MAR 3: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (6-9pm) MAR 12: Club Fishing and Pre-derby Meeting, Bennett Spring State Park (12pm) MAR 17: Fly Fishing Class (6-9:50pm) MAR 26: Picnic and Fishing, Mountain Springs Trout Park MAR 31: Fly Fishing Class (6-9:50pm) APR 2: Tri Lakes Expo, Brighton (9am-4pm) APR 7: Fly Fishing Class (6-9:50pm) APR 14-16: Sow Bug Roundup, Mountain Home, AR (9am-4pm) APR 16: Club Fishing Excursion, Mountain Home, AR APR 21: Fly Fishing Class (6-9:50pm) APR 28: Fly Fishing Class (6-9:50pm) APR 30: Fishing Trip, Roaring River State Park (9am-4pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED MAR 5: Muddy Waters Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Old Monroe MAR 12: Monroe City Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Monroe City MAR 14: Audrain County Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Mexico MAR 19: Southwest Missouri Chapter Banquet, Saint Mary's Activity Center, Pierce City MAR 19: Miller County Chapter Banquet, Mary's Home School Gymnasium, Eugene APR 2: Long Branch Chapter Banquet, Expo Center, Macon APR 9: Big Bucks Chapter Banquet, Lions Club, Harrisburg APR 16: Pike County Twin Rivers Chapter Banquet, Pike County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green MULE DEER FOUNDATION MAR 5: Ha Ha Tonka Chapter Banquet, CBO Event Center, Columbia (5pm); Matt Bentz (573) 207-3794 OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAR 5: Operation Wild Lands Honeysuckle Hack - Deer Creek Greenway, Deer Creek Park (9am-12pm) APR 2: Operation Wild Lands Honeysuckle Hack - Deer Creek Greenway, Deer Creek Park (9am-12pm) OZARK FLY FISHERS MAR 1: Board Meeting, Saint Basil the Great Orthodox, Des Peres (7-9pm) MAR 19: Chili Tie-in, Marlan Graham's Club House (9am-2pm)

MARCH - 2016

15

Member News APR 14-17: Sow Bug, Mountain Home, AR; Chris Jackson (870) 499-3056 APR 28: General Membership Meeting, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, Ballwin (7-9pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAR 5: Boulevard Brewery Tour, Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City (10am12:30pm)

MAR 12: Snake Saturday Parade, North

Kansas City (8:30am-12pm) MAR 12: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30-7:30pm) MAR 12: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30-9pm) MAR 25-27: Jack's Fork, Alley Spring Campground, Eminence MAR 30: Dining Hall Service Project, Camp Lake of the Wood Dining Hall - Swope Park, Kansas City (10-11am) APR 2: Blue River Cleanup, Lakeside Nature Center, Kansas City (8am-12pm) APR 9: Clinton Lake Paddle (10am-1pm) APR 9: Water Quality Testing, Minor Park, Kansas City (10-11am) APR 9: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30-7:30pm)

APR 9: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30-9pm) APR 13-14: War Eagle Creek Kings, Withrow Springs State Park, Huntsville, AR APR 15-21: Buffalo River, Ozark Campground, Harrison, AR APR 24: Upper Blackwater River, McAllister Springs Access, Sweet Springs (10am-5pm) APR 30-MAY1: Bryant Creek, Patrick Bridge Access, Caulfield POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC MAR 18-19: No Ice Tournament, Pomme De Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623 APR 16: Bill Gordon Memorial Tournament, Pomme De Terre Lake; George Donner (816) 678-1623 QUAIL AND UPLAND WILDLIFE FEDERATION MAR 12: Missouri Grouse Chapter Banquet, Valentine Hall, Rhineland (4:30-8pm) RIVER BLUFFS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAR 1: Central Hardwoods Joint Venture Presentation, NH Scheppers Distributing, Jefferson City (7-8pm)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAR 5: Missouri Ridge Chapter Big Game Banquet, Troy; Fred Schuman (314) 606-0742 MAR 12: Pony Express Chapter Big Game Banquet, Saint Joseph; Michael Mooney (816) 232-9553 MAR 12: Mid Missouri Chapter Big Game Banquet, Columbia; Adam Augustine (573) 397-2207 MAR 19: Southwest Missouri Big Game Banquet, Joplin; Steve Smith (417) 850-8043 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAR 5: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15-10:30am) MAR 19: Confluence Trash Bash (8am-1pm) MAR 26: Partners for Native Landscaping, Powder Valley Nature Center, Kirkwood (8am-4pm) APR 2: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15-10:30am) CFM EVENTS MAR 18-20: Annual Convention, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City APR 18: Conservation Day at the Capitol, Jefferson City (7am-5pm

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. That’s why Crappie Masters supports gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol - a fuel made from corn grown in America.

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

16

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

11/5/2014 1:00:44 PM

Wildgame Recipe

Weston Recipe: Venison Cocktail Smokies Ingredients:

Directions:

1 lb venison or beef, cubed ¼ lb fat, cubed ¼ cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 small white onion, minced 3 garlic cloves minced 2 tablespoons paprika ¼ teaspoon cure #1 9mm sausage casings

1. Prepare Sauce: Use a Tomato Press to puree your tomatoes.

Combine all ingredients for the sauce (follow instructions on the package for the corn starch) in your Weston Slow Cooker and set to low while you prepare the franks.

2. Grind Meat: Use your Weston Meat Grinder to grind together the venison and fat through a coarse plate. Regrind through a medium plate, then finally through a fine plate. Mix the grind with the remaining frank ingredients.

3. Stuff Cocktail Franks: Use a Weston Sausage Stuffer or Jerky Gun to stuff the franks into casings and tie.

4. Smoke Cocktail Franks: Fill your Weston Smoker water bowl, fill the wood chip box and smoke the franks at 170° F for 1 hour. Check the internal temperature - you're targeting 140°F. You'll likely need to smoke for an additional 30 mins to 1 hr.

5. Combine: Once smoked, cut apart your little smokies and add them to the slow cooker with the sauce. Continue to cook on low for at least an hour before serving.

Sauce:

Tools of the Trade: Weston Slow Cooker, Weston Meat Grinder, Weston Sausage Stuffer or Jerky Gun, Weston Smoker

1 pint grape tomatoes 1 cup beer (an Amber works well) ¼ cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons Worcestershire 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt

Wine Pairing: Missouri Chambourcin - Stone Hill Winery Meal Pairing: Burgers’ Smokehouse's Wild Game Sampler with smoked duck, pheasant and quail.

MARCH - 2016

17

Feature Story

MDC Plans to Ban Feral Hog Hunting on State Lands

Feral hogs are a problem in Missouri. Present in an estimated 40 counties, their destructive nature hurts our state scientifically and economically.

L

eaders from federal and state agencies, and the Missouri General Assembly recognize the problem and are working together to eradicate feral hogs.

However, they can’t solve this problem without the support of citizens.

Like most wildlife issues, humans are to blame for our feral hog problem.

Parker Hall, an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service scientist with the USDA, said, “Gooseneck trailers are one of the biggest problems we face with feral hogs in Missouri.”

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

What Hall means is, people are trapping hogs, loading them in a trailer and hauling them to other parts of the state to create populations for hunting. The people doing this either don’t understand the destructive nature of hogs, or simply don’t care. Either way, it’s illegal and must be discouraged.

In an aggressive move to curb the growing feral hog problem in Missouri, the Conservation Commission has initially approved prohibiting the hunting of feral hogs on all lands owned, leased or managed by MDC. Meaning conservation areas, certain Army Corps lands and other public properties will now be off limits to hog hunting.

Feature Story Hunting is not the answer to eliminating feral hogs. In fact, research has proven that hunting hogs actually increases their numbers. Now I know that may leave a few of you scratching your heads, but you have to understand the problem. Hogs are elusive, they multiply rapidly and they roam large areas.

In a press release issued by MDC, Wildlife Division Chief Jason Sumners said, “The proposed ban on hog hunting on conservation lands is a direct result of misguided hunters disrupting trapping efforts by MDC staff. After weeks of work to catch the sounder of hogs, we then get an individual hunter who finds out about the site and shows up at some point and shoots a hog or two. The rest of the group then scatters and moves to a new location.

As a result, weeks of work have been wasted and new areas now have feral hogs.”

Trapping is the best way to significantly impact hog populations, but it takes time and a lot of work. First, the large, corral-type traps must be built. Then they must be consistently baited for several days or weeks to attract the targeted group of hogs. You want to catch as many hogs as possible at once. To build the trust of the entire group at a bait site takes weeks. If a hunter comes in there and disrupts the hogs just once, the whole set is blown.

In the Legislature, Senator Wallingford, and Representatives Reiboldt and Paul Fitzwater have introduced bills dealing with feral hogs. Their bills address killing hogs on private property and stiffing penalties for violators of feral hog laws.

Hunting is a huge part of my life. I work everyday to support the rights of hunters and the privilege of hunting. So supporting a ban on hunting is counter to everything I believe in, but in this situation, it is the right thing to do for our landscape, native wildlife species and agricultural operations. Although there is already a small contingent of hog hunters in Missouri, we do not want a widespread culture of hog hunting to be established, because if there is a culture of hog hunting, those hunters will want hogs on the landscape. A desire for hogs impedes the need to completely eradicate them from our state.

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM Photo: Feral hogs damaging property are trapped by USDA. (Brandon Butler)

FERAL HOG FAMILY Suidae (pigs) in the order Artiodactyla DESCRIPTION Feral hogs exhibit a variety of shapes and colors including gray, red, black, blond, spotted and belted. All have small eyes, large triangular ears and a long snout ending in a large, round nose. They have a thick coat of coarse, bristly hair. Boars develop a thick, tough layer of cartilage (sometimes called a “shield”) over the shoulders, and have four sharp tusks that grow continuously, often reaching 5 inches before they break or become worn from use.

Height: to 3 feet at the shoulder

SIZE Length: to 5 feet Weight: up to 400 pounds, but most sows average 110 pounds and boars 130 pounds.

Populations are small, isolated and typically

HABITAT in remote, rugged terrain. Feral hogs require abundant water and spend much time near seeps, ponds and streams.

Feral hogs have a keen sense of smell and are

FOOD opportunistic feeders. They forage heavily

on acorns and compete directly with native species such as deer and turkey for this important fall food. They also commonly eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds and anything else they encounter, including reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. They have also been known to kill and eat a variety of wildlife, including deer fawns.

Feral hogs can breed any time of year. Females

LIFE CYCLE can be mature at 6 months and produce two

litters of one to seven piglets every 12–15 months. As a result, feral hog populations can double in four months. Although some piglets die within their first three months, feral hogs generally live to age four or five and sometimes to age eight.

Information Courtesy of MDC

MDC is holding a 30-day public comment period on the proposed regulation changes, from April 2 - May 1. Public comments can be mailed to: Missouri Department of Conservation - Regulations Committee PO Box 180 Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180.

Email comments to: regulations@mdc.mo.gov, or online at mdc.mo.gov/node/24141

If you are aware of illegal feral hog transportation contact a conservation agent or Operation Game Thief at 800-392-1111.

MARCH - 2016

19

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Outdoor News

Don’t Forget the March Bass “Oh my gosh, I’ve got a big one,” my wife, Dian, yelled. “There aren’t any big ones in our little pond,” I yelled back.

Water temperatures heat up considerably by mid-March and largemouth bass go on the prowl. Being cold blooded creatures, the metabolism of fish increase as their environment warms. A few degrees increase in water temperature can make a big difference in the feeding modes for bass. They have been lethargic all winter.

Often, when feeding increases, largemouth bass appear to be like kids in a candy store.

Dian had indeed hooked a large bass from our pond.

Many fisherman catch their largest bass of the year in early March, year in and year out.

Small farm ponds are great places to prospect for early bass. These small bodies of water heat up quicker than large lakes and kick bass into feeding mode. Anything that absorbs heat and transfers that heat into the water increases the water temperature a few degrees.

Structures such as downed trees, stickups and rock rubble are among the best to begin fishing. Anglers are often surprised by vicious strikes on their first cast.

More than once in my lifetime, I have found ponds with exceptionally large bass in them. Often there are only a couple of really big fish in such ponds. I developed the habit of fishing these kinds of ponds only in March, just to catch the big ones. I always release them, so I can catch them again the following March.

Big lakes, rock rubble or large boulders are great spots to search for hungry largemouths. Years ago, I traveled to Lake of the Ozarks with Dale Goff, of Rolla. He spent a week every March in his condo at the lake’s edge. A large cove lay out the back door. We fished for five hours and never left that cove.

“I have been doing this for years,” Goff commented. “It is still pretty cold and a lot of people don’t like to fish in these conditions. However, I discovered a long time ago that I could catch big bass around these big rocks in March. The rocks in shallow water absorb the heat. If it stays sunny for several days, the fishing really gets good.

The heat stays in the rocks for several days, even if it does cloud up. Warming rocks equals hot fishing.”

Dian Cooper caught this nice bass from her pond by slow rolling a spinnerbait in March.

(Photo: Bill Cooper)

March is spinnerbait time. Spinnerbaits provided the undoing of every bass I mentioned in this article. Slow rolling is a technique that has been around for a long time. I don’t hear much about it anymore, but it is still very effective. Large, white spinnerbaits with silver blades seem to work best. The bait imitates shad, or schooling bait fish. Slowly retrieving the bait near the bottom is very effective. Pausing often to allow the bait to drop is often more than a large bass can stand. Speed of retrieval is determined by experimentation. Generally, the warmer the water, the faster the retrieve needs to be.

Strikes often vary widely as well. If bass are still lethargic, the bait may just stop until the fish slowly moves off with it. If water temperatures are warmer, strikes can be powerful.

Don’t let March get by without trying your local pond or small lake for largemouth bass. If possible, begin your search in early March. If the sun is shining on a north bank, hit it first. The water there will be several degrees warmer.

Be sure to spool your reel with new line and go with 12 pound test or larger. You wouldn’t won’t that bass of a lifetime to break your line.

Bill Cooper

MARCH - 2016

21

Program Update

Share the Harvest Raises 15,580 Pounds of Venison for Central Missouri During the 2015-2016 deer seasons the Share the Harvest program resulted in deer hunters donating 15,580 pounds of venison to charities in central Missouri. A total of 257 whole deer and several partial deer were donated. The Central Missouri Chapter of SCI (CMCSCI) is a sponsor of Share the Harvest in central Missouri. “We really appreciate hunters donating the venison because it helps provide high protein low fat fresh meat for charities serving people food in central Missouri,” said Walter Coleman, CMCSCI’s President.

CMCSCI and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) share the cost of processing the donated deer. CFM pays $65 per deer and the CMCSCI pays the rest of the balance so the hunter does not pay anything. CMCSCI generates the money used for Share the Harvest through its annual banquet and auction. The 2016 banquet and auction will be at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia, MO on August 13. For those interested in learning more about the banquet as well as helping support Share the Harvest, visit www.cmcsci.com or call 573-645-1705.

Lt. Christopher White and CFM Board Member Gary Van De Velde push carts of donated venison into the Salvation Army in Jefferson City.

(Photo: Emma Kessinger)

“We would like to thank the hunters, processors, charities, Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation Federation of Missouri, California Kiwanis Club, news media and the countless others who help with the Share the Harvest program. Without their effort and support, our Share the Harvest program would not be possible,” said Mike Nolting CMCSCI’s Share the Harvest program coordinator.

Release Courtesy of Central Missouri Chapter of SCI

HUNTERS FEED THE HUNGRY

11M 2.8M MEALS

POUNDS

provided annually to the needy through donations of venison by hunters

of game meat makes its way to shelters, food banks and church kitchens

TOP 5 STATES FOR VENISON DONATION

VA 405,000 lbs

6.5M WHITE-TAILED DEER are harvested each year by hunters THIS COULD EQUAL

1.6B MEALS

IA 312,000 lbs

+

400M POUNDS OF MEAT

MO 237,000 lbs

+ $ 6.5B

TX 214,000 lbs

IN MEAT

OH 180,000 lbs Information from NSSF

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Affiliate Spotlight

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation The Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation (MHHF) is a serviceoriented organization of volunteers who are passionate about Missouri’s hunting history. MHHF introduces youth to an outdoor way of life featuring hunting, shooting sports and the enjoyment of Missouri’s natural landscape.

MHHF is traced back to the spring of 2006 when a group of Missouri volunteer hunter education instructors organized a youth turkey hunt. Since then, volunteer instructors and mentors provide the opportunity to learn about Missouri’s hunting heritage while experiencing the sights and sounds of natures.

Seasonal hunting clinics include deer, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant and chukar.

MHHF clinics include three segments that take place in a single weekend: a classroom course, a mentored livefire segment and a mentored hunt.

MHHF's purpose is to perpetuate Missouri's hunting heritage by promoting safe and ethical participation in hunting and in shooting sports. MHHF delivers a course in hunter education, which includes the safe handling of firearms, research-based wildlife conservation and an introduction to hunting, while improving the skills of volunteer instructors.

For more information visit MHHF's website at www.mhhf.us.

From left: MHHF instructor/mentor Phil Inman, Youth Participant Chase Vogler, 11 and his dad Cory enjoy a hunting clinic. (Photo: MHHF)

“My favorite part of the clinic was the chukar hunt. I liked hunting with (my mentor). He was really nice and helpful. This was my first time to hunt instead of just watching and sitting with my mom. I liked being able to shoot by myself and get a bird," said Claire, a participant.

Affiliate Organizations Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. 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. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Katy Land Trust L-A-D Foundation 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 Delta Waterfowl Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Farmers Care Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association 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 Regional Land Trust 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 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 - 2016

23

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

MARCH - 2016

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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MARCH - 2016

27

Conservation Day at the Capitol April 19, 2016 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 preserve 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

Outdoor News

Moving St. Louisans Past the Rams and Into the Outdoors St. Louis is an urban oasis in a sea of green. We don't have an ocean or mountain range but we are located in the middle of a vast expanse of forests, fields and river valleys. When we leave I-70 behind for Highway 94 or the Great River Road, outdoor and historic attractions abound. As locals, we may overlook these natural treasures or take them for granted.

Thanks to the NFL, we have another reason to join visitors from around the world in the Missouri countryside.

F

ollowing the slow-motion departure of our football team, we St. Louisans are asking ourselves a lot of questions. What gives our city and our region value?

Why do we love living here? What attracts visitors? What reinvigorates our civic pride? And, what are we going to do with those eight now-empty autumn Sundays?

Fortunately for all of us, Missouri is a breathtakingly beautiful state and the NFL has just given us a good reason to adjust our priorities and take advantage of what few other places can offer. If you’re in the mood to tailgate on those September, October and November Sundays, take it to the great outdoors! Exploring the Missouri countryside is fun, educational, invigorating and actually lowers your blood pressure, as opposed to some other Sunday pastimes.

St. Louisans need to wake up to the fact that we have something no amount of private or public money can recreate. We are the Gateway City, and our gate opens to a spectacular countryside filled with attractions that aren't dependent on new stadiums or special financing. With a twist of fate, we’ve been given another reason to fill our Sundays with an entirely new way to create lasting memories with our families and to be proud of our hometown.

Geography bestowed us with unique natural assets. St. Louis was born thanks to the confluence of the two greatest rivers in America. Commerce established a foothold here because of the rivers. Lewis and Clark – explorers of unrivaled consequence for the entire United States – began their journey at the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi.

Our rivers once put us at the center of agricultural and industrial development, inspiring world-class painters like Bingham and Benton and writers for the ages like Mark Twain. Rightfully, for more than 50 years, the iconic Arch has been a beacon on the riverfront, a symbol to the world of our river-centric history. Maybe it’s time to go back to the future.

Within 90 minutes of the reimagined Archgrounds are places that international nature lovers, history buffs and bicyclists have on their "bucket lists." They enter through the gateway of St. Louis and go on to a special experience - open countryside close to a major metropolitan area. And while St. Louisans are accustomed to complaints about our weather, football Sundays are typically the most gorgeous days on our calendars. Let’s spend them more wisely.

It isn't a choice of either town or country for us or our visitors. In St. Louis, it's both. It’s a visit to the Art Museum and an hour later, a ride on the country's longest bike path, the Katy Trail. It's a visit to the Missouri History Museum followed by a short drive to Confluence Point State Park to see flocks of migrating white pelicans. We can offer a meal at a terrific independent restaurant serving locally-sourced ingredients, only a short drive from the very vineyards and fields producing that food and wine.

On Sunday afternoons, become fluent in Missouri’s quaint river towns and back roads. Cahokia Mounds, the World Bird Sanctuary, the Daniel Boone Home, Riverlands Audubon Center and the first American Viticultural Area (six months before the Napa Valley!) can all be added to this incomplete list of exciting and nearby destinations.

Studies show that for young workers considering relocation, the opportunity for outdoor recreation is always a high priority. Let's focus on something we have that private moneyed interests can never pick up and move to another part of the country. Our rivers - big and muddy, fast and crystal clear - have given us history, communities, architecture, culture and landscape. We all have the opportunity to experience the river valleys through a gateway that got its start over 200 years ago.

The front yard of St. Louis is the Gateway Arch. Let's make our backyard - the countryside that surrounds St. Louis equally important for our visitors and for those of us who live here.

Dan Burkhardt The Katy Land Trust MARCH - 2016

29

Federation Destinations

Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods:

An Angler’s Dream

P

eople travel from all over the world to fish Lake of the Woods. Walleyes get most of the attention.

After all, it is 'The Walleye Capital of the World.”

This prolific fishery is also loaded with smallmouth bass, pike, muskies, lake sturgeon, jumbo perch and monster crappies.

Lake of the Woods is shared between Minnesota and Canada. The fishery is broken up into three different areas: the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay (the big open water basin) and the Northwest Angle.

The slow moving Rainy River feeds the big lake. The 40 miles of navigable water is teaming with walleyes, pike, smallmouth bass and lake sturgeon. Resorts line the mouth of the river and look across to Canada.

The middle section is known as Big Traverse Bay. Charter boats catering to up to six anglers line the docks at resorts. Everything is provided, just step aboard and catch fish. Licensed charter captains take groups out targeting walleyes. With years of experience and by networking with other captains, the days are typically very successful and spent reeling in great fish.

The third section of Lake of the Woods is the Northwest Angle. This area is the northernmost point of the Continental U.S. and is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. Basically, you are fishing amongst islands, eagles, bears, deer and some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. Resorts vary from rustic with log cabins in the woods all the way up to full service resorts with high speed internet and all of the amenities of home. Regardless of your preference, the fishing is almost as good as the adventure.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

There is a good variety of full service resorts catering to both open water and ice anglers. In the winter months, thousands of fish houses spread out across the miles of ice that reaches over 36 inches thick. Go from a heated resort to heated ice transportation to a heated fish house set at 70 degrees and the holes already drilled ready for action. Anglers haul in walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, eelpout and tulibees from the comfort of a fish house or even a sleeper fish house.

The open water season goes from April to November.

Visitors come for the world class fishing, but appreciate the wildlife, natural beauty, variety of resorts, good food and the “MN nice” culture.

Located in the north woods of Minnesota where there may be as many deer as people, it’s not hard to come by great food. A fresh fish fry should be on the list. There is nothing like fresh walleye, fried potatoes, beans and fresh bread. Some resorts cook your days catch and provide all the fixings. Try locally grown wild rice. Or some freshly prepared prime rib, a homemade pizza or a half pound burger basket. Top it off with homemade ice cream or some fresh raspberries and blueberries.

A word of advice: bring your appetite for fresh walleye, a good camera and a hankering for adventure!

For information on lodging, fishing and activities go to www.lakeofthewoodsMN.com.

Joe Henry Lake of the Woods Tourism Photo: Sunset at NW Angle. With millions of fish and wildlife around every corner, Lake of the Woods is a must see outdoors destination. (Tourism)

Federation Destinations

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MARCH - 2016

31

Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Missouri Deer-Hunting Seasons End With Harvest of Nearly 280,000 Deer Missouri's 2015-2016 deer-hunting seasons ended Jan. 15 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total harvest of 279,401 deer. Top counties for the overall seasons were Texas with 5,812 deer harvested, Franklin with 5,463 and Howell with 5,440. Hunters harvested 258,341 deer during the 2014-2015 deer hunting seasons.

Deer hunting ended with the close of the archery season. Preliminary data from MDC showed that hunters checked 50,085 deer during the archery season. Top counties for the archery season were Jefferson with 1,153 deer harvested, St. Louis with 1,051 and Franklin with 1,012. Archery hunters checked 51,755 deer the previous year.

For more information on this season’s deer harvest numbers visit: www.huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

Missouri's 2015-2016 deer-hunting seasons ended with a preliminary total harvest of 279,401 deer. (Photo: MDC)

MDC Proposes Banning Hog Hunting on Conservation Areas The next step in the rulemaking process includes a 30day public comment period on the proposed regulation changes, which will run from April 2 through May 1.

Public comments can be submitted by mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Regulations Committee, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180. Comments can be submitted by email to Regulations@mdc.mo.gov, or online at mdc.mo.gov/node/24141.

These destructive feral hogs pollute a pristine spring on private property in Ozark County. (Photo: MDC)

At its meeting on Jan. 22, the Missouri Conservation Commission voiced initial approval for recommended changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri that would prohibit the hunting of feral hogs on lands owned, leased, or managed by MDC.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Following final Conservation Commission consideration of citizen input and staff recommendations this summer, the anticipated effective date of the regulation changes will be Sept. 30, 2016. Potential penalties for illegal hog hunting could include fines and the loss of hunting privileges.

For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

Agency News

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.

Outdoor Burning • Do not conduct 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.

• Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place.

• A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.

Driving Off Road • Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel such as grass comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles.

• Think twice before driving into grassy fields.

• Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.

• When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.

• Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.

• Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

MDC Forester Sam Jewett stands on the bulldozer he uses to fight wildfires.

(Photo: MDC)

Making a Campfire • Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.

• Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.

• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire.

• Keep campfires small and controllable.

• Keep fire-extiguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by.

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even for a few moments.

Help stop arson by calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111.

MoNASP State Archery Tournament is March 18-19 About 1,400 student archers from schools around the state will compete at the Missouri National Archery in Schools Program (MoNASP) eighth annual state tournament on March 18-19 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The public is welcome to attend.

MoNASP is coordinated through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) in partnership with numerous supporting organizations.

New this year, MDC will host a MoNASP/IBO 3-D State Archery Tournament on April 2 at Helias High School in Jefferson City. This tournament will be open to the first 700 archers of any MoNASP school and its students.

Pre-registration will be March 1-4 and registration will be March 7-11.

For more information on MoNASP visit: www.mdc.mo.gov/education/monasp.

MARCH - 2016

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Agency News

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Healthy Soil and Water Improve Hunting and Fishing Excursions

T

he redbuds and dogwoods are blooming, the wildflowers are springing up and April brings not only showers but spring turkey season. Sitting up against a tree waiting for the magical sound of a wild turkey gobble roost at dawn is truly a magical and awe-inspiring experience every time. On clear, quiet mornings the early rays of sun paint dazzling streaks of color through the forest that is coming back to life.

The soft rustlings of pre-dawn are broken intermittently by the hoot of an owl; and then, the busy bustling of waking wildlife begins with the first peeks of the sun.

Songbirds twitter through grasses and trees; squirrels begin their chatter, and, if you’re lucky and you’ve done your homework, you hear the beating of wings coming down from that tree above you. What’s not to love about springtime in Missouri?

Perhaps you’re not a hunter but rather an angler. Spring brings the opening of trout season and the opportunity to commune with nature while standing in one of Missouri’s cold-water streams waiting to hook a trophy trout.

Hunting provides valuable time in nature and reminds me that it is also a lesson in patience – it’s rarely a quick hunt. In today’s fast-paced world, a little reminder about slowing down and appreciating the silence is always good for the soul.

The health of Missouri’s soil and water quality plays an important role in our quality of life and the time we spend outdoors. All life depends on healthy, productive soil and clean, abundant water. Wildlife depends on both in order to grow and thrive in their habitats. We depend on high quality water for drinking. We depend on an abundance of water and healthy land for agricultural and industrial purposes, as well as for our recreational enjoyment.

Unhealthy soil and soil erosion, however, can have detrimental effects on our natural resources and agricultural productivity. Eroded soil settling along the shores and beds of our streams, lakes and rivers can lead to the destruction of valuable aquatic habitat such as fish spawning areas. Soil erosion caused by stormwater runoff carries fertilizers away from the fields and pollutes our waterways. Contaminated soil and water entering drinking water supply systems can increase water treatment costs, which can ultimately raise utility bills for Missouri households. No matter the cause, soil erosion adversely affects our natural resources, economic viability and our quality of life.

But in Missouri, soil and water quality have improved significantly thanks to the funding and support provided by the state’s Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax approved by voters in 1984, 1988, 1996 and 2006. The tax is up for renewal by voters in 2016. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources uses half of the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax to conserve Missouri’s soil and water resources.

Revenues from the sales tax have resulted in Missouri having the greatest reduction rate of soil erosion than any other state with more than 10 million acres of cultivated cropland saved.

(Left) The health of Missouri’s soil and water quality play an important role in the success of our next fishing excursions. Cameron Kell is ready to reel in a trout at Montauk State Park. (Photo: Julie Allman-MoDNR Photo Contest)

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Agency News The department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program shares the cost of implementing voluntary conservation practices. The department provides financial incentives to landowners for up to 75 percent of the estimated cost to install soil and water conservation practices that prevent or control excessive erosion and improve water quality. Soil and water conservation districts provide technical support with the design, implementation and maintenance of the practices. Conservation practices, such as using buffers, grazing systems, cover crops and more can save time and money and increase farm production while protecting the overall natural environment of the state.

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks: Prairie State Park From prairie grasses and wildflowers to majestic bison and elk, there is something for everyone at Prairie State Park, located in Mindemines. Each season of the year transforms the prairie. Spring begins with the courtship dance of the endangered greater prairie chicken.

Surrounding the birds is a sea of green grasses sprinkled with red, purple and cream-colored blossoms of Indian paintbrush, arrow-leaved violet and cream wild indigo.

Summer brings a constant succession of flowers from pale purple coneflower to rattlesnake master, gayfeather and butterfly milkweed. Regal fritillary butterflies float from flower to flower in search of nectar, while slender glass lizards bask in the warm sunlight. Dickcissels, sedge wrens and Henslow’s sparrows nest among the plants.

More than 13 million acres of tallgrass prairie once covered more than one-third of Missouri’s landscape.

Today, less than 65,000 acres remain. Prairie State Park is Missouri’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie landscape.

Purchased with the help of The Nature Conservancy, Prairie State Park preserves a unique and rare diversity of life.

The park’s diversity is represented by more than 150 birds, 25 mammals, 25 reptiles, 12 amphibians and approximately 500 species of plants, 350 being native prairie species. More than 25 rare and endangered plant and animal species have been recorded in the park.

Specific animals, including the southern prairie skunk and several insects, are not found anywhere else in the state.

We’ve come a long way since the sales tax was first approved in 1984; however, we know we have more work to accomplish. Additional research and water quality monitoring is necessary to identify new methods for soil and water conservation practices that produce the best results for preventing erosion and protecting water quality. With your continued support, we can help make Missouri an even better place to live, work and enjoy the outdoors.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, Department of Natural Resources

Prairie State Park hosts Bison Hikes every month.

Join park staff this spring and venture out to see the bison as the prairie begins to wake up after a long slumber.

During the twohour hike you will learn about the prairie and how it is essential for the survival of the bison. (Photo: DNR)

To preserve this heritage, park staff conduct research, monitoring practices and stewardship procedures.

Prescribed fires remove accumulated grass mats and increase soil nutrients. The open character of the prairie is protected with the removal of invading trees. Where the prairie vegetation no longer exists, native plants are sown. Bison and elk have been reintroduced to join other native grazers to maintain the natural grazing processes.

Guests wanting to catch a glimpse of baby bison should plan a visit to Prairie State Park in late May or early June.

Getting a chance to spot the calves during that time is especially fun for guests as the calves are not only adorable but entertaining to watch. To learn more about the park and bison hikes, visit mostateparks.com.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, Department of Natural Resources

MARCH - 2016

37

M i s s o u r i D e pa r t M e n t o f Co n s e r vat i o n

Go mobile with MDC apps

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Access fishing regulations, species information, and maps of MDC public boat ramps and underwater fish structures.

Browse fall color scenes from around the state and use the GPS info to navigate to them.

Also, get weekly fall color forecasts.

Purchase, view, and store permits. Plus, notch your permit and telecheck your deer and turkey harvest.

mdc.mo.gov 38

MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Download for

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Agency News

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon Receives 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoor Award He launched the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge, inviting Missourians to join him in walking at least 100 miles on Missouri's trails in 2013, and expanded this effort to challenge the state's residents to paddle at least 100 miles on Missouri's waters in 2014. He and the state's First Lady, Georganne Nixon, met both challenges and shared their adventures on a popular website.

Derrick Crandall, Bill Bryan, Governor Jay Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon, Marilynn Bradford, Sara Parker Pauley, David Allen. (Photo: DNR)

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon received the 2015 Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Awards at a ceremony in Jefferson City, Missouri on January 28. Recreation leaders from the private and public sectors joined the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) and The Coleman Company as Governor Nixon received the recreation community's most prestigious award. Governor Nixon shares the 2015 award with Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, who was recognized in Cheyenne on December 9.

"The selection panel for the award had a very rich field of candidates," said ARC President Derrick Crandall. "Many Members of Congress, Cabinet members and others were deservedly nominated. But reports on the efforts of Governor Nixon and Governor Mead were compelling, showing their passion and vision and their commitment to expanding the enjoyment of outdoor recreation's benefits while enlisting many partners in their efforts."

Governor Nixon championed recreation issues even before becoming the leader of the Show-Me State in 2009, including high-visibility efforts which saved a railroad bridge across the Missouri River that was crucial to preserving the famed Katy Trail State Park. As Governor, he has made state parks, trails and waterways a high priority.

He created one of the nation's most active summer employment programs for disadvantaged and minority youth. Missouri's State Parks Youth Corps offers 300hour internships for youth between the ages 17 and 24.

Participants gain valuable work experience to prepare for tomorrow's careers while enjoying the beauty and grandeur of the state's parks.

In the fall of 2014, the Governor hosted a successful Governor's Conference on Natural Resources which highlighted partnerships and innovative thinking to sustain the state's legacy of conservation, stewardship and active connections with the outdoors.

Governor Nixon hosted one of the largest and most successful events of Great Outdoors Month速 2015, the Capitol Campout and Outdoors Day at, and adjacent to, Missouri's State Capitol in June. The Governor recently announced plans to improve and expand Missouri's state parks, including a major new state park in Shannon County, and to build toward a Missouri voter reaffirmation of a unique earmarking of a portion of state sales tax revenues to outdoors programs. Governor Nixon has also worked through the National Governors Association and the Southern Governors' Association, which he chairs, to promote enjoyment of the Great Outdoors nationally.

"The recreation community is indebted to Governor Nixon. He champions the role recreation plays in healthy lifestyles and sustainable, vibrant local economies.

He actively supports new and exciting efforts to help connect all Missourians with their public lands and waters. Governors Mead and Nixon demonstrate that recreation enjoys the support of the nation's leaders from both political parties and in all regions," said ARC's President.

Release Courtesy of the American Recreation Coalition MARCH - 2016

39

Feature Story

To Find Spring, Find a Woodland

Photo: Mary Nemececk

As spring creeps into our woodlands, the warming sun and longer days awaken delicate, but spectacular seasonal displays: spring ephemerals.

Spring ephemerals are early emerging wildflowers that can blanket the floors of undisturbed woodlands and forests into carpets of tender blooms and foliage. You have to view them quickly as many will completely die back by June, giving way to a shady forest floor and the plants of summer.

One much heralded spring ephemeral is Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). The flowers—five to 10 per stem—look like white or pink pantaloons hanging upside down. The foliage is deeply divided, giving the plant an almost fern appearance before it dies back to the ground in early to mid-summer.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica) is a low-growing plant with flowers of white to light pink, displayed in clusters of five and lightly striped with pink. Along with the delicate flowers, spring beauty can also have a pleasing fragrance. The foliage will continue to grow after the flowers are gone and may be a six inches high before dying back to the ground. Unlike most spring ephemerals, spring beauty can withstand some habitat degradation such as grazing or limited tree removal.

Trout lily (Erythronium albidum or americanum) is one of the most coveted spring ephemerals. Its presence indicates a good quality, undisturbed woodland. This delicate, nodding, 6-inch, yellow or white lily hangs off a tiny stem. Only the stems with two leaves will flower. Trout lilies can take up to seven to eight years before they produce a flower; they are pollinated by ants.

Feature Story A stunning display can come from Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica). Large, smooth leaves support light pink/violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers. Virginia bluebells can fill in large bottomland forest areas and then completely die back with almost no trace by early summer. When weather pushes the bloom time back to coincide with the arrival of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, watch for a spectacular show as the early male hummingbirds will frequently feed on the bright blooms.

Additional spring ephemerals native to Missouri include rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), and squirrel corn (Dicentra canadensis).

Of these, bloodroot may be the best known for the red dye that comes from its roots and is responsible for its descriptive name. Bloodroot has also been used in herbal medicine, but it is important to note the plant is toxic and its medicinal use is not well documented by science.

These harbingers of spring play a vital role in wooded habitats. They provide the earliest of nectar and pollen for the first pollinators and other floral visitors of the year. Additionally, their seeds provide a lipid-rich food source to ants: these insects will carry seeds back to their colony to feed the fatty external eliasomes to their young. The seeds are then discarded by the ants, creating a nutritious compost that stimulates germination of the seeds. All of this typically takes place within a couple meters of the flowering plant, keeping any plant offspring nearby.

It is important to enjoy, but not disturb, spring ephemerals, which play a vital role in the ecology of wooded habitats. If they are removed from a woodland, they are not likely to return, depleting insects and other animals of important food sources.

A number of native spring ephemerals—propagated from seed, not wild dug—are available for purchase from Grow Native! professional members. Consult the Resource Guide at www.grownative.org for a list of where to buy native plants.

Mary Nemecek Conservation Chair, Burroughs Audubon Mary Nemecek is the Conservation Chair of Burroughs Audubon, a Missouri Master Naturalist and a CFM and Missouri Prairie Foundation member. Grow Native! is a native plant education and marketing program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, an affiliate member of CFM.

MARCH - 2016

41

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Outdoor News

Historic Route 66 Bridge Could Be Renewed Connection to State Park A coalition of St. Louis organizations is pooling its resources in an effort to restore a connection to Route 66 State Park over the Meramec River in Eureka. A historic Route 66 Warren Truss Bridge, currently owned and maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation, is slated for demolition in early 2017.

However, if a viable redevelopment plan is presented this year, MoDOT may reallocate $325,000 in demolition funds and turn ownership over to Missouri State Parks.

If restored, it would serve as one of the only connections to Route 66 State Park, which offers a number of amenities for the recreationally inclined, including walking, biking and equestrian trails.

“This bridge is not only a significant and vital connection across the Meramec for walking and biking, but it is rich with history and one of the region’s outstanding cultural assets,” said Ralph Pfremmer, Trailnet’s Executive Director.

A rendering of what the bridge could potentially be. (Photo: OCS)

“This bridge is a vital connection for recreational users of one of our region’s most amazing open spaces, Route 66 State Park,” said Kat Dockery, executive director of the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region. “By saving the bridge, the public will have access to a 419-acre paradise for biking, hiking, bird watching and more.”

“Great Rivers Greenway looks forward to making this connection as part of our network of greenways,” said Susan Trautman, GRG’s executive director. “When resources and partners align, we’ll help make this greenway a reality for residents and tourists to explore and enjoy.”

To save the bridge from demolition, about $1 million must be raised by December 31, 2016. About $5.5 million overall is needed to restore it. Organizations and major stakeholders involved in bringing attention the bridge's future are Great Rivers Greenway, Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Trailnet, Open Space Council, MoDOT, St. Louis County Parks and Missouri State Parks.

“Route 66 is an international attraction that draws thousands of tourists each year. This is good news for Missouri,” said Ruth Keenoy, preservation specialist for Landmarks Association of St. Louis. “Meramec River Bridge of Route 66 is a unique Warren deck truss. When you look at this bridge, you see the truss system below the bridge, not on top of it. Today, Missouri has only three examples left of this type of bridge. Isn’t that worth saving? We believe it is.”

Those interested in supporting the repair and restoration can visit www.gofundme.com/meramec-66-bridge.

Release Courtesy of Open Space Council

Upcoming Open Space Council Events Garden Reuse: Upcycled Bird Houses Saturday, March 12, 1:00-4:30pm

Paddle for a Cause 2016 Saturday, June 5, 1:30-6:30pm

Join Open Space Council board member, Jerry Castillon, and the staff at Perennial for this fun workshop and learn how to make your own birdhouse from reclaimed wood. Registration for the event ends on Monday, March 7.

OSC and friends at Ozark Outdoors are excited to once again be hosting Paddle for a Cause. Attend the fun summertime float trip on the Courtois, Huzzah and Meramec Rivers. All proceeds support Operation Clean Stream.

http://perennialstl.org/event/garden-reuse-upcycled-bird-houses/

https://paddle-for-a-cause-2016.eventbrite.com

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

MARCH - 2016

45

Feature Story

White Geese: A Springtime Favorite

N

orth Missouri weather in the spring is fickle.

Constant wind direction changes mean disaster for even the best decoy sets. Layout blinds set for shooting geese landing into the wind must be positioned in the correct place or geese land out of shotgun range.

Bad placement of a set often results in long shots and wounded birds.

Once at our site, the Avery team of Tyson Keller, Tony Vandemore, Ben Fujan, Clint Roby and Fred Zink worked like a well-practiced team, moving decoys and blinds in minutes that might have taken average hunters hours.

Everything was laid out so landing geese would soar over our position.

I could hear distant high-pitched honking mixing in with recorded live geese sounds over speakers hidden under silhouette decoys. I peered through the netting in my blind and soon watched the magnificent sight of several hundred white or blue geese against the orange and blue sky. They quickly passed and then a second and a third wave passed over, chattering goose lingo and moving to a predetermined destination.

I looked to my right and watched three geese soaring lower while making a wide circle of our spread. Their heads moved back and forth, checking out our set for anything out of place. Their very lives depended on making good choices of landing spots. A choice breeze slipped through, making decoys turn on their steel rods.

The geese dropped down to land.

Photo: Kenneth L. Kieser

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Three shots cleanly dropped three geese throughout the decoy spread, giving the shivering yellow and black Labrador retrievers cause to celebrate life by retrieving geese. Soon the geese were stashed behind our blinds and we waited for bigger flocks.

Suddenly lone honks from behind made us turn to see about 600 white geese closing in on our field. We made sure our layout blinds were well closed and waited as the sound of many geese grew louder.

“Take em!” We all sat up and fired at once, dropping down a hail-storm of falling birds. Soon the dogs were running back and forth, bringing in geese that would soon be made into sausage or gratefully devoured by a less fortunate person in a homeless shelter. The moment of shooting down 27 geese had taken seconds.

WHY OPEN A SPRING SEASON FOR WHITE GEESE: Only goose hunters who remember the market hunting days in the early 1930’s and before would remember a no-limit goose shoot in the United States. Sadly, the very nature of white goose survival created this special season.

“A Conservation Order was issued to open the spring white goose season,” said Dale Humburg, chief biologist for Ducks Unlimited. “This order was intended for the increasing populations of Arctic white geese that have multiplied to the point that they’re ruining their northern habitat. Most states in the central United States open this season on the 4.5 million white geese returning north.”

Feature Story Evidence of this white-goose population boom is at Squaw Creek Federal Wildlife Area. For the first time in recorded history during spring 2008, 1.5 million white geese took over the area. They covered the main lake and half of another while many flew in circles overhead.

White goose harvest numbers have increased dramatically since the Conservation Order was implemented, placing a ceiling on white goose population growth and their eventual demise.

“Sadly, if the white geese had continued to grow in numbers, you would eventually see a population crash through disease causing significant mortality,” Humburg said. “This could drop white goose numbers down to dangerous numbers. Ducks Unlimited doesn’t decide future hunting seasons, but spring seasons could continue if the white goose numbers continue to grow.”

Their sheer numbers before the Conservation Order was implemented were turning nesting grounds into mud flats, a harsh fact that would be detrimental to other wildlife species too. Geese uproot the vegetation and eat roots, making it impossible for vegetation to replenish in the salty soil.

THE CHALLENGE OF HUNTING WHITE GEESE: Hunters from the 1950’s through the 1980’s will remember that we once decoyed white geese by spreading newspapers and diapers around a field. Those days are over, especially during the spring season after white geese have been hunted several months. Diapers and newspapers are still used, but with a good spread of full-bodied decoys. White geese don’t drop in like other waterfowl species, they float in circles while slowly dropping and looking over the spread, meaning everything had better be in good goose order.

“Look at a flock feeding in a field and you’ll discover that snow geese are greedy and constantly hopping to front edges of the flock where grain is less disturbed while feeding into the wind,” Vandemore said. “The downwind geese will be loose and scattered around the field. So we set up the upwind side with bulk geese to make it look like this is where the untouched food is.”

Sets are laid to quarter into the wind. A straight south wind would mean placing decoys south west to northeast or southeast to northwest, depending on what looks the best. The wind has to do a complete 180 degrees to make changing the entire set important.

The author is pictured carrying a well-earned goose.

This photo is on the back cover of his book, "A Return To Hunting North American Waterfowl."(Photo: Lawrence Taylor)

“Movement is extremely important, so we set each decoy on motion stakes,” Vandemore said. “Lack of movement is a warning to incoming geese. We love a windy day when decoys are moving around like live geese.”

Portable blinds are set at the top end of each spread. The team leaves 10 percent of the decoys behind each blind and 90 percent downwind. A moderate pocket of open ground is left directly in front of the blinds with loose decoys scattered around for a landing area. Blinds are placed within a foot or two of each other and covered with surrounding vegetation or brush. Decoys on the higher stakes are placed between each blind.

“We laid each Greenhead Gear Ground Floces blind behind a terrace or low spot,” Keller said. “This allowed us to be behind the shadow line when the sun rose to conceal ourselves better and to be off the horizon. We also made sure that decoys close to each blind cast a shadow on the blind instead of the blind casting a shadow on the decoy.”

The day ended when a speckled goose buzzed our decoys.

Specks are not in season during the spring hunt, so Keller switched on a Roy Orbison tape. The goose then was treated to a Beatles tune, apparently another satisfying sound. Finally, just before settling into the decoys, Keller put on a rap tune. The goose immediately turned and started flying north in high speed. That goose may not have been the smartest, but it had good taste in music.

Kenny Kieser His book, "A Return To North American Waterfowl Hunting," covers hunting North American waterfowl species. To order the book, contact kieserkenneth@gmail.com MARCH - 2016

47

Outdoor News

Chicago's Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Moving to Branson in 2016 During its 20-year history in Chicago, the Ferris wheel helped make Navy Pier a top tourist destination. The Track Family Fun Parks anticipates the Ferris wheel will continue to draw both repeat and new visitors to the Branson community. It is anticipated to begin operating in the summer of 2016.

“We are very excited to be the new home to this iconic Ferris wheel,” said Craig Wescott, President and CEO of The Track Family Fun Parks. “Our hope is that adding this unique attraction, which is enjoyed by people of all ages, will enhance our guests’ experience during the time they spend in Branson.”

(Photo: Navy Pier, Inc., Chicago)

The iconic 15-story Ferris wheel formerly featured at Chicago’s Navy Pier will be the newest attraction to Branson’s Highway 76 at The Track Family Fun Parks in 2016. “Branson will be a great new location for this amazing Ferris wheel,” said Brian Murphy, COO of Navy Pier. “It was a landmark here for many years, and we are happy to know that it will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year to such a family-friendly destination.”

Guests of The Track Family Fun Parks will be enjoying the iconic Ferris wheel, a $2.5 million investment, as part of the company’s 35th anniversary. For more information about the Ferris wheel moving to Branson, please visit www.explorebranson.com/news/branson-ferris-wheel.

For more information about The Track Family Fun Parks, please visit their website at www.bransontracks.com.

Release Courtesy of The Track Family Fun Parks

Proud to support the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

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MARCH - 2016

49

Come Home to Years of Conservation

80 SCHEDULE: Friday, March 18

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Registration Open

Sunday, March 20

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Dinner Break (on your own)

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Social Hour Conservation Awards Ceremony

Saturday, March 19

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

7:30 - 5:00 p.m.

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.

9:00 - 12:30 p.m.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Breakfast (on your own) Registration Open Keynote Session Resource Committee Meetings Lunch Break (on your own) Board & Affiliate Leader Luncheon Resolution Committee Meeting Social & Silent Auction Banquet Live Auction

7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast (on your own) General Assembly with Board Meeting immediately following

ACCOMMODATIONS: Lodging arrangements must be made directly with the Capitol Plaza Hotel at 573-635-1234.

Room rates are $90/night while room block lasts.

REGISTRATION: Register online at www.confedmo.org/annual-convention or cut and mail below registration to: CFM 728 W. Main Street Jefferson City, MO 65101

Register now for CFM’s 80th Annual Convention Packages: #1: Member: All sessions, awards ceremony, silent auction #2: Non-Member: All sessions, awards ceremony, silent auction, one year CFM membership for new members

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Telephone: ____________________________ Email: _______________________________ Credit Card #: __________________________ Exp. Date: ____________________________ Signature: ____________________________ Name(s): Address:

Special Needs (dietary, access, room, handicap):

____________________________________

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE

First Time Attendee Award Ceremony RSVP - Guest Count ____ *No registration fees for spouses not attending meetings or children under 18

Registration Package

Quantity

Fee

#1: Member Pkg - $40/person

$

#2: Non-Member Pkg - $70/person

$

Banquet - $40/person Capitol Ribeye Steak

$

Maple Lacquered Salmon

$

Vegetarian Pasta Primavera

$

Children Banquet - $15/person Chicken Strips & Fries

$

Total Registration

$

Celebrate 80 Years of CFM!

80

Annual Convention

th

Don’t miss out on CFM’s largest event of the year!

March 18-20, 2016 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

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.