Vol75 no5 2014

September 2014 VOL. 75, NO. 5

Coming soon...

Discover the unique history of the “Missouri Model” of wetland and waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated new book.

The success of Missouri’s waterfowl and wetland conservation is not an accident.

Careful planning, skillful execution of welldesigned strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support, and dedicated funding have all led to the quality wetland habitats and migratory bird populations that we enjoy today.

A new book, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri: A Model of Collaboration, chronicles and celebrates this success. Sponsors, anchored by Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, and private citizens, have covered all production costs.

The book’s authors, many of

them former waterfowl biologists and wetland managers, have donated their services to produce this new book. The book is edited by Kenneth M. Babcock and W. Alan Wentz. Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, and Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, have each written a foreword for the book. The dust jacket artwork is from the Charles W. Schwartz collection, the State Historical Society of

Missouri. Over three hundred images, some never before published, will be showcased in this hard copy book.

This is a “must have” book for all serious migratory bird hunters, and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

Executive Director

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Clean Water Act Should Matter to All Sportsmen

he Clean Water Act has been stirring up some controversy in Missouri lately. As is so often the case, most of the concern is rooted in confusion. I recently visited Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and leaders of national conservation organizations to discuss the importance of the Clean Water Act. In 1972, the waters of the United States were in serious trouble. Pollution was rampant. Certain rivers were actually catching fire. Wetlands were being lost at an alarming rate.

Lakes were being used as dumps for sewage and material waste. Protection of our nation’s water needed serious attention. The answer was President Richard Nixon’s “Clean Water Act,” which was a major overhaul of the 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Water Act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

For nearly 30 years, the Clean Water Act worked to protect and purify the waters of the United States. Then in 2001, the Supreme Court decided certain intrastate ponds aren’t navigable waters. In 2006, the Supreme Court struck again, derailing protections of wetlands that aren’t permanent waters connected to navigable waterways.

So now for the last decade, we’ve been left with protection on waters downstream, but not on headwater streams. It makes no sense. Once a waterway is polluted at it’s source, don’t you think that pollution is going to flow downstream?

And if multiple headwater streams running into the same river are polluted, then what do you think happens to that river?

A common rumbling about the Clean Water Act is that the EPA is going to regulate farmers’ ditches. For the most part, this is not true. There is a lot of confusion over what will and will not be regulated. The very basic explanation is, if the water, whether it runs all year or not, connects to waters downstream, then it will be covered. So if an agricultural ditch running through a field dumps into a stream that dumps into a river, then yes, that water will be covered, and should be. But if it’s just an upland ditch that drains into a field or farm pond, then it won’t be.

The rule reads that these waters will not be covered: waste treatment systems, prior converted cropland, ditches excavated wholly in uplands that only drain uplands, ditches that do not contribute flow to downstream waters, artificially irrigated areas, manmade lakes and ponds, water filled depressions, gullies, rills and non-wetland swales. And swimming pools and birdbaths are exempt from regulation, too.

There is also worry about the permitting process. The only activities that need a permit are those that involve dumping or discharging a pollutant from a point source into water covered by the plan.

Another point of confusion is about intermittent and ephemeral streams. Intermittent streams hold water part of the year, typically during wet portions. Ephemeral streams only flow during and right after rain fall. These waters fall under the same rules as perennial waters that flow year round. If they connect to downstream waters, they are covered, and should be.

The Clean Water Act is vital for protecting waters flowing downstream.

The proposed rule falls short of reinstating all the protections of the Clean Water Act prior to 2001, so it will actually shrink the historic version. Certain wetlands and prairie potholes that are critical to waterfowl do not connect downstream, so they will not fall under protection. This is a disappointment, but passing this proposed version of the Clean Water Act is at least a step in the right direction.

The EPA estimates 2.5 million Missourians receive a portion of their drinking water from supplies fed by intermittent and ephemeral streams. Those dry creek beds may not look like much in August, but when you consider they contribute to the water your kids are drinking, they quickly become a whole lot more important.

Take sometime to learn the facts about the Clean Water Act. I believe you’ll quickly understand its importance.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM MIS S OURI

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MISSOURI

Wildlife Sept 2014 Vol. 75, No. 5

Contents 5 3rd Annual Magnificent Missouri Event Scheduled for Sunday, October 5th 6 CFM Announces New Conservation Book: “Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – A Model of Collaboration”

Officers President Al Vogt 1st Vice President Ron Coleman Gary Van De Velde 2nd Vice President Secretary Nicole Wood Treasurer Randy Washburn

Staff

10 Bowfishing Lake of the Ozarks

Brandon Butler

12 Think Before You Take Friends Hunting 16 Invasive Bush Honeysuckle: A Challenge to Missouri’s Native Landscapes

Rehan Nana Micaela Haymaker Laurie Coleman

18 CLC Opportunity 22 CFM’s 3rd Annual Pull For Conservation Banquet 24 Pull For Conservation Clay Shoot Another Successful Year 26 Life After CLC - Where Are You Now? 31 New Deer Regulations To Help Population Rebound

Joe Pendergrass

Executive Director/ Editor Deputy Director Office Manager Membership Director/ Managing Editor Creative Director

Mission Statement: Missourians for Conservation of Natural Resources and Protection of Our Outdoor Heritage.

33 2014 Share the Harvest 33 Basic Archery Training 35 Why I Became a Life Member of CFM Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

news, updates and columns 3 From The Stone House 5 President’s Message Agency News – Missouri Department of Conservation 20

Beware of Hungry Bears

21

Wanted: Christmas Tree for Governor’s Mansion

Department of Natural Resources – 28

Missouri’s Geological Showcases

Member Information: 8 14

4

Business Alliance Members Calendar

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New Members CFM Affiliates

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728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Phone • 573-634-2322 Email • lcoleman@confedmo.org Online • www.confedmo.org

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MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bi­ monthly in January, March, May, July, Sept­ember and November for subscribers and members of the Con­ ser­ vation Federation of Missouri, 728 W. Main, Jef­ ferson City, MO 65101-1559. Of each member’s dues ($25 minimum) $10.00 shall be for a year’s subscription to Missouri Wildlife. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO. and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Front Cover: “The Way It Was, Early-To-Mid1930’s”. Market hunting was a way of life. Read about it in the new “Waterfowl” book. Credit: Glenn Chambers © Glenn D. Chambers 2014 www.glenndchambers.com

president’s message

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et’s think about the importance of membership diversity to the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s (CFM) pursuit of its mission.

As an admirer of forest managers, I offer an example to demonstrate the importance of diversity in CFM. Uneven-aged forest management includes, continuous recruitment of seedlings resulting in a mixed, complex forest community containing allages (seedlings to mature trees) of varying species.

The forest becomes a diverse, dynamic forest ecosystem that provides continuous benefits including wildlife habitat, erosion protection, forest products and recreation.

If CFM, is to be productive as a

Let’s Mix Us Up “community of members”, like a forest, it must become diverse including age, gender, ethnicity, conservation interests and place of residency.

Ongoing and planned CFM activities described below will contribute to increase diversity.

CFM engages high school and college students in a Conservation Leadership Program (CLC). This program gives them experiences that help develop their interest in conservation. After they graduate, many are becoming CFM members.

This program will continue to serve to increase agerelated diversity in CFM. We are also pleased that the gender ratio of CLC students has remained at nearly 50:50 since its start in 2002.

Executive Director, Brandon Butler and Deputy Director, Rehan Nana are planning to initiate multiple annual regional events across the state in 2015. We expect these events to demographically broaden citizen interest and involvement in CFM. A new Communications Specialist position will help to conduct outreach projects.

CFM has nearly 80 affiliate organizations spanning conservation interests including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, land and water, parks, prairies, outdoor recreation and more. An Inaugural Affiliate Summit was held August 11-12 to explore approaches to strengthen CFM’s affiliate programs.

Conservation interest areas are also represented by

15 resource committees.

Resource committees convene at the annual convention to address conservation issues and develop resolutions that recommend remedial actions. Information about affiliates and resource committees is available on the CFM website at www. confedmo.org.

Please support the development and protection of diversity in CFM. Get involved and reach out to others to get them involved. We need a mix of all Missouri citizens to achieve CFM’s mission to “advocate conservation of natural resources and protection of our outdoor heritage”.

We are Conservation.

Al Vogt President, CFM

3rd Annual Magnificent Missouri Event Scheduled for Sunday, October 5th Magnificent Missouri is pleased to announce that planning is underway for the 3rd Annual Conservation Celebration. This year’s event will be held at Shaw Nature Reserve just south of St. Louis in Gray Summit, MO on Sunday, October 5. According to Dan Burkhardt, one of the event founders, this year’s event will be even better than our first two Celebrations -- with your help.

The concept of Magnificent Missouri is to raise funds for conservation through an event that brings together agriculture, conservation and food in an inviting environment.

Since its inception the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for conservation endeavors.

This year, Pappy’s Barbeque will be cooking up locally-raised heritage breed pork. Gerard Craft of Niche,

Kevin Nashan of Sidney Street Cafe and Josh Galliano of Libertine will be providing accompanying dishes.

They are already planning our feast.

Mark your calendar today and plan to join Magnificent Missouri for a beautiful fall afternoon to enjoy the menu and talk conservation. For questions about the event contact Diann Cage at dc@dianncage.com.

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CFM Announces New Conservation Book: “Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – A Model of Collaboration”

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he incredible history of waterfowl and wetland conservation in Missouri is captured in a new book, just released this fall. The success of waterfowl and wetland conservation in the state is not an accident, and the book – Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – A Model of Collaboration – describes in eloquent words, art, and photographs how investment and practice of sound science, public and private partnerships, strong citizen support, and strong resource agency foundations have enabled this success. This “model” of conservation practice has become nationally known as the “Missouri Model,” and has served as the premier example of wetland conservation – and waterfowl hunting stewardship – for the entire country.

Even international groups have recognized Missouri’s “Model” and sought to emulate it. The book undoubtedly will become the next “classic” Missouri conservation book in the vein of previous books that have chronicled Missouri conservation history such as the highly regarded “Conservation Contrasts” by Werner Nagel and “Man and Wildlife” by Charles Callison.

While the book is focused on waterfowl and wetlands, it enlarges the rich story of Missouri conservation in general, and through fascinating chapters on how waterfowl hunting influenced Missouri conservation history, the development of wildlife science, wetlands and waters in Missouri ecosystems, and regional treatments of wetland and waterfowl manage6

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Wetland enhancement will be made possible from dedicated proceeds from the book. Photo credit: Glenn D. Chambers.

ment, the book expands the history of Missouri in rich, previously untold, ways. A closing chapter presents a vision for the future to assure the Missouri Model expands and becomes stronger. The book traces the evolution of waterfowl hunting in Missouri from Native Americans, explorers, early settlers, and market hunters to the sport hunters of today. Hunters have been instrumental in advancing the conservation movement in North America, and the reader will gain a better understanding of the important role that they have played in waterfowl and wetland management in Missouri.

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The book also contains an entire section on waterfowl hunting heritage in the state, with outstanding chapters on art, decoys, calls, blinds and boats, and our buddies in the blind – the retrievers. What an amazing collection of information that a reader simply will not be able to put down. The art of Charles Schwartz is featured throughout the book, and the collection of other art and photographs is by itself reason enough for purchasing the book. Simply stated, every waterfowl hunter in Missouri must have a copy of this book, every waterfowl and wetland scientist regardless of where they work should read and learn from it, and anyone interested in the history and practice of resource conservation in Missouri will want a copy.

The vision for the book came as biologists recognized the contributions of so many individuals to waterfowl and wetland conservation history in Missouri, and the need to capture it before knowledge was lost. The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) played a key role in the initiation of the book and supported its publication. In 2012, the idea for the book was “hatched” at the CFM Annual Convention Waterfowl and Wetland Resource Committee, and thereafter a group assembled to discuss how the book could happen.

From there, a “Book Committee” was formed to evaluate the potential to produce the book and ultimately to guide its development. The eventual committee included past and present waterfowl biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation

Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri: (MDC), wetland managers, scientists, member stated in his memoirs book A Model of Collaboration and a past MDC Commissioner.

The “Duck Fever: Reflections on a Fiftymanaging editor for the book was Year Addiction to Waterfowling renowned former MDC and Ducks Unlimited (DU) waterfowl biologist and administrator Ken Babcock.

Alan Wentz, former conservation manager for DU, was the manuscript editor. All authors of the book donated their time and talents throughout the process. Sponsors, anchored

by Bass Pro Shops, MDC, DU, CFM and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) and many private citizens, have covered all production costs. Net proceeds from sales of the book will be managed by MCHF and dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri. The book is available for purchase through MCHF (www. mochf.org), MDC’s Nature Shops, and the attached order form. Books purchased now will be shipped on or soon after October 1, 2014.

For many, today is indeed “The Good Old Days” of waterfowl hunting. And, Missouri’s reputation for quality waterfowl hunting and sound habitat and population management

are two seasons duck season,and Discover the unique history ofThere the “Missouri Model”– of wetland and getting ready for duck season. waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated One is too short, and the other is too new book. long.”

The success of Missouri’s waterfowl and wetland conservation Mickey Heitmeyer and George is not an accident. Careful planning, skillful execution of well-Seek designed strategies, public and private partnerships, strong citizen theled authors Mickey wetland Heitsupport, and dedicated funding About have all to the– quality meyer and George aretoday. co-chairs habitats and migratory bird populations that weSeek enjoy of the Waterfowl and Wetlands A new book, Waterfowl Hunting andCFM Wetland Conservation in Future generations of waterfowlers will benefit Resource Committee.

Heitmeyer is this Missouri: A Model of Collaboration, chronicles and celebrates from dollars generated from the sale of books. a waterfowl/wetland scientist that success.

Sponsors, anchored by Bass Pro Shops, the Missouri Photo credit: Glenn D. Chambers. theUnlimited, Greenbrierthe Wetland Services Department of Conservation, owns Ducks Conservation has neverFederation been stronger.

Waterfowl consulting company and also formerly of Missouri, the Missouri Conservation Heritage hunters from throughout theprivate country was have National Groupall Manager of Foundation, and citizens, covered production travel to Missouri to hunt, see, and Conservation for DU and on staff at costs. The book’s authors, many of them former waterfowl experience “The Missouri Model.” the University of Missouri. Seek is rebiologists and wetland managers, have donated their services The book will encourage current tired from MDC where he was former to produce this new book. The book is edited by Kenneth M. and future conservation commissionDirector of the state’s private lands Babcock and W. Alan Wentz.program Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited, ers, agency directors, biologists, and and also managed and superand Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro have areas, each most hunters to understand and stay true vised severalShops, state wetland written a foreword for the book.

The dust jacket artwork is from to the lessons learned from the book notably Fountain Grove Conservation Charles W. Schwartz the State Historical Society chapters.the And, for hunters, the bookcollection, Area. Both Heitmeyer and Seek are of Missouri. images, some neverand before also is a way to stay inOver touchthree with hundred Board Members of CFM serve on be showcased in this hard copy book. the birdspublished, and huntingwill outside of the the OAK’s Committee. season. As JeffisChuran, This a “mustformer have” MDC book for all serious migratory bird hunters, Commissioner and book committee and all net proceeds from sales of the book will be dedicated

ORDER TODAY

to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.

YES! I to want order ______ copies of Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri Name Address City

Phone Number State

Zip

Email

Quantity Price $40 each Sales Tax (MO residents add 7.725%) Shipping & Handling (see chart) Total

$ $ $ $

Shipping & Handling via U.S. UPS/USPS MISSOURI OUT OF STATE One Book $6.95 $8.95 Two Books $8.95 $10.95 Three Books $10.95 $12.95 Four Books or more: Call for rates 1-877-521-8632

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Please send order form and payment to: Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Shop, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 MIS S OURI

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Thank You! Business Alliance Members Our sincere thanks to all of our Business Alliance members.

Your support of CFM is making a difference for Missouri outdoors!

Associated Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Platinum Bass Pro Shops

Gold

Shelter Insurance Companies

Drury Hotels

Columbia Daily Tribune

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

MidwayUSA

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Platte-Clay County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Dickerson Park Zoo

Pure Air Natives, Inc.

Silver

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

Quality Forest Management, LLC

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

REMAX Boone Realty

Friends of Ryan McKenna

Sapaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

Full Care Inc.

Second Creek Deer Blinds

General Printing Service

Shade Tree Service, Inc.

Goodwin Brothers Construction Company

Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Socket Internet Service, LLC

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

Sport & Spine Rehabilitation

Hunting Works for Missouri

Tabor Plastics Company

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Joe Machens Dealerships

The Bank of Missouri

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc.

Land & Water Partners, Inc.

Thirty 3 Bar & Grill

Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc.

Brown Printing

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Trumans Bar & Grill, Inc.

Cap America

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Citizens Telephone Company

Midwest Mailing Services

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives James T. Blair IV Middle River Bluffs Missouri Petroleum Council NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Pyramid Home Health Services

Basic

Join the CFM Business Alliance today!

Check the annual member category you prefer: q $250—Basic q $1,000—Silver q $5,000—Gold q $10,000—Platinum CFM Business Alliance members will receive a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife, recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Contact Name:_______________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ City:________________________________________________________ State:________________________________________________________ ZIP code:____________________________________________________ Work phone:_________________________________________________ Home phone:_________________________________________________ Fax number:_________________________________________________

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

E-mail address:_______________________________________________

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Please make checks payable to the Conservation Federation of Missouri. We also accept MasterCard, Visa, or Discover below or online at www.confedmo.org

The Conservation Federation of Missouri is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you have questions, call us at 1-800-575-2322 or visit us at www. confedmo.org to sign up online 8

Business Name:_______________________________________________

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Credit card number:___________________________________________ Expiration date:______________________________________________ Signature of cardholder:_______________________________________

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Bowfishing Lake of the Ozarks

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n July my wife Kim and I had the opportunity to go bowfishing at night on the Lake of the Ozarks.

This was the first time either of us had tried bowfishing. Although I had seen some videos and heard about how much fun it was I was still a little unsure if it would be to my liking.

Well, I must admit both Kim and I had an absolutely fantastic night of fun.

Bo O’Neil of Bowfishing Insanity Guide Service had donated a trip to the Conservation Federation of Missouri to be auctioned off at the annual convention to help raise money for CFM efforts in our state. I purchased that trip back in March and contacted Bo to set the date. July 12th, the night of the “Super Moon”, turned out to be beautiful. We started our adventure that night with a little orientation about safety, technique, and setting up the bows to fit Kim and I. Absolutely everything we needed was provided by Bowfishing Insanity.

The boat had a very large and stable raised platform, lights mounted on the

Jeff Blystone & Bo O’Neil still smiling at 5:00 a.m. after a successful night of bowfishing.

rowed a good buffalo. I just couldn’t get it through my thick skull to aim way below the fish. Light refraction causes the fish to appear to be in a different place than it actually is. The deeper the fish, the lower you need to aim. At first I was pretty frustrated at missing so much but as the night went on I guess I got used to it and just enjoyed the experience. I did manage to score on some good fish and Kim also got a lot of shooting in with a couple of fish ending up on the end of her arrow as well. To sum it all up Kim and I had a great first experience bowfish-

Kim & Jeff Blystone with the largest buffalo and gar of the night.

Jeff taking aim with the “Super Moon” above.

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platform run by a very quiet generator lit up the surrounding water and allowed us to see the fish. Oh did we see fish, lots and lots of fish. I soon learned that seeing fish and actually shooting fish were two very different things. Although Bo warned me from the start that bowfishing will humble the best archer I really expected to score more hits than I did. I’ll bet it took me 20 shots before I finally ar2 0 1 4

ing and hope to do it again.

A big thank you goes out to Bo O’Neil at Bowfishing Insanity (www. bowfishinginsanity.com) for donating the trip to help out CFM. If you’re interested in giving this a try I would encourage you to give Bo a call at (573) 855-0235.

Jeff Blystone CFM Life Member

WELCOME C F M N E W members

Joe Algaier, Belton Pat Anghilante, Saint Louis John Anselmo, Florissant Thomas Barklage, Saint Charles Roger Barnard, New Bloomfield Greg Barstow, Kansas City Robert Bass, Leasburg Emerita Bergtholdt, McDonough, GA Paul Beuselinck, Ashland Joe Bindbeutel, Columbia Isabel Blecha, Saint Louis Albert Bommer, Saint Peters Dan Bray, Lees Summit Pat Brugger, Salem John Burk, Steedman William Butler, Crown Point, IN Virgil Cagle, Columbia Edward Campbell, Kirksville Nick Carras, Springfield Danny Caylor, Jasper Clifford Chappie, Jr., Florissant Ned Chase, Joplin Jeffrey Ciolli, Jefferson City Bonnie Collier, DeSoto Les Conway, Salem Ronald Crader, Marston Christy Cunningham, Saint Louis Richard Davis, Excello Richard & Ellie Dawson, Kansas City David Diehl, Trimble George Dinges, Imperial Alice Doerge, Mexico John Donaubauer, Saint Louis Carolyn Doyle, Columbia Jennifer Eggemeyer, Eolia Jerome Falke, Blue Springs Thomas Fisher, Shawnee Mission, KS Norman Fogt, Valley Park Carl Freiling, Ashland Rick Gaffney, Saint Charles Joe Gassner, Jefferson City

Norb Giessman, Columbia Elrey Goheen, Independence Timothy Grace, Columbia Tom Gredell, Holts Summit James Gualdoni, Saint Charles David Gunti, Saint Charles H.W. Haggans, Nevada Willard Helme, Blue Eye Stephen Hess, Bloomsdale Marvin Hoskey, Maryville Michael Hubbard, Saint Louis Bob Hutton, Warrensburg Dennis Johnson, Holts Summit Ricky Jones, Aurora Silvia Jurisson, Columbia Richard Karwoski, Saint Louis Paul Kemner, Augusta Timothy Kendall, Arnold Tom & Jane Kinder, Fenton William Kisling, Jr., Saint Louis Joseph Knoll, Roach Robert Komotos, Webster Grove Elizabeth Kramer, Jefferson City Henry Kruse, O’Fallon Rob & Janet Land, Jefferson City Paul Langewisch, Fulton Wayne Lawson, Carl Junction Joseph & Janelle Lemen, Springfield Timothy Linville, Marquand Harold Lowenstein, Kansas City James Lundsted, Jefferson City Robert Magee, El Dorado Springs Anna Mann, Kansas City Paul Mann, Marthasville Donald Mansell, Kearney Julie McDevitt, Eldon David McDowell, Kearney Don & Virginia McKinley, Saint Louis Ford & Melanie Mendenhall, Columbia Doris Miller, Rockville Karen Monsees, Kansas City Arthur Morey, Ballwin Roger Morton, Maryland Heights Betty Moyer, Camdenton

Hollis Mundhenke, Independence Joan Murnan, Saint Louis Marcia Nana, Mission, KS Mary Nemecek, Kansas City Mark Oehler, Reed Spring Gary Perry, Nixa James Peterson, Wentzville Ronald Piontek, Fenton Rockwood Bank, Eureka Earl Samel, Saint Louis Scott Sarantakis, Saint Louis James Sayler, Saint Louis Tom Schilling, Barnhart Richard Schuppan, Saint Charles Francis Schwartze, Kansas City Richard Shields, Saint Charles Wesley Shoemyer, Clarence Warren Singer, Prairieville, LA Karen Smith, Fletcher Mary Smith, Saint Charles Winifred Soper, Slater Kyle Spradley, Columbia Carol Squires, Columbia Jeremy Stephens, New Franklin Paul Stohr, Saint Louis Wesley Swift, Jr., Sedalia Rex Taylor, Richmond Bruce Temmen, Jefferson City Keith Temmen, Jefferson City Mark Temmen, Jefferson City Richard Thom, Jefferson City Billie Tomlin, Kansas City Judy Tripp, Holts Summit Ian Turley, Columbia Mark & Regina Van Patten, Tebbetts Eric VanDyke, Calhoun Clyde Vaughn, Dexter Sylvester Volz, O’Fallon John Wallace, Columbia Noel Whitson, Joplin Marie Wolf, Union Wonneman’s Flowers and Gifts, Mexico Alfred Yust, Kansas City

CFM would like to thank the 325 members that renewed since our last publication.

MIS S OURI

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Think Before You Take Friends Hunting

By Kenneth L. Kieser

H

igh school or college students love to talk about their hobbies or passions.

Many have spent their lives hunting and share their many experiences with friends.

Chances are their best friends or love interests will eventually be invited to try this outdoor experience.

Many years ago I invited my high school girlfriend teal hunting on an unseasonably warm fall morning. She readily accepted and the next morning we entered the marsh before daylight, both carrying 20 gauge shotguns. Immediately mosquitoes were buzzing and my flashlight beam picked up two snakes at the water’s edge. Our mosquito repellent stopped most of the pesky insects, not all, but the snakes ended our hunt before it began. Soon we were driving back to her house and worried parents who were not sure about their daughter hunting.

She thought I was crazy to enjoy that type of thing and soon broke off our brief relationship.

You may think that I made a big mistake and it’s true. But bad weather judgment was not my biggest error. I took a girl hunting who had never shot a gun, a common mistake often made when introducing friends to our 1 2

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beloved sport. My plan was to talk her through shooting at teal, a very bad idea. She ended the hunt before any problems occurred, but I almost died over this same mistake a few years later.

My buddy we’ll call Dan wanted to try deer hunting after listening to my stories of past hunts.

We both talked excitedly of shooting the big buck during our hour drive. I had loaned him my 30-30 and early that morning we started across a wellgrazed pasture where earlier scouting had found deer, including a big buck in the far corner next to big timber. Dawn was an hour away and there was very little need to hurry our short walk to a wellplaced ground blind I had constructed days before.

I walked in front of Dan and suddenly the night erupted with a big explosion. I felt something slam my leg while knocking me sideways and to the ground. Realization of what had happened and immediate intense pain made me feel blind panic. The sensation of something warm running down my lower leg made me immediately feel ill the moment I realized my trusted friend had shot me.

Dan immediately threw the 30-30 into darkness in a fit of panic. By then I was trying to feel how much damage had been done and could only feel sickeningly

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Some start hunting early, but be careful when choosing a hunting partner.

Photo by Lawrence Taylor

warm, sticky blood—my blood!

My friend was frightened and quickly spit out words while explaining that he was not sure if the gun’s safety was on, so he pulled the trigger. Every experienced gun owner will cringe at that. The angle of his rifle barrel is the only reason I am alive today.

Higher and I might have died on the spot. A couple inches to the left might

have torn through a main artery and I’d have bled to death or at the very least lost part of my leg.

The possibilities of what might have happened are unlimited and deadly.

Fortunately he only grazed my right calf muscle and the doctor gave me a tetanus shot, bandaged the wound and sent me home.

I still have a scar on my leg as a reminder of how I almost ended.

I was physically sore and angry at Dan, possibly the most ironic part of this story. I should have been mad at me. After all, I was the idiot that gave an inexperienced young man a loaded deer rifle in the dark and expected him to use it correctly. The kicker is, he had never fired any kind of gun, except a Daisy BB rifle shooting tin cans.

This incident took place years before Hunter’s Education Classes existed.

Today hunters born after 1967 are required to take Hunter’s Education before trying any kind of hunting.

I taught this class several years in Missouri and believe in it. I wish it were mandatory for all hunters, no matter their experience level or age.

I hope my near death experience will serve as a warning for anyone that loans firearms to their friends for private property hunts. Make sure your friend is experienced with firearms and has taken a Hunter’s Education Class.

More importantly, go to a gun range and shoot with your friends to see how they handle a gun. Did they point the gun in a safe direction before checking to see if it is loaded? Where was that gun pointing when they walked to the firing line? How did they react to the sound of a shotgun or rifle being shot?

The trick is hunting with partners you can trust. The result will be a longer life and a successful, enjoyable hunting career.

MIS S OURI

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS

MISSOURI DELTA WATERFOWL SEPT 13: NEMO Chapter Annual Event, Macon County Expo Center, Macon (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Tish Carr (660) 651-2002

AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI SEPT 6: Public Field Trip, 3M Flat Branch - Hinkson Creek Wetlands (8:00am); Lottie Bushmann (573) 808-0661 or Lori Turner (573) 881-2941 SEPT 20: Public Field Trip, Audubon Nature Sanctuary, Columbia (8:00am); Bill Mees (573) 445-7781 SEPT 26: Fall Meeting, Lake of the Ozarks State Park BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY SEPT 2: The Next Generation of Birders, Discovery Center Auditorium OCT 7: A Wilderness Icon: America’s Red Rock Wilderness, Discovery Center Auditorium GREENWAY NETWORK SEPT 6: Storm Drain Marking (9:00am) SEPT 8: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) SEPT 10: Big Muddy Paddle Series, MDC Frenchtown Boat Launch (4:30pm) SEPT 10: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30pm) SEPT 27: National Public Lands Day, Riverlands Bird Sanctuary, West Alton (8:30am - 1:00pm) OCT 4: Storm Drain Marking (9:00am) OCT 6: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) OCT 8: Big Muddy Paddle Series, MDC Frenchtown Boat Launch (4:30pm) OCT 8: Big Muddy Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30pm) OCT 11: Kiefer Creek Hike, Castlewood State Park, Ballwin (10:00am - 12:00pm); Lorin (314) 727-0600 OCT 12: Fall Dardenne Creek Monitoring Day OCT 25: River Soundings Symposium and Paddle, Riverlands Bird Sanctuary, West Alton (9:00am) MID MISSOURI TROUT UNLIMITED OCT 7: Fishing the Smoky Mountains, Jack’s Gourmet, Columbia (5:00pm - 8:00pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION SEPT 22: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion OCT 27: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION SEPT 6: Board Meeting, Warsaw SEPT 7: Fall Classic, Truman Lake OCT 4-5: State Championship, Truman Lake

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MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED SEPT 12: Osage Dinner, Saint George Catholic Church, Linn (6:00pm - 9:00pm); Dale Williams (573) 690-9676 SEPT 12: Mineral Area Dinner, Twin Oaks Winery, Farmington (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Justin Raith (573) 783-9784, Mike Walker (573) 330-8347 or Monica Walker (573) 330-8345 SEPT 13: Carroll County Dinner, Rupe Community Center, Carrollton (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Lee Metcalf (660) 329-0574 SEPT 20: Gateway Greenbeards Dinner, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Town and County (6:00pm - 10:00pm); Steve LaFrance (314) 2888456 or tom McCrackin (636) 405-1033 SEPT 27: Greater Kansas City Greenwing (Youth) Event for Families, James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, Lees Summit (10:00am - 3:00pm); Bill Cox (816) 214-0987 or Mark Jackson (417) 549-9875 SEPT 27: Carthage Dinner, Memorial Hall, Carthage (6:00pm - 9:00pm); Jason Hill (417) 8505111 or Wayne Wilson (417) 359-4093 SEPT 27: Marmaton Valley Dinner, Elks Lodge, Nevada (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Brian Conroy (417) 549-6761 SEPT 27: Greater Kansas City Gun Bash, Weatherby Lake (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Richard Woody (913) 905-2150, John Dillow (816) 591-0457 or Matt Hanrahan (816) 806-6974 OCT 4: Swampeast Annual Sportsman’s Dinner, Saint Francis Xavier Center, Sikeston (6:00pm 10:00pm); Andy Piepenbrok (573) 380-4580 OCT 4: Saint Louis MidCo Sportsman’s Night Out, Elks Lodge, Crestwood (6:00pm - 9:00pm); Caroline Whiting (314) 583-3749 or Eddie Whiting (314) 450-6420 OCT 4: Ozark Chapter Bingo Night, Elks Lodge, Ozark (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Kenny Dugger (417) 818-8148 OCT 4: Parkville Dinner, Athletic Complex, Parkville (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Dan Mason (816) 5691184 or Dave Velky (816) 421-0044 OCT 4: Grand River Dinner, Elks Lodge, Chillicothe (6:00pm - 10:00pm); David Hamilton (660) 2470825 OCT 11: Monett or Barry/Lawrence County Membership Dinner, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, Monett (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Julie Snodgrass (417) 489-1078 OCT 11: Greenheads Annual Sportsman’s Dinner,

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Elks Lodge, Dexter (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Darren Burnett (573) 421-2607 or Mike Wilburn (573) 421-3713 OCT 11: Lake Stockton Gun Bash, Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Mike & Jan Grady (417) 809-8423 OCT 11: Excelsior Springs Dinner, Ryther’s Community Center, Lawson (6:00pm - 9:30pm); Bill Williams (816) 804-5405 or Bruce Yager (816) 806-8564 OCT 16: Columbia Dinner, Holiday Inn Expo Center, Columbia (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Gary Ford (573) 874-0524, Scott Shaw (573) 268-0246 or Dave Hestir (573) 808-3380 OCT 18: McDonald County Gun Bash, River Ranch Resort, Noel (6:00pm - 9:30pm); John Poynor (800) 951-6121 or Lendall Wilson (417) 540-4890 OCT 25: Vandalia/Bowling Green Dinner, Pike County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green (5:30pm 10:00pm); Linda Leffeler (573) 470-6324 OCT 30: Saint Louis Sponsors Dinner, Palladium, Saint Louis (5:30pm - 10:00pm); Chip Wagner (314) 496-8283 or Mike Checkett (901) 277-9118 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION SEPT 5-7: Hunter Education Clinic & Dove Hunt, Lost Valley Hatchery (6:00pm) SEPT 11: Quarterly Board Meeting, Jumpin Catfish (6:30pm - 8:00pm) SEPT 19: Sportsman’s Gala Fundraising Event, The Kansas City Club (6:00pm - 8:00pm) SEPT 27: 4th Annual Shoot for the Future, Powder Creek Shooting Park (9:00am - 1:00pm) OCT 10-12: Hunter Education Clinic & Urban Deer Hunt, VFW Building, Pleasant Valley (6:00pm) MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS SEPT 6: Cedar County Upland Chapter, Ray Zumwalt Expo Center, Stockton; Micky Morrison (417) 282-6671 SEPT 12: Little Dixie Longbeards, Audrain County Fairgrounds 4H Building, Mexico; Ben Doerge (573) 473-7009 SEPT 13: Leadershoot, Prairie Grove Shooting Club, Columbia; Mike Allen (660) 323-5562 SEPT 27: Clay Howlett Memorial, Community Center, Saint Robert; Clinton Jarrett (573) 855-1442 OCT 3: Gasconade River Gobblers, Community Building, Belle; Kyle Lairmore (573) 437-8899 OCT 4: Bunt Cumbea Laclede County Chapter, Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon; Karen Ray (417) 588-1643 OCT 11: Polk County Hillbilly Longbeards, Smith’s Restaurant, Bolivar; Todd Grant (417) 376-2647 WHEELIN SPORTSMEN EVENTS SEPT 4: Sho-Me Gun Bash, Bass Pro River Conference Center, Springfield; Kevin Hess (417) 521-7447 OCT 2: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Gun Blast, Knights of Columbus Hall, Jackson; Timothy Schwent (573) 225-3740 OCT 9: Bollinger County Double Beards Gun Bash, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Jackie Rowe (573)

579-9170 OCT 16: River Hills Thunderin Gun Bash, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomsdale; Rob Sulkowkski (573) 883-9982 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION SEPT 12: Board Meeting, Jefferson City (10:00am) SEPT 17-19: Leadership Development Institute, Camp Pin Oak, Lake Ozark State Park SEPT 24-25: Executive Forum, Tomahawk Golf Course, Shawnee, KS SEPT 28-29: Student Workshop, Lake Ozark State Park OCT 3: Sports Section Glow Golf, Ballwin (7:00pm) OCT 8-9: AFO Course, Jefferson City OCT 10: Region 4 Golf Tournament, Creve Coeur MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION SEPT 20: Grow Native! Workshop: Advanced Native Plant Landscape Design, Greene County Botanical Center, Springfield (9:00am - 2:30pm) SEPT 27: Prairie Jubilee, Prairie State Park, Mindenmines (10:00am - 4:00pm) OCT 11: Annual Meeting, Prairie Day and Evening on the Prairie, Cole Camp OCT 25: Barnett Mountain Hike, Rocky Creek Conservation Area, Eminence (10:00am - 4:00pm) MISSOURI RIVER BIRD OBSERVATORY SEPT 13: Capture, Band and Measure Rubythroated Hummingbirds, Arrow Rick State Historic Site (9:00am - 11:00am) SEPT 18: Northern Saw-whet Owl Presentation, Springfield SEPT 23: Learn to Indentify Missouri Birds, Trails Library, Warrensburg (2:00pm) SEPT 27: Prairie State Park Jubilee, Prairie State Park (10:00am - 4:00pm) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE SEPT 6: Spotted Bass Roundup

OCT 11: Stream Team Adopt and Access Cleanup Day (8:00am) MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION SPRINGFIELD EVENTS SEPT 4: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) SEPT 11: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) SEPT 18: Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm) SEPT 20: Fly Fishing Class to Roaring River (9:00am - 4:00pm) SEPT 20: Great Outdoor Day - Bois Arc Conservation Area (9:00am - 3:00pm) OCT 2: Monthly Meeting (6:00pm - 9:00pm) OCT 2-4: Southern Council Fly Fishing Fair KANSAS CITY EVENTS SEPT 8: Fly Tying - Rod Building Classes SEPT 27-28: Fall Derby, Roaring River OCT 2-4: FFF Southern Council Conclave OCT 10-12: Club Trip - Taneycomo, Branson OCT 28: Club Meeting - Chili Dinner and Raffle, Fleming Hall (6:30pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED SEPT 6: Boone County Disabled Freedom Hunt Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Columbia SEPT 13: Kingdom of Callaway Chapter Banquet, Saint Peters Hall, Fulton SEPT 20: Anchor City Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Centralia SEPT 27: Southern Boone Chapter Banquet, Optimist Club, Ashland OCT 4: Mississippi Valley Chapter Banquet, American Legion, Palmyra OCT 18: Davis Creek Chapter Banquet, Community Center, Higginsville OCT 18: Show Me Chapter Banquet, Caldwell Building, Canton OZARK FLY FISHERS SEPT 8: Board Meeting, Creve Coeur (7:00pm 9:00pm)

SEPT 11-14: Taneycomo Outing SEPT 25: General Membership Meeting, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm) OCT 6: Board Meeting, Creve Coeur (7:00pm 9:00pm) OCT 18: Chili Tie In, Manchester OCT 23: General Membership Meeting, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB SEPT 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) SEPT 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) OCT 11: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) OCT 11: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. SEPT 20: Guide for a Day, Pomme De Terre; Steve Worstell (816) 520-2371 OCT 3: Fall Muskie Tournament, Pomme De Terre; George Donner (816) 678-1623 OCT 4-5: Fall Muskie Tournament, Pomme De Terre; George Donner (816) 678-1623 OCT 18: Mail-in Tournament, Missouri Lakes & Kincaid; Wayne Humphrey (314) 440-2173 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION OCT 11: Missouri Elk Capital Big Game Banquet, Eminence; Jim Anderson (573) 226-3893 TROUTBUSTERS OF MISSOURI OCT 3-5: Fall TroutBust, Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon CFM EVENTS SEPT 27: Board Meeting, Branson

Would you like to be added to our electronic newsletter list?

Please email your name and email address to lcoleman@confedmo.org or call us toll free at 800-575-2322 MIS S OURI

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Invasive Bush Honeysuckle: A Challenge to Missouri’s Native Landscapes

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ush Honeysuckle is an invasive plant found in much of northeastern United States and is well established in St. Louis and Kansas City. Typically, Bush Honeysuckle shrubs are upright and can grow anywhere from 5ft to 20ft high. Some common characteristics to identify Bush Honeysuckle include leafing out in April, Spring flowers that can be white to yellow, and distinct small, bright red or orange fruits that occur during Autumn.

Birds eat the fruits and then drop them and the seeds they contain in other locations, which further spreads the invasion of the plant. It should be noted that Missouri does have a native honeysuckle plant, however it is a vine that has yellow to red trumpetshaped blossoms that appear in late April or early May. Invasive Honeysuckle was first introduced to North America for landscaping purposes. Because the plants grow to form dense thickets, they became a popular choice for homeowners because the privacy they provide. However, they have a variety of negative consequences to native Missouri ecosystems. Conservation agencies and environmental nonprofits throughout the State of Missouri have expressed concern regarding the effects of this fast spreading plant. The plant’s density causes a lack of undergrowth and can deplete soil moisture causing harm to native plants that typically inhabit these areas., In addition, birds that nest in the shrubs have fewer successful offspring, and because deer bed in the dense honeysuckle thickets, these shrubs can become sources of tickborne disease.

Populations are generally denser and more mature in the center of the invasion and are often re-invaded

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after individual thickets are removed, so an aggressive eradication effort at the invasion front is highly recommended to prevent further spread.

Specifically, individual shrubs can be removed once detected to prevent dense thickets from forming. Once spread is halted, control measures can move further inward towards the core where populations are denser.

Landowners who see bush honeysuckle shrubs, especially those in a solitary bush, can make a difference by following these eradication efforts: • First, to mechanically remove the plants, pull them out of the ground by hand making sure to get all the roots.

This typically works best where there are only a few young plants as the denser thickets require more effort.

The ground should be tapped with the foot to reduce soil disturbance.

• The second method involves 2 0 1 4

cutting the shrubs just after leaf out when energy demands on the plant are at their peak or in the early fall when it is easy to identify the plant.

Directly after cutting, one should apply herbicide containing glyphosate, which is common in over-the-counter products such as Roundup. A 20% solution is recommended for application to effectively kill the plant’s root system. When applying these products, it is recommended that you use a low-pressure hand held sprayer or a sponge applicator when applying the solution to a stump so as not to apply the solution to any wanted plants.

Covering the top of the stump is more than adequate in order to remove the plant permanently.

While these methods have proven to be an effective way to removing Bush Honeysuckle, a long-term management approach of using these tech-

niques year-after-year will ensure the best results. The longer bush honeysuckles grow and spread, the more expensive they are to manage and control so the best time to begin eradicating the plant from ones property is today.

If you would like to learn more about invasive honeysuckle, visit www.stop-honeysuckle.org and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s webpage dedicated

to the plant at www.tiny.cc/MDChoneysuckle.

There are several native plant alternatives that are beneficial to Missouri’s forests. To learn more about native landscaping visit www.grownative.org.

Katherine Dockery Executive Director, The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region

To learn more...

“Invasive bush honeysuckles: ecology, spread, and mitigation” By: Medley and Mohrman, 2014 http://tyson.wustl.edu/news/ honeysuckle.pdf

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The Mission of the Conservation Leadership Corps Mission Statement: Engaging youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources.

Purpose: Sustain conservation leadership in Missouri and the Conservation Federation of Missouri through involvement, education and training of future leaders by providing selected high school and college students with networking skills, conservation education opportunities and full participation in policy making and the legislative process.

Vision 1: Young members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri who are dedicated to its cause and are being educated and trained to assume future leadership roles within the organization.

Vision 2: A cadre of involved, educated and trained young individuals committed to the conservation of Missouri’s abundant natural resources.

Vision 3: A group of well-educated and trained professionals who are committed to working in the field of natural resources management in Missouri.

Nominate an Outstanding Student CLC Seeking to Expand Participation

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emember that old Election Day saying “Vote Early and Vote Often”? Well, now you have the opportunity to do just that. The Youth Leadership and Conservation Education Committee of the Conservation Federation of Missouri is seeking nominations of students to the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). We are seeking nominations from all CFM members as well as conservation professionals in education and agencies.

What is the Conservation Leadership Corps? Federation members who attended any of the past several conventions are well aware of this vibrant group of young men and women that want to make an impact on conservation issues now and in the future.

The CLC consists of a group of highly recommended students, ranging from juniors in high school through seniors in college. These students have already achieved academic success and have been involved in conservation projects and issues. The Corps began in 2002 with a small group of students. Each year the membership has expanded.

The program has been enthusiastically received by CLC members and Federation members alike.

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Following are some comments received from the students: “Great meeting and talking with people as well as seeing how the resolution process works.”

“The issues discussed were pertinent and important to all our members.”

“A great way to meet people and gain knowledge of conservation.”

Please take a few minutes to nominate that special student.

Provide an opportunity for a young man or woman to see how CFM works. Let a budding conservationist meet and network with others on important conservation issues.

Our aim is to engage students from every part of our great state. We also urge you to nominate students from the diversity of Missouri cultures and backgrounds. This is your chance to make a contribution bringing future conservation leaders into CFM. WE NEED TO RECEIVE YOUR NOMINATIONS BY OCTOBER 31, 2014.

CLC Nomination Form You are invited to nominate a Missouri high school junior through college senior student that has exhibited academic success and achievements in organized conservation projects. You may nominate more than one student.

Student Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ Zip: _____________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (_________) _____________________________

Present School and Class Level: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominator’s Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ Zip: _____________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: (_________) _____________________________

What qualities has the nominee exhibited that you believe qualifies him/or her for acceptance in the Conservation Leadership Corps?

Please return this form by October 31, 2014 to: Conservation Federation of Missouri, 728 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

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agency news - department of conservation

Beware of Hungry Bears Bears are better off living on what nature provides

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lack bears normally are shy and elusive, but the Missouri Department of Conservation urges those few Missourians lucky enough to see bears to keep them at arm’s length. Keeping bears wild not only protects people and property – it protects bears, too.

Throughout most of the year, Missouri’s black bear population is nearly invisible. Naturally fearful of humans, they prefer to mind their own business, foraging for natural foods in fields and forests. But summer can be a lean time for bears. They lose most of their fat reserves during the winter and have to subsist on vegetation, insects, and other less substantial fare until blackberries ripen in midsummer. Even then, they are constantly looking for food. If they find an unsecured garbage can, a bowl of pet food left outdoors, or even a hummingbird feeder full of sugar water, their stomachs sometimes overcome their shyness. That can get them into trouble.

“Bears are wonderful animals,” says Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer, “and they generally are harmless. But things can end badly for bears that get in the habit of foraging for food near people. Harassment and other aversive conditioning often convinces a bear to stay away from people.

But sometimes they keep going back where they don’t belong and have to be destroyed.”

The great majority of Missouri’s black bears live south of I-44. Most are found between Poplar Bluff and Springfield. People who live in this area should consider not feeding birds and other wildlife from April through September, especially in rural areas. Later in the fall, bears are busy feeding on their dietary mainstay,

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Keep local bears from becoming nuisances on your property. Don’t invite them to dinner. Keep feed, garbage, and greasy grills out of reach. Photo credit: MDC

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agency news - department of conservation acorns. Bears are much less active from December through March, when supplemental feeding is more important for birds.

Beringer also recommends keeping pet food and livestock feed inside secure outbuildings. The same is true for barbecue grills and other items that smell like food. Trash should be put out as close to pickup time as possible to minimize exposure to hungry bears, and feeders that dispense corn

or other feed for wildlife should not be used during the summer.

Beringer said campers and floaters in south-central Missouri also need to be bear aware. It is a good idea to keep food locked inside vehicles with the windows closed when it is not being used. Floaters should keep food in bear-proof containers or hang it from ropes between trees at night or when it is left unattended.

To learn more about black bears, including preventing and dealing with black bears around potential food sources, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/973.

If you have problems with a nuisance bear, contact the nearest MDC office or conservation agent.

Jim Low News Services Coordinator, MDC

Wanted: Christmas Tree for Governor’s Mansion

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Candidate trees must be nominated by Sept. 30.

f you have a 40-foot evergreen tree that you would enjoy seeing on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City, the Missouri Department of Conservation would like to talk to you.

Forestry Field Programs Supervisor Nick Kuhn says the Conservation Department is on its annual quest for a tree to adorn the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion during the holiday season. To qualify, candidate trees must be at least 40 feet tall. Only eastern red cedar, Norway spruce, or white pine trees will be considered. Candidate trees must be fully branched on all four sides and accessible by large equipment. Full guidelines are available at mdc.mo.gov/node/23091.

Once a tree is selected, the Conservation Department will coordinate the

Every holiday season, a large, donated evergreen like this one lights up the Governor’s mansion lawn. Photo credit: MDC

cutting and delivery of the tree to the Governor’s Mansion at no cost to the owner. The donor will receive a personalized thankyou from the governor and an invitation to the lighting ceremony, which usually occurs the first week of December.

“Trees of this size often are near the end of their

lives,” says Kuhn. “It sometimes happens that homeowners, businesses, or communities have wonderful evergreens that need to be removed for home expansion, utility work, or other reasons. Having your tree displayed at the Governor’s Mansion is a wonderful way to share its beauty and make lasting

memories, for the donor and thousands of Missourians who visit the mansion during the holidays.”

Photos of candidate trees can either be emailed to holidaytrees@mdc.mo.gov or mailed to Missouri Department of Conservation, attn: Holiday Tree, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Be sure to include your telephone number, email address, location of the tree, and several pictures taken from different angles and distances. All entries must be submitted by Sept. 30.

For more information or questions, contact Kuhn at Nick.Kuhn@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115, ext.

3306.

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CFM’s 3rd Annual Pull For Conservation Banquet

Pull for Conservation banquet attendees.

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he 3rd annual Pull For Conservation pre-shoot banquet was an enjoyable night. This year’s attendees were entertained by our friends Bill Graham and Joe Hinkebein. David Smith and his world class staff at Bass Pro Shops Sportsmen’s Center in Columbia, MO were excellent hosts again this year. Over 70 guests gathered to enjoy the music, fun and fellowship and to support the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Thank you to all of the attendees and sponsors. Special thanks to our Top Gun Sponsor, Missouri Petroleum Council.

Many attendees picked up some terrific silent auction items and supported CFM through various raffles during the evening. We at CFM would like to thank our event sponsors, our attendees and Bass Pro Shops for helping to make our banquet a huge success. We hope you will join in the fun next year.

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Scott & Sara Pauley.

Thanks to all of our volunteers who helped to make this event such a great success.

Special thanks to our Top Gun Sponsor, Missouri Petroleum Council and to our other sponsors for this year’s Pull For Conservation Weekend.

AGRI Services of Brunswick AJ’s Automotive & Air Conditioning, Inc. Associated Electric Cooperatives Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Bass Pro Shops Boggs Creek Sporting Goods Boone County Lumber Company Chariton Legacy Farm, LLC Clean Uniforms CZ-USA Delta Waterfowl Farmers Co-op Elevator - St. Peters Gateway Long Spurs Chapter NWTF Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Hunting Works for Missouri Joe Machens Dealerships

Logboat Brewery MidwayUSA Mike & Mossie Schallon Miller Shooting Sports Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Petroleum Council Missouri Wine & Grape Board Nick’s Family Restaurant Northwest Electric Power Cooperatives, Inc. Paddlefoot Productions Powder Horn Guns & Archery Pure Air Natives Quail Forever Randy Washburn

Red Weir Athletic Supplies RE/MAX Boone Realty Richard Ash, Jr. & Judy Dixon River Hills Sporting Clays Scott & Sara Pauley SelecTurf, Inc. Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc. Sierra Bullets Snow Creek Apparel Sundvold Financial Tommie Atkinson Truman’s Bar & Grill Whitetails Unlimited White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. ZK Guns

And Thanks To Our Donors Arnold Compton Bass Pro Shops Bill Graham Capitol Plaza Hotel Cheveux Clean - The Uniform Company

Delta Waterfowl Ducks Unlimited Family Pawn - Paris Road Jiffy Lube HyVee Marshall & Company Salon

Mervin & Ginny Wallace Missouri Wine & Grape Board Norm Stucky Pet Smart Planet Fitness - Jefferson City Pure Air Natives

Truman’s Bar & Grill Walts Bike Shop Westlakes What-Ya-Say Kathy Ergovich Zoom Bait

CFM staff: Josh Groves, Laurie Coleman, Rehan Nana, Micaela Haymaker and Brandon Butler.

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Pull For Conservation Clay Shoot Another Successful Year

Shooters on the scramble course.

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ncredible August weather helped set the stage for another fantastic turnout at CFM’s 8th Annual Pull for Conservation Clay Shoot on Saturday, August 9. Kevin and Barbara Pickett had the River Hills Sporting Clays course looking incredible, Bass Pro Shops again generously supplied the prizes, and with a helping hand from several volunteer trappers the event ran smoothly.

There were an estimated 160 shooters in attendance this year.

In the individual competition, Dale Hopke took top honors with a score of 46 out of 50 possible targets.

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Nash McKenzie and Jeff Cockerham finished in second and third place respectively with scores of 45 and 44 to round out the top of class A. In the second Lewis Class a three-way tie score of 34 was settled by class rules to determine the winners. Bob Schuette took first, Byron Ollendike finished second and John Staats took third. In our final round of the individual competition, another threeway tie had to be settled to determine the prize winners.

All three shooters ended the day with a score of 28 broken clays. However, Carson Banks finished first edging out Jack Creason and Fred

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Robinson respectively in the tie breaker.

The competition was tough as always on the scramble course with participants Garrett Benskin and Nash McKenzie taking home top honors by breaking all 75 clays thrown for them. Garrett Benskin and Jon Doolittle dropped only one target between them to finish in second place. In third place overall with a team score of 73 were John and Cheryl Dowil. Finishing first in B Class and coming out on the winning end of a two-way tie with a score of 62 broken clays was Chelsea Jeffries and Don Clever. They edged

out Elmer Hause and Bob Schuette in second place.

The third place team of John Staats and Scott Shaw broke 61 clays. Rounding out the scramble winners with first, second and third place tie scores of 55 were Tom DeWall and Mark DeWall in first place, John Leazenby and Philip Stuedle with a second place finish and Mike Torres and Dave Diehl finishing third.

Special thanks are again in order to our shoot committee members consisting of Glenn Chambers, Norman Stucky and our chairman Tom Russell who kept things on track.

Top: Jonathan Curtis and Larry Curtis Right: Class A winners, Garrett Benskin and Nash McKenzie, pictured with CFM Executive Director, Brandon Butler.

John Wallace taking aim on the individual course.

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Life After CLC - Where Are You Now?

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Melisa Bueker: A Career Conservationist at 23

or some, the outdoors is a part of their life. For others, it is their life. Melissa Bueker, a two-time CFM Conservation Leadership Corps graduate, discovered she was the latter when she bagged her first rabbit at two-years old…with a toy gun.

“It had just snowed, and my father loaded me up on his back before we set off for a hunt. Two rabbits ended up in his pack beside me, and at the end of the hunt he posed me with the rabbits for a picture. When I pointed my gun at them and said ‘Bang! Bang!’ they each fell. Each time he set them back up, I shot and down they went. It’s one of my favorite outdoor memories,” said Melissa.

Twenty-one years have passed since Melissa’s first rabbit hunt, and now at 23-years-old, she is starting her conservation career as the Park Operations and Planning Coordinator with a focus on outreach and education for state parks in Kansas City. She works in cooperation with MDC, Kansas City Parks, Missouri Parks Association, and other organizations helping with special events, programs or projects.

In her new role at the Anita Gorman Discovery Center, Melissa works with youth and families hosting interruptive programs, 2 6

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going to state parks and working with educating the public about state parks and events taking place in the Kansas City area.

However, her passion for teaching others about the outdoors extends much further than just being a job. As Melissa rattled off stories of helping people get “hooked” on the outdoors, it was apparent helping others experience the outdoors is a defining part of her life.

“One newly formed family came to our Learn2Camp event, hoping to connect as a family. The two young boys, who were now new brothers, got to bond as they learned about the outdoors. Their father and mother were able to bond with their sons, as they also learned to appreciate the outdoors. It will be something they can now do forever as a new family,” said Melissa.

“The most important part is just getting people outdoors,” said Melissa.

“To see people’s reaction when they are outside the city or their comfort zone and having fun in the process…there is nothing like it!”

This feeling is exactly what the CFM’s Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) hopes to instill in the next generation of conservationists, a passion for conservation – and hopefully a career - that helps

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enable others to appreciate the great outdoors.

For those unfamiliar with the CLC, it is a leadership development program for aspiring conservationists, which CFM founded in 2002. While many organizations focus on introducing youth to the outdoors at a younger age demographic, the CLC continues young adult conservation involvement during the critical, major decision-making time between junior year of high school and senior year of college.

Accomplished chiefly through the CLC’s resolution process at CFM’s annual convention, the CLC works with conservation professionals to compose CFM’s annual resolutions. These resolutions are submitted to all conservation offices from the county level to the President of the

United States. Through interaction with conservation professionals from MDC, DNR, private conservation organizations, and others, students are able to see the professional side of conservation and the opportunities available to them when they graduate college, helping to shape the course of conservation in Missouri.

Growing up near Higginsville, Missouri, Melissa had many opportunities to hunt and explore the outdoors with her family.

As her interest in the outdoors developed, Melissa’s father encouraged her to spend time learning more about conservation at the Missouri Quail Academy, hosted through Quail Unlimited, the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and MDC. It was through this program that she was nominated for the CLC and made the decision to attend.

“When I started I was really nervous, because no one from my hometown was interested in having a career in conservation.

After I went through CLC, my younger brother and his friends saw you could make a career out of doing what you loved and started getting involved with conservation, which made me proud.”

Melissa enjoyed CLC so much, she returned for a second year to help new students. Acting as a mentor to a student who was passionate about glades,

the two worked together at the convention to write a resolution for the enhancements of Missouri glades.

Their resolution, Melissa proudly noted, passed and was acted upon by conservation professionals.

“CLC is important for any young adult thinking about going into conservation for a career. Through CLC, they are able to see the full spectrum of conservation and the careers that are available. They can talk to professionals, make connections with mentors and find out how they can fur-

ther their chances for having a career in conservation.

What I truly love about it is the professionals having such close contact with the students,” said Melissa.

The Conservation Leadership Corps is now a wellestablished aspect of CFM in Missouri and has grown to Wisconsin. Melissa is excited for the program’s potential, “I would like to see the CLC continue to grow throughout the school year, partnering around the state for hands on conservation practices to keep them involved. The more experi-

ence the young adults have, the more prepared they are going to be as conservation leaders.”

The Conservation Federation is enhancing this great program through hands-on events lead by CLC students, increased awareness and migrating the program to additional states, and eventually, other countries.

We encourage all CFM members and affiliates to consider nominating and sponsoring a young-adult in their community for the Conservation Leadership Corps.

Towards the end of the interview, Melissa noted her favorite ecosystem is Missouri’s native prairies.

“I just love to see the wind ripple through the grass and see the wildflowers in full bloom,” she said. Eventually, Melissa hopes to have a prairie of her own, but until then, she is content helping others discover their own “prairie.”

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Rehan Nana Deputy Director, CFM

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agency news - department of natural resources

Missouri’s Geological Showcases

Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and see spectacular geologic features and be on top of Missouri – literally. The park’s 7,500 acres include the highest point in the state. Photo credit: MoDNR.

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vidence of extinct volcanoes, glaciers, cave systems, earthquakes and old mines are just a few of the interesting geologic wonders you can see right here in the Show-Me state. Incredible examples of Missouri’s distinctive beauty and geologic history are showcased in our Missouri State Parks.

“In some ways, geology was the primary force that created many of our state parks today,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “These unique geologic features are one of the main reasons more than 18 million people visit our state park system every year.”

Missouri’s landscape can be divided into three distinct physiographic, or landform regions: the Central Lowlands, the Ozark Plateau and the Coastal Plain.

Central Lowlands Northern and a portion of west-central Missouri are included in the Central Lowlands region, characterized by gently rolling, broad landscapes. During the ice age, finegrained sediments were deposited along the major river valleys. Many of the particles were later blown into ridges 2 8

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of dune-like hills that rise above the surrounding landscape. An example is “The Pinnacles” area in Van Meter State Park. Other parks that exhibit remnants of glaciated terrain include Thousand Hills and Crowder state parks.

Geology played a key role in the development of Finger Lakes State Park, located along the southern boundary of the region. This region also is home to the gentle topography of the Osage Plains, a non-glaciated great prairie that opens to the west.

Ozark Plateau The Ozark Plateau region, likely the most recognizable, occupies much of central and southern Missouri. This area is primarily underlain by thick sequences of limestone and dolomite bedrock that host topography and features that are world famous. These karst geologic conditions created the perfect environment for development of spectacular natural features including monumental springs, extensive networks of caves, steep bluffed valleys and clear, flowing streams.

These karst features have produced some of the largest springs in the Midwest. Bennett Spring, Roaring River and

agency news - department of natural resources Montauk state parks are all situated around magnificent springs that are the discharge points for karst systems that issue forth cold, clear groundwater from Missouri’s depths.

Quite possibly Missouri’s most impressive karst-related complex consists of a large, collapsed cave system within Grand Gulf State Park. Evidence of these broken, faulted rocks can be seen along the walls of the chasm. Cave enthusiasts can also explore a one-of-a-kind geologic environment at Onondaga Cave and Cathedral Cave in Onondaga Cave State Park, Ozark Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Fisher Cave in Meramec State Park.

The Ozark Plateau region also is home to the St. Francois Mountains, the eroded remnants of ancient volcanoes, providing a rare glimpse of igneous rocks. These rocks and the processes that shaped them offer spectacular geologic features at the heart of many popular state parks.

At Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, visitors can spend hours splashing among the millions of years of colorful rocks known as a shut-in. At Elephant Rocks State Park, the rounded, oblong granite boulders are not only beautiful, they are a textbook example of weathering granite. These pink “elephants” rest at the core of the Ozark Mountains and provide a glimpse of Missouri’s volcanic past. Taum Sauk Mountain and Sam A. Baker state parks also offer spectacular geologic features created by these ancient and dynamic volcanic processes.

Coastal Plain The Coastal Plain region in extreme southeast Missouri is unlike any other in the state. Leveled by erosive floods, it is largely covered by very thick, river-deposited sediments.

Contrasting sharply with the surrounding Mississippi River Delta, Crowley’s Ridge is the region’s most prominent geographic feature – an impressive, narrow series of hills across the flat landscape.

Visitors to Morris State Park can observe the distinctive geologic character of Crowley’s Ridge and observe many plant species found no other place in Missouri. This area also is home to one of the most seismically active regions in the mid-continent, known as the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

The earth’s natural processes shaped our environment and left remarkable remnants of our varied geologic past that are never repeated and cannot be recreated. Regardless of which regions you visit, you will find outstanding recreational and educational opportunities. In many of Missouri’s state parks, the geologic past can be credited for providing the gems that truly inspired their designation as special places.

Joe Gillman State Geologist and Missouri Geological Survey Director, DNR

Understanding the earth beneath our feet is the first step in understanding the world around us.

Since 1853, the department’s Missouri Geological Survey has provided reliable, scientific information to describe and understand Missouri’s wealth of natural resources. Obtaining a better understanding about the characteristics of the state’s geology is essential for informed decision making, environmental protection and economic development that enhance and protect our quality of life.

Foresters and biologists are aware that geologic conditions affect ecology. Engineers are concerned with the properties of soil and bedrock along proposed highway construction. City planners want to know about the likelihood of damage from earthquakes, landslides or sinkhole collapse on infrastructure such as pipelines, roads and wastewater and drinking water facilities. The department has been providing information about many of our finite natural resources for more than 160 years. Now, this information is also available online through the department’s Missouri Geosciences Technical Resource Assessment Tool, or GeoSTRAT. GeoSTRAT enables users to easily visualize and explore geospatial data using an interactive Google Earth map. Data also can be downloaded in formats compatible with a variety of free and commercial mapping software. Finding locations of springs, mines, sinkholes and much more has never been easier. GeoSTRAT can also be used for data assessments in various disciplines such as hazards assessment, environmental consulting and engineering, local and regional planning, insurance assessment and others. This tool makes geologic and hydrologic data available to citizens, city planners, industry representatives, academia and others online, 24/7.

Give it try. Visit dnr.mo.gov and proceed to GeoSTRAT. Joe Gillman State Geologist and Missouri Geological Survey Director, DNR MIS S OURI

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C o n s e r v a t i o n F e d e r a t i o n o f M i s s o u r i A F F I L IATES Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International 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 Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Meramec Area Sportsman Association 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 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 Missouri’s Food For America 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 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

CFM Affiliate Membership Your affiliation with CFM speaks loudly to Missouri.

Affiliate name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Affiliate address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact person: _______________________________________________________________ Role in group: ____________________________ Phone: (__________)_________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________ Number of members in group: __________________________________ Date group was established: __________________________________ Purpose of group: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Payment Method: 3 0

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New Deer Regulations To Help Population Rebound

Cooler temperatures this year have kept deer safe from EHD. (Credit MDC)

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hat a difference 80 years can make. In the span of just one human lifetime, Missouri’s white-tailed deer herd has gone from almost nonexistent to thriving. With restoration complete, management is the challenge of the day.

In 1936, when the Conservation Commission took control of wildlife in our state, white-tailed deer numbers totaled an estimated 400.

Fast-forward to today, and our deer herd is estimated at 1.5 million. The restoration of white-tailed deer is one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. The work, however, never ends.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has a team of experts who are dedicated to the management of white-tailed deer. These highly

trained scientists have the tough job of balancing sound science with social and economic desires. They operate with a plan, but also must deal with the unexpected. One such unexpected factor that significantly affected the deer management plan was the severe outbreak of Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in 2012 and again in 2013.

EHD is primarily spread by a biting midge. These midges are found around water sources. They lay their eggs in muddy areas and spend their larva stage in water. The life cycle of these midges is approximately 4–5 weeks, so in years of intense hatches, the midge population becomes overly abundant.

Female deer typically have twins.

So when populations are managed for growth, herd growth jumps significantly from year to year. In the 1990’s, the growth of the Missouri deer herd had reached a point where it needed to be stabilized. Therefore, liberal harvest regulations became the norm, and we eventually were able to have unlimited doe tags in certain parts of the state.

These unlimited doe tags were to help reduce deer populations in certain areas where restoration efforts had actually been too successful.

The plan was working. Over the last decade, deer numbers were being adjusted, by hunters, to where the biologists believed they needed to be.

Then we experienced 2012.

“2012 was the perfect storm,” said Jason Sumners, an MDC deer biologist.

Hunters were subtly seeing the results of the planned deer number reductions in certain areas, but when the most horrific outbreak of EHD in recorded history occurred, the reductions quickly went too far. Certain

areas of the state lost a significant percentage of their herds. There was nothing that could be done to stop it.

The weather was to blame. The spring of 2012 was the warmest on record in the history of Missouri. This caused increased activity in the biting midges earlier in the year, and as we progressed through the extremely hot and dry summer, the disease became devastating. Over 10,000 suspected EHD cases were reported, and likely hundreds-of-thousands more were never discovered and reported.

Then you must consider the drought also caused a record-low acorn crop, which led to deer being much more susceptible to being killed by hunters as they had to venture further and out into the open for food.

In 2013, the outbreak was really bad again. So today, we are for the first time in a long time, facing a situation that calls for growth. In select areas of the state, the deer population needs to rebound Therefore, MDC has implemented regulation changes that should reduce the total harvest of deer in these areas. These regulation changes include the reduction of the number of antlerless deer permits each hunter may fill.

The good news is, with the cooler conditions we have experienced this year, EHD is for the most part nonexistent. We know how resilient white-tailed deer are, and Missouri has some of the best wildlife biologists in the world. With good weather and responsible management, it won’t be long until the areas with depressed populations are right back up to where they belong.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM MIS S OURI

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2014 Share the Harvest Conservation Federation of Missouri, Federation partners, and Missouri deer hunters are committed to Missouri’s Share the Harvest Program. One in six families are at the poverty level according to the United States Department of Labor. Missouri’s Share the Harvest Program has provided Missourians for over twenty years in two ways; venison a healthy protein source for families and deer herd management. Share the Harvest works with deer hunters donating a harvested deer to a certified meat processor and then venison is distributed to needy Missourians through food pantries.

Thanks to Missouri Food Banks, Missouri Department of Conservation, Bass Pro Shops, Shelter Insurance, Wal-Mart, Allan P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, MidwayUSA, Conservation Federation Affiliates, and continued generous financial support by many other partners, our program is looking forward to a great year. Whole deer donations to Share the Harvest Program pays sixty-five dollars and

often with local financial contributions to certified meat processors thus results in little or no expense to hunters for their deer donation other than the costs for permits, equipment and fuel. Meat processors are also a key player in the success of Share the Harvest and we thank them. Once again, hunters need to legally harvest and tele-check their deer before bringing them to an authorized pro-

cessor for donation. A list of authorized processors is available online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website at www.mdc. mo.gov and in the current brochure of deer hunting regulations, available wherever permits are sold.

So hunters make plans and preparations now to donate a deer to Share the Harvest. Even if you cannot donate an entire deer to the program, you might consider donating a package or two of venison. There is a great need out there. Usually the tons of venison our program produces lasts but a few weeks in the food pantries. Deer hunters have donated over three million pounds of venison since the program started.

Do your part to help maintain a healthy Missouri deer herd and, at the same time, provide venison to Missourians in need. Together, we can make a difference.

Gary Van De Velde Chair, Share the Harvest Committee

Basic Archery Training Teachers and interested parent volunteers,

Contact:

There will be Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) training on Monday, Sept. 15th and Tuesday, Sept. 16th at the St. Martins Catholic School gym. The school is located at 7206 St. Martins Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109.

The class will be held 5:30pm-9:30pm both evenings.

All participants must attend both sessions to be certified. Pre-registration is mandatory.

Brian D. Flowers Outdoor Skills Specialist Outreach & Education Division Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Register at the following link: http://www.naspbai.org/ Please contact me at brian.flowers@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901 ext. 3388 with questions.

3500 East Gans Rd. Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 815-7900 ext. 3388 phone (573) 815-7902 fax brian.flowers@mdc.mo.gov Visit us on-line at: www.mdc.mo.gov

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Why I Became a Life Member of CFM Jim Low says he has planned to become a life member for several years, but CFM’s recent efforts to defend Missouri’s unique system of conservation governance prompted him to pick up his checkbook.

“I have always known that the Federation is absolutely indispensable, both as a watchdog over the Conservation Department and as a fearless defender of non-political, sciencebased conservation. When I saw how the Federation, under Brandon Butler’s leadership, came out strongly against legislative action redefining white-tailed deer as livestock, I knew I could count on the kind of strong leadership we enjoyed under Dave Murphy and previous directors. That did it for me. It was time to put my money where my mouth was.”

Jim Low CFM, Life Member

New Lifetime Members since the last issue.

Jim Low, Jefferson City

Tom Westhoff, Montgomery City

CFM Conservationists For Life ($1,000 Contribution)

CFM Life Membership Application Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: (_______)_________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________ Payment Method:

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If there are any errors in your name and address, if you’ve moved from this address, or if you plan to move, please notify us at Missouri Wildlife, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or call (800) 575-2322.

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org