January 2018 vol 79 no 1 by Conservation Federation

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The Voice for Missouri Outdoors JANUARY 2018 - VOL 79 | NO. 1

BE THE DIFFERENCE FOR CONSERVATION

JOIN CFM TODAY

Director’s Message

Be Thankful for Conservation Volunteers

on-profits are like a puzzle; all the pieces have to be in place for it to work right. A successful organization demands so many diverse components. A solid staff and strong mission are at the core. Funding is critical, so there must be supporters with the financial means to keep the lights on. But boots on the ground move missions forward. Often, folks working for free fill those boots. Volunteers make the magic happen. When I reflect on the past year, and think of all the events I attended, it’s hard to begin adding up the number of volunteers I witnessed happily giving their time. The guys who were pouring drinks at the local National Wild Turkey Federation banquet were having fun. And so were those ordering, who turned around and bought raffle tickets and auction items. Together, the volunteer bartenders and attendees were raising money to be used for habitat projects and educational events across the state.

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE to join the organization that unites thousands of Missourians with the goal of preserving the state’s immense natural resources. Your actions now will create a better future for generations to come. Visit www.confedmo.org/join to become a member of CFM today.

I watched this same scenario play out at events benefiting waterfowl, parks, prairies, forests, quail, elk, whitetails, trout, smallmouth, grouse and more. At each of these fundraisers, volunteers poured their hearts into their roles, and collectively made our world better. I’m thankful. Maybe you haven’t been attending any local conservation organization events. Maybe you think to yourself, I certainly don’t need any more stuff, so I’m not interested in the auctions. And let’s be honest, it’s usually banquet facility food, so most people aren’t coming for the rubber chicken. If that sounds like you, then you’re a perfect candidate to be a volunteer. You get to serve the cause and it doesn’t cost a thing. You spend time with friends and meet more likeminded folks. Your rubber chicken is free. But best of all, you’re making a difference for a cause you care about and that feels good. Joining an organization is great. I belong to more than a dozen. But volunteering does not have to be organized. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer on your own.

A young volunteer, Josh Groves, sells raffle chances at a sporting clays fundraiser for the Conservation Federation of Missouri. (Photo: Courtesy of CFM)

Head out to a state park or a conservation area, and take a walk with the purpose of picking up any trash you find. Carry a bag with you. When it’s full, you’re done. Well, unless you want to fill another. Set goals and budget time to spend as a volunteer. Such parameters prevent burnout and keep you serving at a strong, steady pace. Making a living is not the same as making a life. Being a volunteer provides you a way to work for what you love. As a volunteer, you choose your path of impact. The feeling you get when you know your efforts matter is fulfilling. If you’re interested in making the world a better place while enriching your own life, I encourage you to become a volunteer.

Yours in Conservation, Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM JANUARY - 2018

CONTENTS

Business Alliance

Conservation Federation January 2018 - V77 No. 1

Features

Thank you to all of our Business Alliance members.

OFFICERS Ron Coleman

President

Gary Van De Velde

1st Vice President

Mossie Schallon

2nd Vice President

Platinum

Richard Mendenhall Secretary Randy Washburn

Treasurer

STAFF

CZ 557 Short Action .243: A Working Man’s Classic

Branson: Entertainment Capital of Missouri

A Vision For the Meramec River Trout Fishery

First Snow Goose Hunt: Fun and Frolics

The Two Sides of an Eastern Red Cedar Tree

Lambert's Honored With Missouri's First Leopold Award

Save the Fawns - Time to Predator Hunt

Lake of the Ozarks - A Great Fishery

Rock Island Trail's Uncertain Future

Winter Water Safety

Departments 3 6 8 10

23 36

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

Highlights 17 18 24 59 60

Weston Recipe Annual Convention News Confluence of Conservation Leaders Maximizing Recreational Land Sales Missouri State Parks Historic Site Tours

Brandon Butler

Executive Director & Editor

Rehan Nana

Director of Corporate Relations

Micaela Haymaker

Director of Operations

Laurie Coleman

Membership Director

Jennifer Sampsell

Education & Outreach Coordinator

Tyler Schwartze

Events Manager

Emma Kessinger

Creative Director

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Gold Alps OutdoorZ Bushnell Custom Metal Products Diamond Pet Foods Doolittle Trailer Enbridge, Inc. FCS Financial

G3 Boats Kansas City Zoo Martin Metal MidwayUSA Pure Air Natives Redneck Blinds Riley Chevrolet

Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC RTP Outdoors United Country Real Estate US Sun Solar Weston

Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina Logboat Brewing Missouri Wildflowers Nursery Mitico Moneta Group

National Feather-Craft Co. Simmons SportDOG Brand Starline, Inc.

HMI Fireplace Shop Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Inn at Grand Glaize Missouri Wine & Grape Board

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

General Printing Service Gredell Engineering Greenbrier Wetland Services Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning J&B Outdoors Kansas City Parks and Recreation Kleinschmidt’s Western Store Meramec Bison Farm, LLC Missouri Conservation Pioneers MTAR

Nick's Family Restaurant Ozark Bait and Tackle Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. REMAX Boone Realty Shade Tree Service, Inc. St. Joseph Harley Davidson Tabor Plastics Company Truman’s Bar & Grill United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative

Silver Advantage Metals Recycling Burgers’ Smokehouse Forrest Keeling Nursery G&W Meat & Bavarian Style Sausage Co. Holladay Distillery Jaguar Land Rover St. Louis

Bronze CFM Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships. Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members. Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation. Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to: LColeman@confedmo.org | 573-634-2322

FRONT COVER Image taken at Squaw Creek Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Kent Campbell

Association of Missouri Electric Coop. Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Drury Hotels Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Iron Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Blue Springs Park and Recreation Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Brockmeier Financial Services Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Dickerson Park Zoo Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation. Contact Rehan Nana: 573-634-2322 or RNana@confedmo.org. JANUARY - 2018

Business Alliance

Business Alliance The company was founded when Brent Lowe started “Generation 3” after his family sold their boat business, Lowe Boats. Generation 3 was so named because he was the third generation in his family to have a boat building business in Missouri. In 1997, Generation 3 was sold to Yamaha Motor Corp and the name shortened to G3 Boats. Today, G3 builds over 100 different models, each one designed for a specific type of use. They have all-aluminum, all-welded bass boats built by master craftsmen, Deep V hulls that use double the number of rivets found on many competitor hulls, plus double plated bow and bottom construction. G3 is the industry leader in shallow running jet tunnel and prop tunnel hull boats. Add in the fact that G3 is a Yamaha Boat Company and has a daily focus on building every boat with consistent quality leads to a formula for creating premier outdoor recreation watercrafts. The proof is that G3 is the only aluminum boat company to receive the National Marine Manufacturer’s award for Consumer Satisfaction (CSI Award) for 15 years in a row.

In 2018, G3 is introducing several new models, including a “Gator Tough” 20’ center console jon boat, set up for bow fishing, which has become an increasing popular pastime for Missouri outdoorsmen and women. For those looking for the best all-around family boat, Bills recommends a pontoon. “Everyone in the family would enjoy a SunCatcher 22’ tri-log Fish & Cruise model. From skiing to fishing, or entertaining family and friends, there is nothing as versatile as a SunCatcher pontoon.” Thanks to G3 Boats and our many other Business Alliance members, Missouri boating enthusiasts will be able to enjoy our state’s waters for generations to come. Find out more information on your next boat at www.g3boats.com. Rehan Nana Director of Corporate Relations, CFM

2018 Gator Tough 17 CC. (Photo: Courtesy of G3 Boats)

G3 Boats Is Longtime Supporter of Conservation

he Lebanon-based boating manufacturer, G3 Boats, is one of CFM’s steadfast Business Alliance supporters. Since overhauling the Business Alliance program in 2014, G3 Boats immediately became a member and supporter of CFM’s mission. The company joined as a Silver Business Alliance member in August 2014 and has supported many of the organizations new regional events with product and sponsorship donations, including boat donations to CFM’s annual convention. In December 2016, G3 Boats became a “Gold” Business Alliance member and sponsor of CFM’s 3rd annual media event. This support has allowed CFM to accomplish its conservation mission across the landscape.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

“At G3, we know in order to have a safe and productive outdoor experience, outdoorsmen and women have to have quality places to hunt and fish. We are proud to support CFM’s mission of protecting and promoting Missouri’s outdoors, so that Missouri outdoorspeople can enjoy our waters for years to come,” said Roger Bills, Marketing Director for G3 Boats. In addition to support of CFM, G3 dealers nationwide are involved in many conservation efforts, including Ducks Unlimited, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Ontario Fishing and Hunting Association, just to name a few. There are dozens of local conservation clubs and tournaments that are supported by G3 Boats dealers in the U.S. and Canada. G3 corporate helps dealers with all of these conservation events. JANUARY - 2018

President’s Message

Nature’s Internet and Natural Remedies

ach year, January and February seem to put me in an outdoor recreation frame of mind. Maybe it is because these two months are generally the coldest in Missouri. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures do their best to trap us indoors instead of beaconing us outside to enjoy favorite pastimes. Of course, some hearty souls do not let the weather hinder their time outdoors, but many folks do not venture too far from the cozy comforts of home until spring arrives. In my case, however, it’s as if Mother Nature has my cell number on speed dial. She sends me an urgent message to get off my duff and find an outdoor remedy for what ails me – the syndrome commonly called “Cabin Fever”. For some, this lethargic ailment might be relieved by walking in the neighborhood, hiking in the back forty, splitting some firewood, kicking up a few bunnies or fishing in one of our catch-and-release trout parks. For me and a few of my close friends, the effective prescription for our cabin fever is to seek the solitude found deep in one of our remote wild areas in a park or forest service area on the upper reaches of a beautiful Ozark stream.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

We set aside at least one such weekend in mid-winter to do what we might call a rendezvous with nature. By surfing Mother Nature’s website, we find “real realities” – instead of virtual ones. We enjoy intimate communication with nature on long hikes, float trips, overnight camping, and star gazing. Such outings allow us to tune into nature’s authentic Apps where the sights, sounds, smells and sensations are only available during this season of the year. For over 80 years CFM has become known as the “Voice for Missouri Outdoors” by ensuring that all Missouri citizens can experience many outdoor Apps found on Mother Nature’s internet. CFM does this by working to conserve and protect Missouri’s land and water resources day in and day out regardless of the season. Here’s hoping that you stay connected to nature’s vast internet and that you take time to discover your own revitalizing rendezvous in the real world.

Yours in Conservation, Ron Coleman President, CFM

Member News

CFM Nominating Committee Recommendations for Term Beginning in 2018

WELCOME NEW CFM MEMBERS Bernard Boillot, Jefferson City

Alexander Long, Hallsville

Jerry Bowen, Washington

David Mars, Ashland

Rick Boyd, Saint Peters

Denise McKay, Saint Louis

Aaron Brinker, Villa Ridge

John Milhalevich, Springfield

Merrill Buettner, Saint Louis

Matt & Ellen Miles, Rogersville

Brian Canaday, Columbia

Joshua Palmer, Saint Peters

Cody Cass, Saint Louis

David Perrey, Holts Summit

Linda Castillon, Ballwin

Joe Polizzi, Saint Louis

Jim Choate, Jefferson City

Mike Pollakowski, Odessa

Curt Connors, Saint Louis

Jay Powell, O’Fallon

Adam & Maria Craig, Saint Charles

Patricia Rixe, Springfield

Richard Davis, Excello

Greg Sanford, Saint Albans

Brad Epperson, Saint Louis

Michael Saputo, Saint Louis

Randy Epperson, Saint Louis

Jason Scholz, Saint Peters

Shane Eye, Crystal City

Norbert & Marilyn Schwartze, Saint James

Chad & Jennifer Ferrell, Wentzville

Clay Slover, Saint Louis

Allison Fischer, Sedalia

Valerie Sumner, California

Steve Garnett, Saint Charles

Boyd Terry, Columbia

Ralph Gay, Rochester, MN

Harvey Tettlebaum, California

Tim Gibilterra, Saint Peters

Ricci Toothaker, Cedar Hill

June Glaser, Jefferson City

Kenneth & Emma Trolinger, Saint Albans

Paul Hill, Brumley

John Virant, Chesterfield

Greg Hrdina, Columbia

Christopher Vogler, Saint Louis

Richard Hughes, Saint Louis

John Weller, Saint Louis

Caleb Jones, Saint Louis

John Wenzlick, Jefferson City

Walter Knoll, Saint Louis

Roscoe Whitener, Imperial

he Conservation Federation of Missouri Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of individuals to serve as Officers, Executive Committee Nominees, National Wildlife Delegates and At-Large Directors Elected Nominees. Officers (2-year term): President – Gary Van De Velde 1st Vice President – Mossie Schallon 2nd Vice President – Richard Mendenhall Secretary – Ginny Wallace Treasurer – Randy Washburn Executive Committee (3-year term): Richard Ash Keith Hannaman National Wildlife Federation Representatives (2year term): Ron Coleman John Knudsen (Alternate)

At-Large Elected Directors (2-year term): David Calandro Earl Cannon DeeCee Darrow Steve Jones John Knudsen Bill McGuire Zach Morris Tom Russell George Seek Norm Stucky Dan Zekor Dan Zerr This proposed slate was considered formally, as an amended slate, at the December meeting of the CFM Board of Directors. The slate will now be proposed for formal approval at the annual meeting of the membership, to be held on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City, MO.

Why I Became a Life Member of CFM: Don and Diana Mulick

e were first introduced to the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) in the 1970’s when Don was President of the Saint Louis Scuba Club. Sy and Sara Seidler were responsible for encouraging us to become active in the Federation. We followed their lead and spent the next forty years involved in one capacity or another. We recently decided that it was about time we finally became life members of the organization. We have seen CFM grow and change and adapt over the years. CFM has contributed so much to conservation in the state of Missouri. In many cases it has led the way for not just the state but for the country. We are proud to be a part of this very dedicated conservation organization.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Louis Knutter, Eugene, OR Gus Kolilis, Columbia Jim & Mary Kriegshauser, Saint Louis

CFM would like to thank the 258 members that renewed since our last publication.

In memory of Glenn Chambers Mike & Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

In Memory

In memory of Don Johnson Mary Meier Mike & Mossie Schallon, Wentzville

In memory of John Lewis James & Phyllis Hardin, Columbia Lindsey Thomas, Atlanta, GA James & Phyllis Hardin, Columbia

JANUARY - 2018

Member News

Gear Guide ®

LOWA Baffin Pro For close to 90 years, LOWA boots have been acclaimed by climbers, mountaineers and hikers as the finest outdoor boots in the world. Every LOWA boot is handcrafted in Europe, where they incorporate the elements of thoughtful design, superb materials, clean manufacturing processes and fair labor standards. When you own a pair of LOWAs, you can be confident that you're wearing authentic outdoor footwear that "walks the talk" when it comes to quality, performance and sustainability. The Baffin Pro is a tall shafted backpacking boot that’s an ideal work boot for hot dry summers, and a favorite among backcountry enthusiasts. www.lowaboots.com

Filson Padded Computer Bag The Filson Padded Computer Bag is built with signature Rugged Twill, an industrial-grade fabric that resists water and wear. A large interior compartment has three dividers and a padded section for storing a laptop. The adjustable Bridle Leather shoulder strap allows shoulder or cross-body messenger carrying, and can be removed when you want to carry it by hand. This modern briefcase has an external zippered pocket for essentials while you’re traveling or in the field. www.filson.com

Bass Pro Shops Electric Anchor Winch (Business Alliance) The Bass Pro Shops Fisherman 25 Electric Anchor Winch will power your anchor up and down with an anti-reverse clutch to prevent free-spooling. The 12V Winch has a maximum anchor capacity of 20-25 lb. and features rugged all-steel gears and a sealed membrane Up/Down switch. Included are an automatic resetting circuit breaker; an anchor safety chain; a 17 ft.-long, 14-gauge, marine-grade battery wire; and 100 ft. of 0.20" pre-wound braided anchor rope. Comes with assembly hardware and instructions. www.basspro.com

Midland X-Talker Handheld Radios Keep in contact with a friend over a range of up to 32 miles with the Midland X-Talker Radios. Designed for outdoorsmen who value preparedness, Midland T65 VP3 X-Talker GMRS Handheld 2-Way Radios keep you connected with crisp, clear communication and a robust feature set. 36 channels and 121 privacy codes allow personalized communication in any setting, with Xtreme Range to communicate up to 32 miles away in optimal conditions. Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan gives you the latest watches, warnings, and updates. Focused hunters or anyone on the move will appreciate Vibrate alert and renowned eVOX hands-free operation. www.midlandusa.com

Simmons ProSport Scope (Business Alliance) You won’t find a rifle or shotgun scope loaded with more features per dollar than the ProSport from Simmons. The fully coated optics yield bright, sharp images while the Quick Target Acquisition eyepiece provides at least 3.75 inches of eye relief. Rugged durability is also a large part of the ProSport equation. The TrueZero windage and elevation adjustment system and one-piece, aircraft-quality aluminum tube construction make the ProSport ready for any hunt. www.simmonsoptics.com

JANUARY - 2018

Member News

CALENDAR UPCOMING AFFILIATE EVENTS BOONE'S LICK CHAPTER MASTER NATURALIST JAN 3: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 JAN 10: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 JAN 13: Columbia Crawdads Stream Team Cleanup (8 – 11am); Lisa Rohmiller (573) 874-7499 JAN 17: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 JAN 24: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 JAN 31: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 FEB 7: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 FEB 10: Columbia Crawdads Stream Team Cleanup (8 – 11am); Lisa Rohmiller (573) 874-7499 FEB 14: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 FEB 21: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 FEB 28: Birding Trips with Bill Clark (7:30am – 4pm); Bill Clark (573) 474-4510 BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY JAN 10-11: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 – 3:30pm) JAN 13: Bird Banding, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (10am – 1pm) JAN 17-18: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 – 3:30pm) JAN 31-FEB 1: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 – 3:30pm) FEB 10: Bird Banding, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (10am – 1pm)

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

FEB 14-15: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 – 3:30pm) FEB 28-MAR 1: Project Feeder Watch, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary, Blue Springs (1:30 – 3:30pm) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION JAN 10: Monthly Meeting, American Legion, Brentwood (7:30pm) FEB 14: Monthly Meeting, American Legion, Brentwood (7:30pm) MISSOURI COALITION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT JAN 10: West Lake Landfill Prayer Vigil, Bridgeton (10 – 10:30am) JAN 18: West Lake Landfill Community Meeting, Bridgeton (6:30 – 8:30pm) JAN 24: West Lake Landfill Prayer Vigil, Bridgeton (10 – 10:30am) FEB 14: West Lake Landfill Prayer Vigil, Bridgeton (10 – 10:30am) FEB 15: West Lake Landfill Community Meeting, Bridgeton (6:30 – 8:30pm) FEB 28: West Lake Landfill Prayer Vigil, Bridgeton (10 – 10:30am) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED JAN 20: Chapter Dinner, Adkins Auction and Riverview Realty, Lexington (5:30 – 10pm); Craig Rodekohr (816) 699-5109 FEB 10: Longview Area Dinner, Memorial Park, Belton (5 – 9pm); Jerry Ford (816) 896-2221 FEB 10: Chapter Dinner, Kearney (6 – 10pm); Marion Morgan (816) 392-8592 FEB 22: Greater Kansas City Dinner, Boulevard Brewery Company, Kansas City (6 – 10pm); Daniel Lacy (816) 918-1558

MISSOURI FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION JAN 9-10: Winter Meeting & Legislative Breakfast, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION JAN 20: Board Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Columbia (10:30am) MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION JAN 20-21: Youth Hunter Education Clinic and Goose Hunt, Harrisonville MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF MEAT PROCESSORS FEB 2-4: Annual Convention and Trade Show, Chateau on the Lake, Branson MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION JAN 6: Missouri State Banquet, Tan Tara Resort, Osage Beach (5pm); Tim Besancenez (636) 262-0815 JAN 13: Honey Creek Strutters, Community Center, Cameron (5:30pm); Chad Foreman (816) 632-2017 JAN 19: Springtown Wattlenecks, Annunciation Community Center, Kearney (6pm); Troy O’Dell (816) 506-9422 JAN 20: Union Covered Bridge Gobblers, Community Building, Madison (5:30pm); Bruce Mills (573) 721-2268 JAN 20: Dent County Thundering Toms, Indian Trail Archery, Salem (5:30pm); John Steelman (573) 247-9217 JAN 20: Current River Callers, Winona R-III School District, Winona (5pm); Troy McAfee (573) 325-4930 JAN 20: Indian Creek Chapter, Someplace Nice, Pierce City (5:30pm); Matt Friend (417) 389-5443

JAN 26: Salt River Sharp Spurs, Father Buhman Center, Shelbina (5:30pm); Jason Pollard (573) 248-4976 JAN 26: Heartland Longbeards, Elks Lodge – Lower Level, Blue Springs (6pm); Kevin Clark (816) 678-5019 JAN 26: Willard Thunderin Gobblers, The Round Barn at Clear Creek, Walnut Grove (6pm); Carrie Bussard (417) 827-0782 JAN 27: NEMO, Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, Hannibal (5:30pm); Melissa Sharkey (573) 769-3476 JAN 27: Ray County Shortspurs, Ray County Veterans Memorial Building, Richmond (5:30pm); Mark McCorkendale (816) 217-7496 JAN 27: Hickory County Jakes and Jennies, Hickory County Senior Center, Wheatland (5:30pm); Tim Pratt (417) 298-5690 JAN 27: Southern Ozark Longbeards, His Place, Doniphan (5pm) FEB 1: Swapeast Strutters, United Methodist Church, Charleston (5:30pm); Kevin Miller (573) 683-3203 FEB 2: Walt Beumer Memorial Chapter, The Boeing Machinist Building, Hazelwood (6pm); Brian Duckett (314) 574-9213 FEB 2: Rogersville Strutters, First Baptist Church, Rogersville (5:30pm); Cody Wilson (417) 838-2451 FEB 3: Chariton River Full Strutters, Knight & Rucker Building, Brunswick (5:30pm); Jordan Harmon (660) 247-5306 FEB 3: Gateway Longspurs, St. Theodore Catholic Church Gym, Flint Hill (5pm); Dan Zerr (636) 699-7000 FEB 3: Black Mountain Longbeards, St. Michaels Catholic School, Fredericktown (4:30pm); Jason Wengler (573) 783-9988 FEB 3: Delta Bootheel Gobblers, VFW, Kennett (5pm); Lynn Smith (573) 888-0054 FEB 9: Upper Meramec Longspurs, Recklein Auditorium, Cuba (6pm); Shane Staples (573) 259-7405 FEB 10: Fabius River Fantails, Community Center, Edina (5:30pm); Jeremy Holman (660) 341-8823 FEB 10: Lincoln Hills, Sacred Heart Parrish, Elsberry (5pm); R. Jay Herring (314) 486-8581

FEB 10: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Bavarian Hall, Jackson (4pm) FEB 23: Kingdom of Callaway Limbhangers, 54 Country, Fulton (6pm); John Burk (573) 808-1159 FEB 23: Sand Burr Strutters, VFW, Sikeston (5:30pm); Shane Washburn (573) 380-2923 FEB 24: Grand River Gobblers, American Legion Post 216, Bethany (6pm) FEB 24: Moniteau Monarchs, Knights of Columbus, Tipton (5:30pm); Brian Hill (573) 796-3885 FEB 24: South Grand River Gobblers, Cass County Elks Lodge, Harrisonville (5:30pm); Joshua Stafford (816) 289-8921 FEB 25: Lead Belt Longbeards, Knights of Columbus, Bonne Terre (5pm); Kathryn Wolff (573) 701-2050 MISSOURI PARK AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION JAN 30: Legislative Action Day, Jefferson City FEB 27-MAR 2: Annual Conference & Expo, Tan Tara Resort, Osage Beach MISSOURI TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION FEB 17: Fur Auction, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Montgomery City MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED JAN 6: MO Kids Outdoors Chapter Banquet, State Fair Ag Building, Sedalia JAN 20: River Hills Chapter Banquet, Osage Center, Cape Girardeau JAN 27: Harold Hoey Chapter Banquet, Saline County Fairgrounds, Marshall FEB 10: Lincoln Whitetails Chapter Banquet, Knights of Columbus, Warsaw FEB 24: Mid Missouri Deer Camp, Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia OZARK FLY FISHERS JAN 9: Introduction to Fly Tying, Queeny Park Meeting Room, Ballwin (7 – 9pm) JAN 18: Introduction to Fly Tying, Queeny Park Meeting Room, Ballwin (7 – 9pm)

JAN 25: General Membership Meeting, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, Ballwin (7 – 9pm) FEB 5: Introduction to Fly Tying, Queeny Park Meeting Room, Ballwin (7 – 9pm) FEB 15: Introduction to Fly Tying, Queeny Park Meeting Room, Ballwin (7 – 9pm) FEB 22: General Membership Meeting, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, Ballwin (7 – 9pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB DEC 31-JAN 1: Current River, Echo Bluff State Park, Newton Township JAN 1: First Day Hike (1 – 3:30pm) JAN 13: Stream Team Water Quality Testing, Minor Park, Kansas City (10 – 11am) JAN 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30 – 7:30pm) JAN 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30 – 9pm) JAN 20: Trip Planning Meeting (3 – 5pm) FEB 10: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30 – 7:30pm) FEB 10: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30 - 9pm) ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION JAN 27: Mid Missouri Chapter Banquet, Elks Lodge, Columbia (5pm); Adam Augustine (573) 397-2207 FEB 17: Elk Prairie Big Game Banquet, Rolla; Sharon Pace (573) 729-5325 FEB 24: Saint Louis Big Game Banquet, Saint Louis; Michael Obradovits (314) 686-3211 TRI-LAKES FLY FISHERS JAN 8: Monthly Meeting & Program, Springfield Ave Café, Bolivar (6pm) FEB 5: Monthly Meeting & Program, Springfield Ave Café, Bolivar (6pm) CFM EVENTS MAR 9-11: Annual Convention, Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City MAR 27: Conservation Day at the Capitol, Missouri State Capitol – 3rd Floor Rotunda, Jefferson City (7am – 3pm)

JANUARY - 2018

WESTON BRANDS, LLC 120117

Member News

Coffee Rubbed Elk Roast How To:

1. Preheat your smoker to 150-175 degrees. Fill the water bowl and soak the wood chips. 2. Brush the roast with tomato puree all over the outside. Mix together coffee and brown sugar, then rub all over the outside. 3. Mix your remaining ingredients with the red wine for your marinade. 4. When the smoker is preheated, place the roast onto a smoker rack and fill the smoking box with soaked wood chips. 5. Smoke the roast for two hours or until the internal temperature is 130 degrees medium rare. 6. While it’s in the smoker, use your Weston Injector to inject the roast every half hour with the red wine marinade. 7. Once fully smoked, remove the roast and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Recipe serves approximately 12

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

3 lb elk roast 1/4 cup tomato puree 1 tablespoon ground coffee 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon crushes rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon smoked chipotle powder 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup red wine

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

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

FROM GRINDERS TO VACUUM SEALERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, WESTON WILL HELP TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

VISIT WESTONSUPPLY.COM FOR ALL YOUR GAME PROCESSING, HOME HARVESTING AND FOOD PREP NEEDS

Come Home to Years of Conservation

Celebrate 8 Years of CFM!

8 Convention QG Annual

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

March , 201 Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City, MO Convention Highlights:

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

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

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

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ACCOMMODATIONS:

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

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Member News

Cabela's Hazelwood Upcoming Events January 6-7 • 11AM Don’t be a Victim – Protection Preparedness – Staying alert, aware and prepared will work in your favor should you be faced with an unwelcomed encounter. From stun guns to pepper spray, we can help you explore options that will keep you safe. • 1PM Shooter's Guide – This class will cover a wide-range of topics including firearm safety, basic firearm types, ammo, optics, cleaning and a bit of "intro to the range." January 13-14 • 11AM Accessorizing your AR – Cabela's has a wide variety of AR-15 rifle accessories and AR-15 parts, including magazines, uppers, grips, rails, stocks, scopes and scope mounts to increase the performance of your firearm. • 1PM Hare Wet Boots & Gloves? – Stop by and check out our demo on boot and glove dryers. January 20-21 • Saturday – Big Game Appetizers: Cabela’sStyle – Join us as our Outfitters demonstrate some of their favorite wild game, fish, and football party snack recipes prepared using a variety of Cabela’s products. • Backyard Pizza on the Grill – Make a delicious pizza on your grill using one of our pizza stones. The porcelain surface makes the perfect pizza crust or flatbread. Throw on your favorite toppings or cook a ready-to-bake. January 27-28 • 12PM Concealed Carry Accessories – We’ll showcase the newest options. Come try all of the handbags and holsters to find the right fit for your lifestyle. • 2PM Sighting In – Check out all the gear, tips and tactics you need for a successful day at the range for firearms and archery. February 3-4 • 11AM Camp Stove and Kitchens – Plan to attend this demo where our field experts will show you a wide variety of stoves from lightweight backpacking stoves to complete camp kitchens. They will guide you through the process of picking the stove that fits your needs the best.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

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1PM Reloading Basics Seminar - Learn the basics of reloading your own ammunition. If you participate in hunting or shooting sports & enjoy customizing loads to match your firearm and style, attend this seminar.

February 10-11 Second Amendment w/NRA • 11AM Intro to Tactical Firearms – Tactical firearms are civilianized versions of military and law enforcement firearms. This includes AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, heavy barreled bolt action rifles, service pistols, and non-sporting pump or semiautomatic shotguns. Learn how to select a tactical firearm for personal and home protection, and even competitive shooting. • 12PM Locked and Loaded – Make every shot count with our line of premium scopes and lasers. • 2PM Gun Cleaning Tips – Let our outfitter show you the proper way to clean your handgun, rifle or shotgun and get acquainted with cleaning kits that make the process easier. • Saturday 1PM Cabela’s Cup – Combine your love for shooting and competition with the excitement of laser guns for a chance to win an awesome prize. February 17-18 • 11AM Keep Your Edge with Free Knife Sharpening – Be amazed at how easy it is to sharpen your kitchen or hunting knives at this product demo. Free knife sharpening will follow the presentation. • 1PM Fine Tuning Your Bass Fishing – Our experts will discuss gear, terminal tackle, reading the water, weather patterns and more. February 24-25 • 1PM Introduction to Catfishing – We will show you the simple gear and methods that can have you filling a stringer. • 11AM Get Cooking - Dutch Oven Breakfast Basics – Breakfast is a great way to start your day and cooking career. Learning to cook a fabulous breakfast is perfect for young campers who want a quick and easy breakfast idea to feed the whole family.

As the first Cabela’s in Missouri, we pulled out all the stops to bring a serious outdoor experience to the Show-Me-State. The Hazelwood Cabela’s store was built to not only surround customers with quality outdoor products, but to engage them with lifelike taxidermy, local fish swimming in the aquarium and an indoor archery test area.

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

(314) 225-0100

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

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

Affiliate Spotlight

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society The importance of your motor running well, especially in tournament fishing, is to get you there quicker. Spend more time fishing instead of more time traveling. That’s why Crappie Masters supports gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol - a fuel made from corn grown in America. Mike Vallentine, Crappie Masters President

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

he Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society is the State Chapter for The Wildlife Society, the international association of wildlife professionals dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. The mission of The Wildlife Society is to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, productivity, and sustain-ability of wildlife resources for the benefit of society. The Missouri Chapter is made up of approximately 200 professional wildlife managers, educators and researchers dedicated to the stewardship of wildlife resources in Missouri. They are teachers, research technicians, wildlife managers, resource administrators, and private consultants; all united by the common objective – to focus attention on the professional wildlife needs, problems and events of concern within Missouri.

To achieve this objective, the Missouri Chapter attempts to: • Provide opportunities among wildlife professionals within Missouri as well as nationally and internationally. • Monitor, evaluate, and comment on societal actions that could impact wildlife resources. • Recognize and commend outstanding achievement in the wildlife profession. • Encourage communication between Chapter members and non-members to create a climate under which resource management arts will be used effectively. The Missouri Chapter carries out this mission in a number of ways. They co-sponsor the Missouri Natural Resources Conference, annually present three awards and two scholarships, publish a newsletter twice a year, host an e-mail news group, as well as sponsor continuing education workshops and symposiums. Learn more at wildlife.org/ missouri-chapter/. The 12 new members receive their Level 1 Fire Management certifications. (Photo: Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society.)

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

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Coalition for the Environment Missouri Community Forestry Council Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunters for Fair Chase Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Outdoor Communicators Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri River Relief 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 MU Wildlife and Fishing Science Graduate Student Organization Mule Deer Foundation North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance 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 Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association South Side Division Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Springfield Plateau Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist St. Louis Audubon Society Student Air Rifle Program Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Troutbusters of Missouri United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman's Club Wild Bird Rehabilitation Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

JANUARY - 2018

Member News

Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders

he Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) of Missouri hosted the inaugural Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders (CYCL) at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center near Kansas City from November 2-5. The event brought together young conservationists in youth programs from Missouri, Wisconsin, Texas, and Minnesota.

The goal of the confluence was to bring together representatives from states with youth conservation leadership programs, national programs and those states considering developing such programs to share both expertise and experience, to improve existing programs and to foster the development of programs in additional states.

In addition Florida, Michigan, and Louisiana all sent representatives interested in starting youth conservation leadership programs. Representatives from National Wildlife Federation’s EcoLeaders, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, and Bureau of Land Management/Public Land Foundation also attended in hopes of gaining insight on how to network with other youth conservation leadership programs.

Students and leaders did this by exchanging ideas and discussing communication and support strategies to help improve existing programs while encouraging other states to implement youth conservation leadership programs.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

We were fortunate to hear from the Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, Sara Parker Pauley and Eriqah Vincent, National EcoLeader Senior Coordinator for NWF.

Throughout the confluence the dialogue was robust and insightful. Students passionately discussed issues impacting all states including public land policies, water resources and diversity. They also discussed the intricacies of each of their leadership programs and the challenges and experiences each has had in creating, funding and managing programs. In the end, everyone left with new ideas to implement back home, whether planning to start their program from the ground up or improve an existing program. States offered to mentor and guide new program development. Each state has specific needs and their program needs to be tailored accordingly. The CYCL network will serve to provide continued support and a warehouse of information for states to build upon.

Mike Huffman facilitating a session at CYCL. (Photo: Amber Edwards)

It was refreshing to share ideas and learn from each other. We all have the same goal in mind. We want to encourage, engage and foster the development of future conservation leaders. Our youth are the future. We need to help guide them and give them the tools to be successful.

We left planning to continue CYCL by establishing a much larger and broader network of youth conservation organizations for the purpose of broadening the efficacy of existing groups and the inclusion of new organizations for the future.

Missouri CLC student Brooke Widmar stated, “My favorite part was getting to meet other students from across the country and pick their brains. What do they do differently? What works, and what doesn't work? How do they partner with other organizations? How do they tie in legislative work? I heard so many great ideas, and I can't wait to see what can be incorporated into our student group.” We learned so much and plan to use this new knowledge to grow and improve our program. The opportunity to mentor our new friends as they begin programs will also be rewarding. And yes, they all became our friends. I have no doubt we will continue to collaborate to promote, train and provide leadership opportunities for our students while focusing on the issues and policies that threaten conservation. “A confluence merges two or more rivers or streams, exchanging water and sediment to make a more diverse and powerful body of water. CYCL challenged, strengthened and in the end renewed us all. I am so grateful for the experience,” stated Ashley Hollis, President of Missouri CLC.

We can be more effective working together. A bunch of small voices is great, but we can be greater as one larger voice. You will see CYCL again in the future. Know that these youth are going to be our future leaders in conservation and will help make a difference. We can’t stop now. Future generations depend on us. This event would not have happened without the partnerships of many organizations. Thank you to Prairie Fork Charitable Endowed Trust, University of Missouri School of Natural Resources, Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Texas Brigades, and the National Wildlife Federation for their financial and logistic support of this event.

Jen Sampsell Outreach and Education Coordinator, CFM

(Left) Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders group at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. (Photo: Amber Edwards)

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

CZ 557 Short Action .243: A Working Man’s Classic

n today’s hunting and sport shooting market, there seems to be a manufacturing trend to find the newest material, fastest bullet and shiniest barrel. In short, the next “best thing.” So, it almost seems against the grain for a company to make a hunting rifle that uses classic walnut, a nearly 70-year-old standard hunting round, and simple blued barrel. When I first picked up the CZ 557, I asked myself “Why would CZ make a gun that on the surface seemed so…simple?” After shooting and hunting with the 557, I realized why CZ made the gun this way. It is simple and it’s true to the company’s firearm manufacturing process: no new marketing gimmick will ever replace a quality, well-made product. The 557 I was shooting for the 2017 deer season was chamber in .243 Winchester. Typically, I am of the mantra don’t be outgunned if you don’t have to be and would opt for something larger, but the more I read about the Mighty Mouse .243, the more surprised I was in its unwavering loyalty among users. Based on a necked-down .308, the .243 was introduced in 1955 and is considered by some to be one of the most versatile hunting rounds across the country. While the .243 isn’t going to carry the takedown power as its CZ 557 .308 big brother; it is an incredibly effective round, especially for Missouri, given its flat shooting trajectory, accuracy and incredibly low recoil.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

“For the light skinned animals typically hunted in the Midwest, including deer, coyote, hogs, antelope, a .243 is all you need,” said Dave Miller of CZ USA, “With a 100-grain bullet, the .243 shoots at approximately 2800+/- fps giving it an incredibly flat trajectory. Out West, it’s considered one the classic antelope rounds for this reason; however, it’s also an ideal Missouri deer gun.” Combining this round with the 557 construction is what gives the gun such an advantage in the field. The 557 is based on the 557 .308 action; however, it’s scaled for .243, creating a smaller bolt and action, giving the 557 the exact amount of bolt throw needed to load the next round - nothing more, nothing less. What this means in practical application is the 557 .243 is going to have a quicker ejection and reloading cycling than larger rounds, leading to faster second shots, if needed.

While an expensive manufacturing process, one of the advantages of the hammer forged barrel is that the stress in metal is pointing in the direction of the axis of the bore which increases the durability of the compressed metal, giving the barrel a longer, more accurate life. Second, the barrel is threaded onto the receiver instead of pinned, which creates increased connection seal and leading to greater accuracy. Third, the action has a 19mm dovetail cut into it, which hosts CZ’s proprietary scope rings. This means your scope is seated on rings meant specifically for the gun. I hunted all weekend with the 557 and was impressed at every step. The 20.5” barrel allowed me to move through the woods and to my stand easily, and checking in at only 7 ½ lbs. it didn’t weigh me down. I would’ve have been more impressed if the 557 turned out to be a diving rod for deer, but it wasn’t and at the end of the season, I ate tag soup for dinner, while my hunting buddy filled the freezer.

What sets the 557 apart from its competitors is the quality in manufacturing. Instead of gussying up the 557 with unnecessary bells and whistles, CZ doubled down on quality.

The short extractor or “push feed” system also makes it easier to singleload the rifle, which many shooters prefer for range work. Combined with the .243’s notoriety for minimal recoil, hunters needing a second shot can stay on target faster and more accurately to squeeze off another round. To top it off, it comes with a fully adjustable trigger that allows the owner to tune weight, creep and overtravel to their liking.

What sets the 557 apart from its competitors is the quality in manufacturing. Instead of gussying up the 557 with unnecessary bells and whistles, CZ doubled down on quality. This can be seen first in the cold hammer forged barrel. This process takes blanks and forces them through the rifling process, where the blank is formed around the rifling dye to create the barrel in what amounts to a giant hammering process.

When the hunt was over and I made it home, I put the 557 away next to my grandfather’s Browning A5, which is the quintessential workingman’s classic. I began to think about what earns a gun that moniker. Here is what I decided. First, it has to be well-made and stand up to difficult hunting conditions over an extended period of time. Second, their price point makes them attainable to the average hunter. Third, they are adaptable to different people and game. Lastly, you’ll feel proud passing the gun on to the next generation. The CZ 557 checks each of these attributes, which is why it is destined to earn the title of a workingman’s classic. Rehan Nana Director of Corporate Relations, CFM

JANUARY - 2018

Explore

Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore. Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo.

Kansas City Zoo

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

Working Hard for Your Success Whether you are re-roofing your house with a tin roof, building a small shed, or a sturdy pole barn, we will be there to help every step of the way.

Visit www.martinmetalllc.com to see all of our products! 18151 Highway K Versailles, MO 65084 (866) 378-4050

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

JANUARY - 2018

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

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JANUARY - 2018

Federation Destinations

Branson: Entertainment Capital of Missouri

Make Plans to Visit These Incredible Outdoor Destinations Looking for your next family vacation, quiet fishing trip, thrilling hunting experience or outdoor adventure? We encourage you to consider one of the following destinations.

BRING YOUR KIDS TO WHERE THEY’LL

BRING THEIR KIDS

ranson is a world-renowned tourist destination right here at home in Missouri. For more than 50 years, live shows have been staples of Branson vacations. Morning, afternoon and night, Branson offers a variety of entertainment options for every member of the family. Along with world-class entertainment, dining and lodging, Branson offers incredible outdoor opportunities, including some of the greatest fishing in the state of Missouri, with Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. With 43,100 acres of surface water and approximately 750 miles of natural shoreline, Table Rock has both the size and scenery to make this special lake one of the premier outdoors destinations in America. With so much water surrounded by public land, Table Rock offers recreational opportunities for everyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Table Rock Lake is special because the shoreline surrounding this beautiful body of water is public property protected from expansive development. So no matter where you are on the lake, you’re surrounded by natural scenery. There are countless coves and deep pockets for boaters to explore. It’s easy to find your own perfect secluded place to anchor and swim, or pull over on the shore and set up a picnic in a relaxing spot under a shade tree or stretch a hammock for a nap. At any time, a white-tailed deer, wild turkey or a bald eagle may make an appearance. Wildlife is abundant.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Lake Taneycomo is unique. The 22-mile long lake is really a section of the White River sandwiched between Table Rock Dam and Powersite Dam. The Missouri Department of Conservation stocks approximately 750,000 trout in Taneycomo each year. The state record brown trout, weighing 27 pounds, 10 ounces, came out of Taneycomo in 2005.

877- BR ANS O N

With so many fish stocked in Taneycomo each year, this is a trout fishing destination where you can feel fine about keeping fish for the dinner table. You need to pay attention to where you are fishing and what you are catching though, because special regulations apply in certain sections of the lake. Bass Pro Shop’s founder Johnny Morris has helped turn the Branson area into one of the greatest family outdoor destinations in America. Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock and Dogwood Canyon are all Bass Pro properties offering incredible amenities and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Enjoying a glass of wine on the veranda at Top of the Rock overlooking the lake as the sun sets beyond the western shore of Table Rock Lake is a moment you won’t soon forget. For an incredible family vacation this year, with wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities, consider staying home in Missouri and visiting Branson.

Holly Neill paddles a boat on Lake Taneycomo. (Photo: Emma Kessinger)

Interested in promoting your business or destination? Contact the CFM office at 573-634-2322 to learn more about our Federation Destinations. JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

A Vision for the Meramec River Trout Fishery

In addition, recent annual electrofishing surveys have shown that survival rates on the brown trout are extremely poor after the initial stockings. The result is that the density and size structure of the brown trout population have dramatically declined. The reasons for the decline in survival are unknown, but several explanations have been proposed. Like many trout streams across the country, the Meramec drains a vast watershed and is subject to rapid increases in water levels. It's often hypothesized that fish get displaced out of the Red Ribbon Trout Area due to rapid increases in water levels due to excessive flooding. It has also been proposed that rapid increases in water temperature during summer flooding events result in trout mortality. These explanations are of great interest given that several historically significant floods have occurred within the basin over the past decade. Monitoring tagged fish will help MDC make better management and stocking decisions by understanding the effects of flow, season, temperature and possibly other factors on movement, habitat selection and survival of brown trout in the management area. Fish would be monitored with roving efforts using portable receivers and stationary receivers strategically placed in the river system.

ounded in 2012, the Gateway Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GTU) has quietly become one of the largest chapters of Trout Unlimited, a cold-water conservation organization, in the country. With more than 800 members in the St. Louis metropolitan area, GTU recently set its sights on a river close to home, the Meramec River. While the Ozark region of southern Missouri contains approximately 280 miles of coldwater streams that remain cold enough to support trout populations all year, the Meramec is one of the closest trout streams to St. Louis and Gateway TUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members. In 2016, Ted Calcaterra, chapter president, envisioned a large-scale collaborative project to better understand the Meramec River trout fishery. Working with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fisheries staff, a possible project was identified for the coldwater section of the river that would encompass three action items: habitat survey, water temperature monitoring and telemetry study.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The last physical habitat study on the cold-water section of the Meramec River was completed in 2007. This survey quantified the dimensions of the channel, assessed in-stream habitat and riparian vegetation, and assigned a relative rating of adult trout habitat quality based on predetermined criteria for each habitat feature. Quality ratings were generated for each pool and each riffle/run in the management area. This habitat assessment will be conducted again to determine if any measurable changes have occurred in the last ten years. Gateway TU members will interact with MDC staff in a collaborative effort to better understand the fisheries habitat within this section. Summer water temperatures have been monitored on the Meramec River Red Ribbon Trout Area by MDC since 2002. Using automatic recording devices, hourly water temperatures are measured and logged throughout the summer at several locations in the trout area. This project would continue this monitoring throughout the entire year to better understand temperature fluctuations within the management area.

A brown trout shimmers in the sun on the Meramec River. (Photo: Matt Tucker) The Meramec River is a prime location for first-class trout fishing in Missouri. This project would help understand the trout fish better in order to keep the Meramec a prime fishing destination. (Matt Tucker)

This project has inched closer to reality in 2017 after seeking feedback from former MDC Fisheries Biologist Mike Kruse and founding Gateway TU president Matt Tucker; working closely with MDC fisheries staff, GTU applied for a 2017 Trout Unlimited Embrace-A-Stream grant for the project. The project received partial funding from the grant committee, which encouraged GTU to seek additional funding through other means, including a crowdsourcing program sponsored by Orvis. In addition, Gateway TU hosted a Brews for Browns fundraiser at Hammerstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern in St. Louis that raised more than $2700 for the project. Although the chapter has not yet raised the funds necessary to complete this project, through additional fundraising efforts, including its annual fundraising dinner February 16, 2018, with keynote speaker MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley, the organization is hopeful that this project will become a reality in 2018. If you would like to learn more about this project and ways you can help, please contact Ted Calcaterra at ted.calcaterra@gatewaytu.org.

Matt Tucker JANUARY - 2018

Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

MDC Awards Grant Funding for Community Forest Improvements

MDC Partners with Audubon Conservation Ranching Program

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is assisting the National Audubon Society (Audubon) in implementing a beef program to benefit both ranchers and grassland birds. The Audubon Conservation Ranching program links consumers to beef produced on farms that provide good grassland bird habitat. When consumers buy beef certified under the Audubon program, they’re boosting habitat for birds and also supporting more pollinators for plants. Conservation Ranching is a program stretching across the Great Plains states, and the Missouri portion began offering beef to consumers this fall. The goal is a profitable program for cattle ranchers, but one that also helps reverse steep population declines during the past half century by grassland birds, such as bobwhite quail. Audubon is implementing a partnership between farmers, consumers, and retail outlets, with an assist by conservation expertise in meshing birdfriendly habitat with market-based agriculture. The program aims to give ranchers a premium price for beef, and it also links them with financial incentives such as cost share programs that defray costs for implementing conservation practices. “The required habitat management plan provides a roadmap to help participants build the right mix of forages to benefit their cattle while providing essential nesting and brood-rearing cover for birds,” said Max Alleger, MDC grassland coordinator. “Audubon recognizes that improving habitat takes time, so these plans lay out a reasonable timeline, often three years or more, for participants to meet all program standards.” Beef produced under the program at the Dave Haubein farm in Dade County is now on sale in central Missouri. The long-range goal is to develop multiple beef producers using the Audubon Conservation Ranching program, with beef from Audubon-certified ranches on sale at numerous retail outlets including in cities such as Kansas City and St. Louis. “It’s designed to build a sustainable, wildlife friendly system that is still profitable for the farmer,” Haubein said. “It dovetails perfectly with the direction I want to take my farm.”

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program will be expanded in Missouri as more consumers, producers and retail outlets participate. Beef from ranches certified by Audubon is also for sale or nearing retail offering in markets in North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. MDC and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are key Missouri partners. In addition to providing technical habitat and pasture management assistance, these agencies provide financial resources to help participating producers improve their grasslands. Participating ranches must also meet Audubon standards related to forage and feeding, and environmental sustainability. Animals in the program must spend their entire lives on grasslands. Detailed program protocols may be viewed at Audubon.org/ranching/protocols. Audubon wants to recruit more Missouri producers into the program, and will co-host a series of workshops for interested landowners this winter with the MDC. To learn more about grassland habitat planning or attend a workshop in your area, send an email to max.alleger@ mdc.mo.gov. For more information about Audubon Conservation Ranching, and to locate retail outlets selling beef under the program, contact Chris Wilson, program director, at cwwilson@audubon.org or visit Audubon.org/ranching.

MDC is partnering with the National Audubon Society on a Conservation Ranching program, assisting ranchers and giving consumers a chance to support beef raised on pastures certified as healthy for grassland birds. (Photo: MDC)

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently awarded $382,914 to Missouri communities through its Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant program. TRIM grants offer costshare funding for government agencies, public schools and nonprofit groups to manage, improve or conserve trees on public lands.

Trees work in Missouri communities to provide an amazing number of benefits, from cleaning the air and water to reducing stress and helping children concentrate. Just like any other natural resource, it takes active involvement to keep community trees thriving. “Tree inventories are an important way for communities to manage and plan for the future. You have to know not only where the trees are, but how to care for them. An inventory allows a community to thoughtfully plan work rather than responding to the latest disaster,” said Hinnah. Our community trees and forests play a critical role in keeping us healthy and making our neighborhoods better places. (Photo: MDC)

“Trees make life better for our cities and towns every day,” said MDC Community Forestry Program Supervisor Russell Hinnah. “TRIM grants help communities with tree inventory, pruning, planting, and programs that help keep our neighborhood trees healthy and thriving.”

A tree inventory is particularly important to prepare for invasive pests such as emerald ash borers, which have been killing ash trees across the country. Several of this year’s grant recipients will use grant funds to assess and manage the ash trees in their communities. MDC has awarded 35 grants this year. For more information, visit MDC’s website at www.mdc.mo.gov/ trim.

MDC Encourages People to Help Prevent Wildfires

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions this time of year means extra caution is needed to avoid unexpected wildfires. According to MDC’s Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves or brush piles. “It’s been drier and warmer than usual, which means fires could get out of control very quickly,” said Forestry Field Program Supervisor Ben Webster. “We want everyone to check the weather and be extremely careful if they plan to burn leaves or debris.” A wildfire burns through a wooded area in Reynolds County. (Photo: MDC)

Each year, MDC staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress numerous wildfires that can consume thousands of acres. MDC urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires. For more information on preventing wildfires, go online to mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire/wildfire-prevention. JANUARY - 2018

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Feature Story May informed me that the first big wave of snow geese had arrived just days before we were to arrive. It looked like we were in for a good hunt. Rick and Robb had never hunted waterfowl and were a bit short on proper snow goose hunting equipment. It took some heavy talking to convince them that they should use my shotguns and ammo, which were matched to bring about the demise of snow geese. I suggested a list of clothing and boots for the guys to pack. Knee boots were necessary for the muddy corn fields. Warm layers of clothing were necessary for the predicted temperatures in the mid 20’s and 30 mile an hour winds. Cold was the word. We met Perry May at 8:00 a.m. at the farm we were to hunt. Four coffin blinds, which Rick had trouble understanding their application to goose hunting, lay concealed amidst 1,500 decoys. The spread appeared impressive.

First Snow Goose Hunt: Fun and Frolics

now geese are over abundant and offer great opportunities for late season hunting and some unusual fun. The conservation order for snow geese begins February 1 and runs into April. Hunters may take the plugs out of their guns, use electronic callers and harvest an unlimited number of the wary birds. Snow geese are smart and difficult to decoy, even for veteran hunters. Newcomers to the sport are often in for a real surprise. A couple of newbies I took on a snow goose hunting trip recently provided a barrel of laughs as they negotiated the trials and tribulations of their very first hunt.

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Rick Damouth, owner of CowtownUSA, asked me if I would take him snow goose hunting. I assured him I could get him into some geese, but also warned him about the pitfalls of pursuing the white birds. His exuberance to enjoy the thrill of hunting the hordes of snow geese outweighed his grasp of the difficulty of the task at hand. Rick, his brother, Robb, and I headed to southeast Missouri to hook up with my longtime friend and outfitter Perry May. We would hunt 15 miles south of Sikeston.

Snow geese come to the rice fields of southeast Missouri by the tens of thousands. A Conservation Order is in place to reduce their numbers. (Photo: Dian Cooper)

I had almost completed preparations on my coffin blind when I heard a blood curdling scream. The high-pitched squeal sounded like that of a damsel in distress. It was Rick. “There’s spiders in this blind,” he yelled as his attempt to exit the coffin blind failed and dumped him back into the corn stubbled pit of spiders.

Tens of thousands of snow geese roosted a mile south of us. Clouds of birds rose up like a building thunder cloud and then settled back to the ground. This happened repeatedly, mesmerizing the Damouth brothers. It was a spectacle of nature. May began barking orders for us to help him rearrange the decoy spread. The wind had changed.

The entertainment value of Rick’s struggles with his coffin kept the rest of us in stitches.

“Thin ‘em out here, thicken up this spot, extend the body of the set in that direction and round ‘em out here, “May requested. “Oh, there is a proper technique for pushing the decoys stakes into the ground, too. If you don’t get it right, the decoys will not adjust in the wind and I will have to do them all over.”

Laughter rang from our coffins more than the sounds of shotguns, but the Damouth brothers did manage to bring down a few snow geese.

We also received a short lesson on how to camo up the coffin blinds with corn stubble. After two hours of intensive labor and a wheel barrow full of moans and groans from the elderly Damouth brothers, May declared we had failed both the decoy class and the camo class. Regardless, we would hunt snow geese. May turned on the blaring e-callers and a couple of spinning rigs that held four flyer decoys each. Our spread took on a carnival atmosphere.

Did I mention that Rick forgot his knee boots and that he did bring his deer hunting coat, which was white, trimmed in orange? I guess I forgot to explain to him the incredible eyesight of snow geese.

But, I am still scratching my head wondering how two guys with super magnum shotguns could shoot at a solid wall of 30,000 snow geese and not hit any of them. I’ve asked for a re-match and a coffin blind for Rick with extra spiders.

Bill Cooper (Left) The Conservation Order for light geese extends the season for waterfowl hunters. (Photo: Dian Cooper)

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

JANUARY - 2018

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CONSERVATION FEDERATION

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Feature Story Prior to European settlement, eastern red cedars in this part of the world were confined mainly to cliff tops, but land use changes have caused their spread. On the open grasslands, for centuries indigenous people kept the prairie relatively free of trees and shrubs through their fire management of the landscape. When European settlers moved west, so did fire suppression, allowing grasslands to sprout up in cedar trees and other woody species. In as few as 5-10 years cedars can take over and transform an area from open prairie to a cedar thicket, completely changing its flora and fauna.

The Two Sides of an Eastern Red Cedar Tree

vergreen boughs, Christmas trees, and fragrance adorn residences, retail spaces and offices during the holidays and beyond. As the depths of winter near, many look to bring the fresh aroma of the eastern red cedar inside. This tree prized for its heartwood, scent and wildlife value is also known as the scourge of the prairie giving landowners reasons to both desire and eradicate this species from their land. The story of cedar trees in Missouri begins with their mistaken name. Eastern red cedars are not cedars at all, but rather junipers (the scientific name of the tree is Juniperus virginiana). As a member of the conifer group of plants, the blue berries produced are really disguised cones. The flower of the male tree produces yellowish pollen cones at the tips of their foliage that release pollen in the spring. The flowers of the female trees are wind pollinated and produce green cones that will change appearance by fall to what looks like a waxy blue berry. Each “berry” contains 1-2 seeds.

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This easily recognizable fruit is desired by wildlife for its nutritional value providing high levels of fat and carbohydrates. The cedar waxwing is named after its affinity for the fruit of cedar trees. Cedar waxwings are typically found in flocks feeding on berries. Listen for their high pitched sreee given in an irregular rhythm. During the winter months, from roughly October through April, their diet consists almost entirely of fruit. Nesting behavior can also be influenced by the berry crop as they may nest later than most species, waiting until the summer months to build their nests, in trees most often near the edge of a wooded area. Most cedar waxwings move north for nesting. While uncommon, Missouri can host widely scattered breeding pairs. The eastern red cedar also serves as a host plant for many insects including the caterpillar of the olive hairstreak butterfly and the juniper geometer. Whitetailed deer and other wildlife may browse its foliage. Its dense greenery provides the perfect camouflage to hide vulnerable nests of songbirds.

Today many grassland managers work with fire and/ or mowing regimes to keep out cedars and maintain healthy grasslands. In areas land stewards are trying to reclaim, mature cedar trees are removed by chain saw, and fire is reintroduced to the landscape. Kansas City Wildlands hosts annual Cedar Tree Events in early December to provide citizens beautiful cedar trees for the holidays and help restore natural areas. The easily identifiable wood of cedars has been used for centuries because of its strength and beauty. Cedar tea was brewed by many indigenous tribes for a variety of illnesses. The wood was used to make lance shafts and arrows. Flutes made of red cedar were prized by the Cheyenne. Boughs were used for bedding, and the bark was woven into mats that served as roofs and floor coverings. In more modern times, the wood of eastern red cedar trees has been used for pencils, fence poles, closet linings, cedar chests and decorative furniture. In the end, the desire to have or remove cedar trees may simply be a matter of geography. Prairies and grasslands need to be kept free of invasion by woody species, including eastern red cedar. Yards, city parks, and campuses can benefit from the beauty and wildlife attracted by cedar trees. Either way, the native juniper we call 'cedar' is deeply entrenched in the ecological history of Missouri. To learn more about eastern red cedar and other native trees go to www.grownative.org.

EASTERN RED CEDAR DESCRIPTION Eastern red cedar is a small to mediumsized tree, aromatic, evergreen, with a dense, pyramidal (sometimes cylindrical) crown. The leaves, usually at the end of twigs, are minute, either scalelike or needlelike, olive green to yellowishgreen, turning bronze after the first frost and staying somewhat reddish through winter. The trunk is single, tapering; trunk spreads at the base. The bark is light reddish brown, shredding into long, thin, flat strips, the trunk tapering towards the top and spreading at the base.

HABITAT AND Occurs on glades and bluffs; in open, CONSERVATION rocky woods, pastures, and old fields; and

along roadsides and fencerows. Some gnarled cedars on Ozark bluffs are over 1,000 years old. This species invades glades and prairies that are not burned periodically, damaging prairie plants’ ability to survive, and ultimately turning a grassland into a forest; prescribed burning and cutting of woody plants like cedars helps prairies and glades to survive.

STATUS Common. This tree is not technically a cedar, which is why many specialists prefer to spell "redcedar" without a letter space or else hyphenate it. Standard dictionaries strive to reflect the most common spellings used by ordinary people, and thus they present "red cedar" as two words — which most people then follow. "Juniper," of course, is a better name for this plant, as it is in the genus Juniperus, in the cypress family. True cedars are in genus Cedrus, in the pine family, and are native to Eurasia's Himalayan and Mediterranean regions.

Mary Nemecek A cedar waxwing feeding on the fat- and carb-rich female cones ("berries") of eastern red cedar - a wildlife-friendly tree, when planted where appropriate. (Photo: Linda Williams)

For more inforamtion visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Feature Story Given in the name of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold by the Sand County Foundation, the award honors Missouri farmers’ achievement in voluntary stewardship and natural resources management. The Foundation - established by a group of private landowners in 1965 to preserve the property north of Baraboo, Wis., where Leopold did his writing and research - focuses on Leopold’s idea of the “land ethic” calling for an ethical, caring relationship between people and nature.

Lamberts Honored with Missouri’s First Leopold Conservation Award

s Matt Lambert harvests corn on an overcast early November afternoon, the clamorous combine kicks up more than dust and husks as it churns through the field. A white-tailed buck bounds through the buffer at the field’s edge. A pair of rabbits bounces between stalks into the safety of the next row. A startled covey of quail bursts into the silvery sky.

Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a coalition of agricultural organizations that represents the state’s farmers and ranchers, partnered with the Sand County Foundation to bring the Leopold award to the Show-Me State this year. “The Lamberts embody the best values of Missouri agriculture,” MFC Executive Director Ashley McCarty says. “Working alongside multiple generations, the Lambert family has prioritized innovative conservation practices to ensure productivity for years to come. Their goal is a more productive farm in 15 years than they have today, and their skilled management and implementation of stewardship practices such as no-till, cover crops and managed grazing will make that possible.”

“It used to be an accepted school of thought that agriculture, by nature, stole from the environment to be productive,” Kate says. “Today, we recognize that farming doesn’t have to take anything away. It can actually work alongside the natural systems for a mutually beneficial relationship.”

These sightings demonstrate that decades of dedicated land stewardship have paid off in more than just bumper crops for Matt and his wife, Kate, on their family operation, Uptown Farms, near Brookfield, Mo. The farm yields an abundance of wildlife as well, proving that modern-day agricultural production can successfully coexist with conservation.

By putting that philosophy in action, the Lamberts have achieved a first for Missouri agriculture. They are the state’s inaugural winners of the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. The award, which comes with a $10,000 prize, was announced in November at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City.

Uptown Farms consists of corn, soybeans and wheat, utilizing no-till and cover crops to minimize soil erosion and run-off. The Lamberts also raise beef cattle, sheep and Great Pyrenees guard dogs.

“I thought maybe it would be something we could win down the road, but I never expected to win the first year we applied for it,” Matt says. “We’re honored to receive the award for the first time in Missouri.”

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Matt, 31, and Kate, 30, farm about 2,000 acres. Different paths led them to agriculture. Matt grew up in it, farming with his father, Steve, and grandfather, Paul, on their Linn County land. Kate, on the other hand, was raised in the outer suburbs of Chicago. She found FFA in high school, raising and showing Suffolk sheep, which is how she and Matt met. The couple attended Northwest Missouri State and married in 2009, settling down near Matt’s family farm. They now have two sons, 6-year-old Mace and 3-year-old Meyer. “Dad was one of the first to no-till in Linn County, and he’s always had a good mind about conservation,” says Matt, who harvested his 10th crop this fall. “I guess it’s carried down into my generation. We started the cover cropping after I got out of college. At first, it was mainly to help increase our grazing acres, but after a couple of years, we were seeing some of the benefits in the actual crop itself — weed suppression, less soil erosion, moisture retention and better yields. So we’ve started incorporating cover crops into all our acres now.”

Conservation is a key consideration in the livestock side of the business, too. The Lamberts fence off ponds, restrict access to creeks and implement rotational grazing strategies. To encourage wildlife, they also plant food plots, native grasses and buffer strips around fields as well as enroll acres in the Conservation Reserve Program. “Most of our rented ground is crop-shared, so the landlords have a stake in what we do, and they’re very supportive of the conservation practices we have,” Matt says. “Many of the landowners don’t live around here, but they like to come back and hunt, so we try to give them an opportunity to enjoy nature in a way that helps take care of their farm at the same time.” More important than their ag industry involvement or management practices, the Lamberts say, is how their actions today will impact the future of their farm. “I hope someday, my dad will hand me his farm, and I plan on doing the same thing with our boys,” Matt says. “Our goal is to leave the farm in better shape than when we purchased it. That’s the one common denominator among farmers. You’ve got to have ground. It’s not like a piece of machinery. You can’t just go out and buy a new one. You’ve got to take care of the land your whole life and for the next generation.” The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri is supported by Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Department of Conservation, MFA, Inc., Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Jason Jenkins

Beyond crops and livestock, Matt and Kate Lambert are raising their family on Uptown Farms, instilling the same “land ethic” for which Aldo Leopold is best known in their boys, 3-year-old Meyer and 6-year-old Mace. (Photo: Jason Jenkins)

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Save the Fawns Time to Predator Hunt

While predators are very active at night, early and late parts of the day, don’t be discouraged to hunt all day long. For all day hunting, I like the temperature to be 40 degrees or less for at least a week. All animals struggle much more in cold weather to find food. Predators are no different. Animal distress calls become very effective as temperatures drop and stay low. Snow makes it even better. Second, minimal wind is key, preferably no more than 10-15mph. Predators can hear your calling much better. Not to mention, brutal winds in cold conditions make it hard to hunt long. Third, my experience has shown that full cloud cover makes predator hunting more productive. Clear, sunny conditions can be great too, but the number of predators I’ve killed on cloudy days far exceeds those I’ve killed on sunny ones.

The Set-up: Scouting is key to locating where

coyotes and other predators frequent. Trail cameras and observation are the easiest solution. Make a mental note whenever you find coyote scat and tracks. When I bow hunt in the fall, I keep track of when and where all my predator sightings occurred. If you don’t have previous history to rely on, look for habitat such as large grass or CRP fields. Coyotes and bobcats love hunting mice through the grass. Any area, like a pond dam, that creates a pinch point for wildlife movement is ideal. Sitting on the edge of heavy timber with thick undergrowth is one of my favorites as well.

oys and girls, it’s time to save the fawns. Coyotes and bobcats are responsible for the disappearance of huge portions of fawns every summer. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like my future big bucks being taken out so easily. The solution to the problem is simple. It’s time to go predator hunting. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your predator hunting a success.

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Favorite Predator Hunting Conditions: Coyote

peak breeding season is January through March. During this time, they are very responsive to coyote vocalizations and because of the cold weather, are equally responsive to animal distress calls. Early summer can be good with recently born coyote pups creating demand on their parents. Both animal distress calls and pup distress calls are effective at that time.

When I make a sit, I look for spots where I can see and shoot a couple hundred yards. I want thick cover to break up my silhouette. A tree, fence post, or large bush on a hill work nicely. Most importantly, I sit downwind of where I anticipate the coyotes will appear. Just be ready to adjust when they do something completely unexpected. A must have is a motorized decoy. My favorite is the Mojo Critter. Decoys are important because they provide a visual for predators to focus on. Their distraction gives you a better opportunity for a shot. Be sure to place your electronic call and motorized decoy at least 50 yards upwind of you. Predators need to see it from multiple directions. If you’re targeting bobcats, the decoy is a must, as cats are hesitant to approach unless they see decoy movement.

Calling Strategy: The most important rule I follow

when calling predators is hunting in low pressured areas. Coyotes and bobcats become call shy very quickly. To combat this, I knock on doors around my land to gain more access so I’m not hunting the same spots all the time. If you don’t have the luxury of more land access, be careful to limit your hunting to the most ideal wind and weather conditions. Matching your call to the area you hunt is vital. In Missouri, mice, voles, and cottontails are common. I typically start with a quiet call like a mouse distress, and gradually move to louder, more distressed sounding calls, like a dying cottontail. If a coyote or bobcat hangs up out of range, lower the call volume and it could draw them closer trying to pinpoint the sound. Keep in mind, bobcats typically take longer to approach your set-up, so be ready to sit 45 minutes or more. No matter what calls I’ve used, I always end every set up with a coyote pup distress call. It seems to work the magic when all else fails. You’ll know you are making the right sound selections when you have birds of prey, like hawks, flying over and landing in nearby trees to survey the area. If you feel like your calling is getting repetitive, go online and purchase more aftermarket sounds. Most makers of electronic calls provide additional calls for purchase that weren’t pre-loaded on your device. Sometimes all it takes is a little different sound to get a coyote or bobcat charging in. Some people set their electronic call and decoy up so the decoy only moves while the call is playing. That is fine, but it’s much better to have your decoy moving during your entire set-up. Predators often times come in several minutes after you have finished a calling sequence. When no sound is playing, they need to see the movement of your decoy to capture their attention and continue bringing them in, while also keeping their attention off of you. Time to go save the fawns. Tyler Mahoney Predator hunter, Joey Purpura of Midwest Land Group, hoists a coyote on a late evening hunt in January. (Photo: Tyler Mahoney)

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Lake of the Ozarks: A Great Fishery

The 10-mile Gravois arm is one of the oldest developed sections of the lake so its shoreline is dotted with boat docks. Fed by the gin-clear waters of the Gravois; Little Gravois, Spring Branch, Soap, Indian and Mill creeks, usually remains one of the clearest sections of the lake throughout the year. The Grand Glaize arm runs about 16 miles from its confluence with the Osage arm to the swinging bridges area where the Glaize narrows down to a stream. If variety is indeed the spice of life, then Lake of the Ozarks spices anglers’ lives with its smorgasbord of fishing opportunities. The lake rates as one of the best reservoirs in Missouri for catching a variety of game fish. Largemouth bass and crappie are the most sought-after fish at the lake, but catfish, white bass, walleye and sunfish also offer plenty of action throughout the year. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) 9-inch minimum length limit on crappie has helped keep crappie fishing consistently good throughout the year. Limits of keeper-size crappie can be taken in the shallows from March through May and again in October through early December. The key to catching crappie the rest of the year is to find some of the hundreds of brush piles sunken at various depths throughout the lake.

nown as one of the Midwest’s most popular vacation spots, Lake of the Ozarks also has a reputation for being one of the best fishing lakes in the country. Although younger reservoirs appeal to an angler’s eye with flooded timber and undeveloped shorelines, the Lake of the Ozarks entices fishermen with its hidden charms. This 54,000-acre lake lost most of its natural cover when the standing timber was cleared before the lake was formed. New cover has developed over the years as dock owners and anglers have planted brush piles throughout the impoundment. Other fish-holding structures include steep bluffs, creek channels, humps, and points. Docks provide plenty of shelter for a variety of fish, while lay-downs and log jams are the primary cover for bass, crappie and catfish in the undeveloped sections of the lake.

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The various arms of the lake offer diverse water clarity and structure so anglers can catch fish on a wide range of tactics. The Osage arm runs 98 miles from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam and changes drastically from one end to the other. The North Shore section contains some of the deepest and clearest water on the lake, while the upper Osage near Warsaw, narrows until it turns riverine in appearance with the water remaining stained to murky most of the time. The winding Niangua arm resembles a large river more than a reservoir since it has few major coves and a narrow main channel for most of its length.

Crappie anglers have a blast catching the tasty panfish at Lake of the Ozarks. (Photo: John Neporadny)

The lake is also loaded with keeper-size bass thanks to the MDC’s 15-inch minimum length regulation on black bass. Renowned for its bass fishing, Lake of the Ozarks draws numerous tournaments ranging in size from 10-boat bass club events to 150-boat national circuit contests, which are held each weekend just about year-round. With this sort of attention, the lake receives plenty of fishing pressure, yet still yields heavyweight stringers of bass to tournament competitors. White bass are another popular catch in the spring and the fall. Local anglers head for the riffles in the major creeks and tributaries to catch spawning whites in April and May. In the fall, they target wind-blown points and pockets to track down white bass chasing baitfish.

Irregular features along bluffs are key spots for finding wintertime bass. (Photo: John Neporadny)

Lake of the Ozarks catfish are an obliging sort. They will eat just about anything you put on a hook and can be taken on a variety of methods throughout the warmer months. The three most popular species to catch at the lake are channel, blue and flathead catfish. The lake has a reputation for yielding big blue cats each year and has also produced a former state record flathead catfish, a 66-pounder caught by Howard Brownfield in 1987. Three state record fish have come from the Lake of the Ozarks. Gene Snelling caught a state record muskellunge (41 pounds, 2 ounces) in 1981; Allen Schweiss landed a 36-pound, 12-ounce smallmouth buffalo in 1986; and Ronald Wagner made the record book in 1980 with a 40-pound, 8-ounce freshwater drum. Several marinas and resorts rent boats to visiting anglers who don’t own one and want to venture out on the water. Newcomers to the lake can also have a rewarding day on the water by hiring a Coast-Guard licensed guide. For information on lodging and other facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks or to receive a free vacation guide, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.funlake.com. Copies of John Neporadny's book, "The Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Guide" are available by calling 573365-4296 or visiting the website at www.jnoutdoors. com. John Neporadny JANUARY - 2018

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Outdoor News

Maximizing Recreational Land Sales Through Auctions

eal estate auctions start and end with a single piece of property, but there’s another segment of real estate auctions that’s one of the most popular options for selling recreational property – the multi-parcel or multi-tract auction. The concept is simple: A large property is broken up into smaller, more affordable pieces. The number of pieces can range from just a few to dozens of tracts. Bidders have the opportunity to bid on one parcel, a combination, or the entire property. A well-executed multi-parcel auction typically uses a multimedia display which projects a map of the parcels being offered, while auction software keeps track of placed bids and provides the ability for bidders to inquire about how much they would need to bid on select parcels. Professionally trained bid spotters answer the bidder’s questions during the event and help ensure that the auction runs seamlessly.

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It’s customary to hold a mock auction immediately prior to the actual event in order to demonstrate to attendees what they can expect. Several rounds of bidding occur, offering individual parcels first, followed by an option for bidders to create combinations of parcels or bid on the entire property. Once all bids have been exhausted and everyone is content on the parcels which they currently hold winning bids on, the auction typically closes all parcels simultaneously and the winning bidders and sales prices are announced. “The great thing about multi-parcel auctions is that buyers can buy property in the form that best suits their needs. It gives buyers with limited capital the chance to compete against buyers who intend to purchase larger parcels or the entire property,” said Shawn Terrel, CAI, AARE, UCMA, executive vicepresent of United Country Auction Services. “Some bidders may not want to buy the entire property and can only afford a limited acreage. The multiparcel bidding platform gives them an opportunity to participate where they otherwise could not afford to.”

There are benefits to multi-parcel auctions for sellers as well. Reducing large properties into smaller parcels increases their marketability. It allows sellers to create premium tracts with features like building sites, water access and recreational tracts. By offering premium tracts, the price per acre and total sale price will increase.

Shawn Terrel assisting with an auction. (Photo: United Country)

Multi-tract auctions create energy and excitement, and with added buyer flexibility, create a larger bidder pool. They can also include property owned by multiple sellers, allowing them to split the cost of advertising and maximize their marketing efforts. If you’re considering the auction method to sell your property, do your homework first. Some properties may not be suitable for multi-parcel auctions and the success of these types of events will vary depending on individual markets. If you’re unsure, consult a professional auctioneer. They should understand the local market and help guide you on how to maximize your sale. United Country Real Estate is the largest network of conventional and auction real estate professionals in the country. To find a United Country auctioneer near you, visit www.UCAuctionServices.com. Courtesy of United Country

JANUARY - 2018

Outdoor News

Missouri State Parks - Historic Site Tours

Barnstorming with Bug Biology, and Allaying the Fear Factor

isitors to Missouri’s state historic sites have a wealth of experiences awaiting them, from touring Civil War battlefields to seeing where Harry S Truman and Mark Twain were born.

OSU’s Insect Adventure brings the fascinating world of entomology to the public.

Of the 36 state historic sites, nearly two dozen have interpretative tours designed to give visitors an inside look and better understanding of the events that happened there.

“Insects and all of their relatives, the arthropods, are the largest group of animals on planet Earth. If you took all the animals in the world and put them into a big pie, 85 percent of that pie would be bugs,” says Dr. Shufran, who operates Oklahoma State University’s Insect Adventure program in Stillwater.

The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site tour includes a visit to the Oliver Anderson house, which was the center of a ferocious battle that left the marks of mortar rounds and musket fire on exterior and interior walls. History of another sort is explained at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, located in an area known as the Old Lead Belt, the premier lead district of the United States. Visitors enter the huge minemill powerhouse that has been developed into a museum that displays old mining machinery and an outstanding mineral collection. The central display at the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is the simple two-room cabin where Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, was born. The site also displays a handwritten manuscript of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” At Hermann, visitors to the Deutschheim State Historic Site can tour two of the homes of the German immigrants who flocked to the Missouri River valley in the early 1800s. At Kansas City, a tour is available of Thomas Hart Benton’s comfortable home and studio. At Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, the walking tour takes in the bucolic farm of Waltus L. Watkins as it looked in the prosperous 1870s, and the brick woolen mill with the three floors of machinery still intact.

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hat bugs Andrine Shufran? It’s no small gripe, actually – even if the creatures in question are.

“It’s also the group of animals with the most integral connections to life on Earth. We’re talking pollination, decomposition, and acting as the basis of the food chain,” she adds. “And yet, most people have a relatively negative impression of this group of animals, based on misconceptions that they are unsafe, filthy, dangerous, or even deadly.”

While the Watkins mill represents the Industrial Revolution, Dillard Mill State Historic Site features a picturesque gristmill powered by the waters of the sparkling Huzzah Creek. Dillard Mill has been restored to working condition and visitors can witness the wheezing, clacking, churning of the leather belts and meshing gears inside. Free tours are given at Harry S Truman Birthplace, Battle of Athens, Confederate Memorial, Battle of Pilot Knob and Mark Twain Birthplace state historic sites and the Missouri State Museum. Fees for tours are listed on the facility web pages.

Insect Adventure is the only educational program of its kind in the state, and Dr. Shufran – an entomologist who first stepped on the OSU campus in 2003 – has operated the program since its inception in 2008. Dr. Shufran makes more than 500 presentations a year, along with a healthy assortment of her sixand eight-legged friends, both on and off campus – traveling to school classrooms, county fairs, home and garden shows, 4-H gatherings, day-care centers, corporations and nursing homes across Oklahoma and beyond.

Courtesy of Missouri State Parks Top: Dillard Mill State Historic Site. (Photo: Missouri State Parks) Bottom: Anderson House, Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. (Photo: Missouri State Parks)

Dr. Shufran tries to dismiss fears of insects. (Photo: Enbridge Energy )

Youth learn about the importance of insects. (Photo: Enbridge Energy )

With this menagerie of spiders, walking sticks, beetles, scorpions and millipedes, Dr. Shufran allays fears about insects – while, at the same time, boosting scientific literacy and understanding of biology. “We have about 80 species total, and I’ve got four students who work for me, taking care of the insects’ care, cleaning, husbandry and feeding,” she says. “As for the audience, you name it and we adapt it.” Enbridge is committed to making life better in the communities where we live and work. In 2016, we invested more than $13.4 million in communitystrengthening initiatives across North America – just under $100,000 of that in Oklahoma – and in recent months, we also made a $1,000 grant to OSU’s Insect Adventure program. “We move our audiences past the fear factor and help them discover the fascinating biology of these animals,” says Dr. Shufran. “It’s educational but it’s also experiential. I think I have the best job in the whole world.”

Courtesy of Enbridge Energy JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Feature Story The Missouri Chamber of Commerce notes significant economic growth in communities along the first 47 miles. Ranchers between towns say they find it easy to move cattle across the trail through specially designed gates. New businesses with trail names are springing up in the next 144 miles: Rock Island Village in Eldon, Rock Island Marketplace in Owensville, Rock Island Trail Retreat in Gerald and Rock Island Station in Beaufort.

Rock Island Trail's Uncertain Future

issouri’s long quest to acquire the Rock Island Trail corridor is near, but not certain. In 1999, Missouri almost secured a 197-mile segment from Kansas City to Owensville. Instead, Union Pacific and Missouri Central Railroad (wholly owned by Ameren) each secured segments from Kansas City to St. Louis. In 2012, Ameren transferred ownership of the 47-mile corridor from Pleasant Hill to Windsor to the state of Missouri. That became a new leg of Katy Trail State Park in December 2016, connecting greater Kansas City to St. Louis. While the first 199 miles of the Katy Trail corridor had to be purchased Ameren is donating the next 144 miles. The two-year salvage to Beaufort is nearly completed. The rails and ties are removed and the gravelly surface is being graded. The Surface Transportation Board deadline to sign an agreement to “rail-bank” the former railroad corridor for potential future use is February 21, 2018. Missouri State Parks is doing a final study and seeking additional public comment before proceeding. The 8,685 overwhelmingly positive comments can be read at mostateparks.com/rockislandlinecorridor. Eight of the nine letters are supportive, from the cities of Springfield, Rolla, Chesterfield, Owensville and Warsaw.

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Two area planning commissions wrote letters of support: The Spirit Trail Coalition/Johnson County Planning Commission and Kaysinger Basin Planning Commission. The letter by Adventure Cycling noted the trail’s international significance and major impact on tourism. The 240-mile Katy Trail State Park has been successful since its opening in 1990. A 2012 study documented 400,000 annual users and a direct economic impact of more than $18 million per year. The first 47-mile segment of the Rock Island Trail put the former railroad towns of Pleasant Hill, Chilhowee, Leeton and Windsor on a high traffic trail. Two trails now go all the way from greater Kansas City to St. Louis. Towns benefit as users buy food frequently and stay overnight. Adding the next 144 miles will create a world-class loop that includes Kansas City and St. Louis. It fills a long gap where there are no state parks and connects Kansas City to Missouri’s largest state park at Lake of the Ozarks. The new major trail experience will be distinct from the Katy by its varied topography and by adding 20 more towns that already have services needed by trail users. Short distances between the Katy and Rock Island trails at Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann and Washington will enable users to do shorter loops and allow sharing of equipment and personnel between the trails.

The trail will provide a safe, non-motorized alternative to an estimated 90 miles of parallel highways between towns. Examples include the 56 miles paralleling Highway 52 from Windsor to Eldon and the 33 miles along highways 28 and 50 from Belle to Beaufort. Horses and buggies may be allowed on the trail in the Versailles area where Groffdale Conference Mennonites now try to share the two-lane Highway 52 with motorists. The Kansas City trail network will be further connected when 18 miles of trail from Lee’s Summit to I-70 is added in 2019. In St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway and Trailnet are eager for the Rock Island Trail to approach their regional trail network. The Katy Trail is just a few miles away at Washington, where the new Highway 47 Bridge over the Missouri River will be bike-friendly in late 2018. Further east on the Katy Trail, the Highway 6440 Boone Bridge connecting to Chesterfield Bottoms is already bike-friendly. Amtrak offers several easy one-way shuttles along the Katy. Springfield wants to connect their 35-mile Frisco Highline Trail ending at Bolivar to the Rock Island Trail. The route will include Warsaw, connecting its trail system to the Rock Island Trail at Cole Camp. Jefferson City is discussing connections between the Katy and Rock Island Trails at Eugene or Eldon. The most challenging engineering and construction for this trail were done in 1900-04. Tunnels 2-5 football fields long pass under Eugene and Freeburg, and near Meta. Spectacular bridges traverse the Gasconade, Osage and Maries rivers. The Katy/Rock trail network is internationally significant. An estimated 30 miles of the next 144 are within the city limits of 20 historic railroad towns where residents will use it daily. Tourists will appreciate the many stores, restaurants, motels and campgrounds in sight of the trail in towns spaced every ten miles.

A Safe Route to School will be created by the trail at Owensville. Their schools are east of Highway 19 and the town is mostly to the west, so students have not been allowed to walk or bicycle to school. The trail will pass under Highway 19 and provide a safe alternative to Highway 28 from as far away as Gerald, 10 miles east. Eldon’s future is being shaped by its 3 miles of corridor through their city limits. Lake Regional Health Center expanded its outpatient care facility next to the trail. The 48 place Rock Island Village senior living facility opened in August. Both take advantage of the trail as a new community asset for transportation, recreation and exercise for their clients. A donor with local ties has given Eldon $150,000 in matching money to rebuild a former railroad depot as a welcome center, museum and offices for their Chamber of Commerce. It will be at the front door of downtown Eldon and near its center. The Surface Transportation Board has no definition of what a trail must be nor do they require a timetable for development. The City of Belle has already secured funding to build more than a mile of trail when Missouri State Parks approves acceptance of the 144-mile corridor. Belle plans to renovate its former MFA as a welcome center, with wraparound decking and other inviting spaces. Owensville, Versailles and Eldon want to partner on maintenance and development of the three miles within each of their city limits. More communities will follow. A 20:1 return on investment is expected from adding another 144 miles to the Rock Island Trail, but businesses get most of that revenue, not Missouri State Parks. They are challenged to do more and only get an increased 1/20 of 1% sales tax. The answer is to be more creative about partnerships with communities, individuals and philanthropists. Accepting the corridor is the first, necessary step, with further development happening as fast as funding allows. Accelerating development of the trail is the mission of Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. (MoRIT) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit. Join online at www.rockislandtrail.org or contact Greg Harris, Executive Director at 573-202-9632 or moritdirector@gmail.com. Greg Harris Executive Director, MoRIT An aerial image of the Gasconade River. (Photo: Courtesy of Missouri Rock Island Trail)

JANUARY - 2018

Feature Story

Feature Story Dress for success.

Winter Water Safety

As I said, the key to warmth is dryness. Dress in layers starting with a thin, moisture wicking base and build from there. Avoid cotton at all costs. Cotton holds water and dries slowly. I wear a layer of Capilene from Patagonia as my base. Over that I wear a pair of Simms Fleece Bib wader pants. Simms G4 waders are my top layer. I float so I can fish, and having a good set of waders will make your day much more enjoyable. If you are not planning on wading, NRS makes a great pair of paddling pants and jacket. Socks are always Smart Wool. For me they are the most comfortable and moisture wicking sock on the market. Footwear is often overlooked, but is an important part of your winter wardrobe. I wear Simms G3 boots fitted with the Hardbite Studs. What good is all of that warm gear if you end up flat on your backside because of slippery rock? I always wear a wader belt as well. Besides adding a bit of support, a wader belt will keep water out in the event you go in over the top. Pack good rain gear. Our weather can turn on a dime. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Always, and I mean always, wear your PFD. Keep a change of clothes in a good dry bag and keep an extra set in your recovery vehicle.

Gear up.

inter is a season of recovery and preparation. - Paul Theroux

At the risk of ruining my own solitude, I am going to tell you this: Winter is a great time to be on the Ozarks rivers and streams. Just because the mercury drops doesn't have to mean you can't get out on the water. Late fall, winter, and early spring offer some superb opportunities to float, fish, and enjoy the abundant wildlife the Ozarks has to offer. And no crowds. With proper planning, a winter float down an Ozarks waterway can be one of the most memorable experiences of the year.

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Plan ahead, and phone a friend. Cold floats are best done on familiar waters. Know your route and the areas to avoid or portage. Don't take chances in water that may dump you. The key to warmth is dryness. And discretion is the better part of valor. It's also wise to float with a friend, or several of them. And always let someone else know where you are floating. Giving someone your put in and take out points can reduce the time to locate you in the event of an emergency.

Survival in the winter starts with being prepared. Dumping on a lake, while still dangerous, is not nearly as perilous as an unplanned entry two miles into a six-mile float. • Learn how to use and carry a throw rope bag. • Carry a magnesium fire striker to start a warming fire. • Own a quality personal flotation device (PFD) and wear it. • Carry a good waterproof flashlight. • Pack a few hand warmers. They take up little space and can be a god-send when your hands are cold. • Keep your primary paddle on a leash. • Carry a spare paddle when possible. I carry half of a paddle under my seat just in case.

• Keep your phone, wallet and keys in a good, floating, dry box. • Inspect your boat between use for cracks, seal rot, etc. • I plug all of the scuppers in my ATAK except the two under my seat. This keeps the cockpit dry, but will let water out if I do happen to ship some in. • Carry a packable solar blanket. If you happen to get stranded, this and the magnesium striker could end up saving your life.

Practice survival tactics. One of the first things I did after getting my kayak was to practice deep water reentry. Always practice this with your PFD on and fastened. There are several qualified white-water survival classes in the Ozarks. Contact the guys at Ozark Mountain Trading Company for more info.

Final thoughts. Keep yourself hydrated while on the water. Dehydration will accelerate hypothermia and fatigue. Watch your pace. Don't plan a float you can't handle in one, short winter day. Take food. Protein and carbs will help keep your energy level up, and the risk of fatigue down. Enjoy the scenery. Winter is the cleansing season. With the leaves gone, you can see deeper into the verge, allowing for some incredible wildlife viewing. Ryan Walker (Left) Winter is a great time to enjoy an Ozarks river or stream. (Photo Ryan Walker) (Top) Vinny and his dog Bodhi - consummate explorers. (Courtesy of Vincent Seidler)

JANUARY - 2018

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