Get Out and Enjoy The Spring

It’s time to get outside and enjoy mother nature and all that the great outdoors have to offer this time of year. Join me and go out of doors, and enjoy what matters most to every one of us: family, fun, and being outside. Spring certainly gives me a sense of renewal, as we shake off the winter blues and start to see the beauty of our flora and fauna as they begin to emerge.

At the recent 14th Annual Governor's Youth Turkey Hunt in April, it was a great opportunity to see the future generations that will be charged with conserving our precious natural resources to learn the basics of turkey hunting, calling, safety and much more. These youth hunters who have never harvested a turkey before were taught by dedicated landowners, guides and citizens that took time out of their busy schedules to help CFM and NWTF pull off yet another successful event.

The day before the hunt, we spent time at the range with young hunters, patterning their shotguns, learning how to call turkeys, positively identifying their target, and other essential turkey hunting techniques. The parents, youth and guides soaked up every bit of information from MDC and NWTF staff. Before departing for their turkey camp with their guides, we went to the Governor's mansion for a reception. During the hunt, several of the youth were able to bag a turkey, including my nephew, Walker Jeremy. We had a hunt that we will never soon forget.

Thanks to each of our affiliates and members that came to our Conservation Day at the Capitol on April 5th. It was an amazing day celebrating our advocacy efforts in the Capitol. A huge shout out to Shags and Trevor from 96.7 KCMQ for telling our message far and wide on the airwaves. We also had a Bald Eagle from World Bird Sanctuary, we honored our Legislator of the Year Representative Bruce Sassmann, and met with legislators to talk about conservation issues and much more.

Thanks to everyone that has engaged with their elected officials again this year during the legislative session, which will end on Friday, May 12th. We have once again made powerful strides in defeating, what could have been some very detrimental bills. We now turn to pass Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in Washington D.C. Please go to our webpage to take action now: https:// confedmo.org/rawa/

In closing, It was great to see so many people at the 87th Annual Convention of CFM. Take a look at our recap from this year’s annual event starting on page 20. If you couldn’t make it this year, I truly hope you can join in to support CFM and be a part of the “Voice for Missouri Outdoors”. Our staff, board, volunteers and so many others truly couldn't have been such a great convention without all working together. Thanks for all you do for our conservation efforts in Missouri.

Yours in Conservation,

Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director, Editor

Officers

Zach Morris - President

Bill Kirgan - President Elect

Ginny Wallace -Vice President

Benjamin Runge - Secretary

Bill Lockwood - Treasurer

Staff

Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor

Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations

Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Manager

Nick Darling - Education and Communications Coordinator

Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistant

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

About The Magazine

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:

Postmaster

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Front Cover

This was taken at Johnson Shut-ins State Park in Reynolds County by Matt Miles using a Nikon D7100 camera and Nikkor 10 mm lens.