Boone & Bo: The Autumn of Their Years

Bo was a beagle and beagles are usually rabbit dogs but he was all squirrel dog and cared nothing about rabbits. He loved to chase and tree squirrels around the farm. Creeks, barbed wire fences, briar thickets or even a brake-squealing car couldn’t keep him from his mission. Treeing squirrels was his job and he was good at it. He would do it all day long before finally coming back home to supper. When finished he’d curl up on the porch completely worn out from his days adventures.

Bo was my Grandpa Boone’s dog and both were as independent as they could be. Boone was in his 80s and I was 12. He enjoyed taking his grandson hunting and was teaching me to be a squirrel hunter too when the time was right. Back then we were poor so it was important not to waste a bullet. It would take a while to save enough to get more.

Getting a couple of squirrels was our supper. With Bo’s help that was never a problem. I still remember how good those fried squirrels and grandma’s homemade biscuits and gravy were.

Boone had worked hard on the farm all his life and his heart was beginning to wear out. He slowed down a bit, took his medicine, and kept hunting squirrels with Bo and me. Like Boone, Bo was in the autumn of his years. Bo’s gray muzzle reminded me of Boone’s gray beard.

For Bo, chasing and treeing was the game. It was fun to watch him go after a squirrel. When it would run up a tree he would climb part way up it in his excitement to get at it. As soon as he gave up climbing he would sit at the base of the tree barking until Boone got there and shot the squirrel.

A dead squirrel was not important to him anymore. He would trail up to a freshly killed squirrel and then take off after another one.

Our last day was perfect squirrel hunting weather. A crisp, clear morning had dawned when we reached the back forty of Boone’s farm. Early sun sparkled on the frosted grass as we left the old truck. The trees were bare of leaves now. Bo saw the movement of a squirrel and he went to work. Boone took a position by an oak tree and watched. He smiled with pleasure as he listened to the sounds of Bo. He held his old .22 rifle, still in mint condition, in the crook of his arm.

Bo was out of sight but his bark told us he was after his quarry. His voice muffled as he chased it across a gully and it ran up a tree, as we knew it would. Boone walked slowly to the tree and prepared for the shot. The squirrel came into view out on a limb high up in the tree. Boone sighted down the barrel but it moved slightly as Boone fired. The squirrel fell to the ground and then ran into a thicket of wild blackberries. Boone muttered to himself.

Bo was after him but like Boone, slower than before. His voice high and clear, he started after the squirrel at a walk. As we watched, Bo fell. Quickly scrambling to his feet, he yodeled as he entered the thicket. He gave voice for another fifty yards or so and then there was silence.

I looked at Boone. His face was gray, his breathing was heavy and his old face seemed more wrinkled. “Sit down Boone,” I said. “He found the squirrel. I’ll go get them.” But Boone just stood there and didn’t say anything.

I walked through the thicket toward the place where I’d last heard Bo. I found him stretched out, mouth open, eyes glazed. There was no life left in him. A couple of feet beyond his muzzle, the squirrel twitched and was still. I left them both and returned to Boone. He was leaning against a tree with his head bowed.

(Left) Bo the squirrel dog. (Photo: Courtesy of the Ball Family) (Right) Get the biscuits and gravy ready. (Top) Grandpa and Grandma's farm.

“I knew it when he fell,” Boone whispered. We walked back to the truck, thinking our own thoughts. Boone broke the silence. “I hope to go like Bo, doing something I really like to do.” “I’ll come back later with a shovel,” I said. “Thanks,” Boone replied, “I don’t think I could do it. One more thing though, would you bury the squirrel in front of him?” I nodded as a tear ran down my cheek.

We got back to the truck and Boone reached in and got out an oiled rag and carefully wiped his old rifle and cased it. He handed the gun to me and said, “I don’t think I’m going to hunt anymore. I want you to have it.” In just a few months Boone was gone too.

I hunted for many years with Boone’s gun and took a lot of squirrels with it. But, it just wasn’t the same without Boone by my side and the sounds of Bo treeing a squirrel. Today, the rifle sits in the gun safe in my office. I am now in the autumn of my years.

My son’s grew up hunting squirrels with that gun. I taught them like Boone taught me. My grandson Hunter got his first squirrel with it after his Dad had taught him. There was never another dog like Bo though.

When I am gone Boone’s gun will be passed down to one of them. They all know the story of Boone and Bo in the autumn of their years.

Larry Whiteley

The Voice for Missouri Outdoors, Reaches Major Milestone!

Iam honored to be President of CFM for the 2020- better soil 22 term, during which we celebrate our 85th conservation Anniversary, followed by our 85th convention next and the finest spring. In preparing my message for this special system of state edition, I re-read my husband’s President Message parks in the from the 75th-anniversary. With his permission, I am nation! And all sharing a few passages that are still quite relevant brought to life ten years later. on the same land at the same “While we celebrate our past and present, I want time our human members to know your President and Directors are population has looking forward and planning for the next 75 years.” doubled. In 1935 none of In 2020 we remain committed to CFM’s mission and us could have are working hard to understand and prepare for what imagined these the “new normal” brings during and post COVID-19. successes.”

“Our past leaders and members possessed the grit to face the reality of their times and challenge those who would consider our forest, fish and wildlife something to plunder and abuse, leaving little or nothing for future generations.”

One challenge that remains constant is the threat by a few legislators determined to tear down protections afforded to fish, forest and wildlife provided by the Department of Conservation and the vast number of citizens who support these protections. It is hard to fathom as Missouri’s economy is dependent on forest, fish and wildlife. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, etc., = revenue!

“Throughout our history, we have been blessed with people who were willing to become leaders and advocates for the ideals we hold dear. E. Sydney Stephens was such a man, along with Roland M. Hoerr, Edward K. Love, J.T. Montgomery, Dean Davis and Ted Butler. These people helped build and secure the finest forest, fish and wildlife programs in the nation.”

Since 2010 we have lost several conservation heroes, including Ann Kutscher, Ed Stegner, Glenn Chambers, Don Johnson, Ron Coleman and many others. Who of us will follow in their footsteps?

“CFM’s legacy is one of which you should be immensely proud. Together we have worked to make Missouri a dream come true for all who love the outdoors. More forests, more deer and wild turkeys, more geese, more wood ducks, better water quality, On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide money for deferred maintenance projects at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. CFM celebrates this incredible win with all of you and what it means for Missouri public lands, waters and wildlife!

COVID-19

Living through the uncertainty of a global pandemic is incredibly stressful as we continue to worry about our health and economic welfare. By the time you read this, I hope significant progress has been made to flatten the curve once and for all and develop a vaccine this year.

Thanks to all who contributed articles for this special 85th Anniversary edition! Enjoy the read! Be sure to check out the CFM Web Site for future virtual events! The staff is working hard to make it easy for you to stay informed and engaged.

Thank you for all you do for Conservation and CFM. Do not forget we are all in this together! Stay well and do get outdoors whenever you can!

Yours in Conservation,

Mossie Schallon President, CFM

Why I Became a Life Member of CFM: Michael Baker

Imagine if you will a young college student who is just starting out in the world with no idea of what they want to accomplish or be. Now infuse that same student with a weekend getaway full of ideas, passionate advocates for the outdoors and an open invitation to be part of something truly magical.

This was my experience in 2008 through the Conservation Leadership Corps; our beloved, studentled program. I quickly learned that there are no outsiders in this organization. Before I could blink, I was rubbing elbows with conservation giants and having meaningful conversations about the future of Missouri's outdoors. Names like Dave Murphy, Al Vogt, Don Johnson, Glenn Chambers, Ron Coleman and others were all willing and eager to hear what someone like me had to say. I can't express how empowering that is for a young person, and how blessed I am to have lived in those moments.

Fast forward several years and that life membership has seen some interesting returns. I met my wife at convention. We live in Moscow Mills with our two children.

The best man at my wedding was my roommate at convention, and a life-long friend who introduced me to the best deer hunting crew a guy could ask for. Many within CFM have opened career doors. Ultimately, an investment in CFM has been the deal of a Photo courtesy of William Halbrook in lifetime. The conjunction with Capt. Jason Schneiderhahn promise of this with www.stlcatfishing.com organization is as rare and fruitful as the resources it defends.

Become a CFM Life Member

When you purchase a Life Membership with CFM, your money is added to an endowment supporting the administration of the organization in perpetuity. Each year, we draw earnings from the endowment, so your contribution will truly be supporting the CFM for the rest of your life and beyond. This is an important funding source for our Federation.

We hope you will consider joining the over 280 dedicated conservationists who have already made a life commitment to the Conservation Federation of Missouri by becoming a Life Member today.

Contact CFM at (573) 634-2322 or email info@confedmo.org.

WELCOME NEW CFM MEMBERS

Zayne Aldrich, Saint Louis

Pat Anghilante, Saint Louis

Paul Berendzen, Versailles

Martha Cullifer, Paris

Edna Dell Weinel, Columbia IL

Douglas Doughty, Chillicothe

Tom Dresner, Jefferson City

Jeff Holzem, Jefferson City

Kathy Hubbard, Boerne TX Kenneth Ingebritson, Paris

Jason Jensen, New Bloomfield

Chuck Lahmeyer, Jefferson City

Steve Lenz, Festus

Lona Lewis, Sidney IA

Cheyne Matzenbacher, Blue Eye

Gordon Miller, House Springs

Alex Mullock, Kansas City

David O'Neill, Saint Louis Ryan Price, Lake Saint Louis

Marc Romine, Birch Tree

Phil Schaefer, Columbia

Kody Taylor, Columbia

Judith Toedtmann, Hermann

Suzanne Warren, Charleston

Jerry Woodson, Perryville

CFM thanks the 263 members that renewed since our last publication.

In Memory

In Honor of Ron Coleman Larry and Carolyn Meyer Brian Crow Richard and Judy Ash Joseph Eimer

As CFM looks to the future, we will remain ever cognizant of our past. We recognize the efforts of the conservationists who came before us, and intend to honor them by carrying their dreams into the future.

If you're interested in donating to honor a conservationist, visit www.confedmo.org.

Gear Guide

Howard Leight Sport Impact Muffs

From tactical ops to the hunting blind, Honeywell Howard Leight MULTICAM models bring the advantages of stealth to the popular Impact Sport electronic earmuff line. Beneath its new, covert aesthetic, Impact Sport’s internal circuitry allows ambient and low-frequency sounds to be safely amplified up to four times to a peak of 82dB, making it easy for wearers to hear range commands or approaching game and conduct conversation, even in noisy environments.

www.howardleight.com/ear-muffs/impact

Redneck Predator 360 Blind - BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Made in the USA from long-lasting fiberglass with durable gel-coat finish. The 2" roof overhang and window drip edge help keep rain off the windows, giving you a clear view of your hunting grounds. Acoustical foam covered upper and lower walls combined with a high-density foam floor covered with a high-quality marine carpet provides the ultimate in sound control and insulation. Large tinted, tempered automotive-glass windows with whisper-quiet window hinges provide a clear view. High quality automotive window gaskets and door molding help keep your scent in, the blind dry and the pests out.

www.redneckblinds.com

Bushnell Banner 2 Riflescope – BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Our classic dusk and dawn brightness riflescope now with improved optical performance and an easy to use DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle. With excellent low light performance and image quality it has improved optical performance over the original Banner that boosts contrast and clarity along with the Dusk & Dawn low light performance that Banner fans love. An improved optical design with multi-coated surfaces improves on the already great image quality that makes Banner the go to optic for your next hunt. The DOA Quick Ballistic Reticle provides 5 drop points with 5 mph wind hold lines. The reticle can be used for any caliber that matches your typical hunting cartridges out to 500 yards.

www.bushnell.com

Camp Chef Versatop Grill

The Camp Chef Versatop Grill features is compatible with most Camp Chef 14-inch one burner accessories and features a flat top griddle, true Seasoned, non-stick & ready to cook, 15,000 BTUs/Hr. Burner, matchless ignition, fully adjustable heat control knob, grease management system, grease tray and grease cup, adjustable griddle leg levelers, compact design stores and transports easily, powered by a 1 lb. propane bottle, propane tank not included, accessories sold separately.

www.campchef.com/versatop-grill/

Big Buck Buffet Seed Mix - BUSINESS ALLIANCE

The Big Buck Buffet is a diverse blend of hardy warm and cool season grass matrix along with native forbs and legumes that capitalize on the specific factors that make these ruminants ‘concentrate selectors’ rather than roughage eaters. The mix is composed of forbs and legumes that mature, bloom, and set seed throughout the growing season to hold deer in a specified area allowing a secure source of browse. This blend also contains select annual and biennial species that will develop and flower in the first year as the perennial vegetation develops.

www.pureairnatives.com

Missouri Rural Water Association

Clean water and protection of the state’s wildlife and natural resources go hand in hand. It seemed like a perfect fit for the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA) to become an affiliate member of CFM.

Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA) began in 1966 as an association of water districts and has since evolved into the association it is today. At present, member systems number in at approximately 930. MRWA’s member systems consist of water and wastewater utilities throughout the state, whose numbers of connections range from a handful to the thousands; cities, towns, villages, water/wastewater districts, HOA’s, trailer parks, campgrounds, schools, churches, two theme parks and a water park.

MRWA strives to represent our membership through various technical services and lobbying efforts to help with all aspects of the water and wastewater industry. One of these is source water protection. Keeping our state’s water clean is the first step in efforts to provide safe and affordable drinking water to all residents of our state. This goal closely aligns us with the goals of CFM.

MRWA works with water systems all over the state, big and small, to develop source water protection plans to help mitigate any current or potential issues that might arise in their drinking water. These efforts allow us to partner with many different state agencies ranging from the local cattleman’s associations to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These partnerships are the key factor to successful projects in water protection.

MRWA has begun a junior apprentice program and are working to partner with Missouri’s Future Farmers of America and agriculture schools to promote the water industry within the state. As with any goal, reaching our youth is paramount in changing how our industry is perceived. Water and wastewater are on the front lines of public health, for both people and the environment, and our specialists are first to the fight. Educating the public of their vital role is one of our goals as an organization.

Affiliate Organizations

Anglers of Missouri Archery Big Bucks of Missouri Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass Slammer Tackle Big Game Hunters Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Columbia Audubon Society Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust Deer Creek Sportsman Club Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri Forest Releaf of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited Greater Ozarks Audubon Society Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri Greenway Network, Inc. Heartland Conservation Alliance James River Basin Partnership L-A-D Foundation Land Learning Foundation Legends of Conservation Little Blue River Watershed Coalition Magnificent Missouri 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 B.A.S.S. Nation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Caves & Karst Conservancy Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Coalition for the Environment Missouri Community Forestry Council Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Ducks Unlimited- State Council Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructor's Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation Missouri Master Naturalist - Hi Lonesome Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist - Miramiguoa Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist - Osage Trails Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist - Boone's Lick Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist - Springfield Plateau Chapter Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Outdoor Communicators Missouri Park & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri River Relief Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. Missouri Rural Water Association Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Society of American Foresters Missouri Soil & Water Conservation Society-Show-Me Chapter Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Missouri Taxidermist Association Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited MU Wildlife & Fisheries Science Graduate Student Organization Northside Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the St. Louis Region Osage Paddle Sports Ozark Chinquapin Foundation Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Land Trust Ozark Trail Association Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme De Terre Chapter Muskies Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Bluffs Audubon Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association South Side Division CFM Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers St. Louis Audubon Society Stream Teams United Student Air Rifle Program The Fallen Outdoors-Team MO Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Troutbusters of Missouri United Bow Hunters of Missouri Wild Bird Rehabilitation Wonders of Wildlife Young Outdoorsmen United

2020 Events

CFM Media Camp- February 3 - 6 6th Annual CFM Media Camp at Lilleys' Landing

Schedule

84th Annual Convention- March 6 - 8 Let your voice be heard at the Annual Convention, Capitol laza otel in Jefferson City

Conservation Day at the Capitol- April 1 Join CFM and over 30 affiliate organizations at the Capitol for a day of promoting and supporting conservation

Conservation Federation Banquet: Springfield- June 18 Meet fellow conservationists and support CFM at the /hite $iver Conference Center

Conservation Federation Banquet: Columbia- July 23 Fish or kayak then eat a fantastic meal while supporting CFM at ass ro Shops- Columbia

Pull for Conservation: Central- August 29 Take your best shot at the 14th annual central clay shoot at rairie Grove Shotgun Sports

Affiliate Summit- September 10 & 11 CFM affiliate organizations are invited to network and learn in a virtual platform.

Pull for Conservation: Southwest- September Enjoy the scenic course at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex

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Pull for Conservation: Northwest- October 10 Join CFM for the fifth northwest clay shoot at oot ill Shooting Ground in amilton

Conservation Federation Banquet: St. Louis- October Gather for a spirited evening with friends and family to learn about CFM.

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Conservation Federation Banquet: Kansas City- December Enjoy a fun evening of auctions, raffles, a speaker and more in a virtual setting.

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Event dates are subject to change. Please visit

www.confedmo.org or follow us on social media for the most up to date schedule.

Conservation Legacies

The US military uses the commander’s intent, so that front line troops understand the mission and better plan to achieve their goals. In the civilian sector, these are referred to as mission statements. No matter what one calls them, the purpose remains the same. Conservation Federation of Missouri’s (CFM) mission statement guides the employees and members the same today as it has for the past eighty-five years. With the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) formation in 2002, CFM began investing in the future of conservation. CLC aids in developing future conservationists by exposing students to the full range of professional conservation paths.

As many members know, the founding of CFM was out of necessity. Missouri's natural resources and wildlife were depleted, even the banks of the Mississippi river were devoid of trees. Only because of CFM's work to advocate and educate have future generations reap the benefits of Missouri's rich natural bounty. As such a benefactor, this author takes pride in supporting CFM and promoting the future of conservation as the CLC secretary. The legacy of CFM is all over the Show-Me State. From restoring the turkey population to the most recent expansion of share the harvest to include shelf-stable products. CFM's impact on young people is staggering to contemplate. Since getting involved with CFM, this author understands why Missouri has such a rich bounty of natural resources. On top of the Agriculture and Biology students, the College of the Ozarks student body enjoys many outdoor activities. There is a campus bow hut during the fall archery season. Young people have CFM to thank for all the outdoor experiences that shaped them into who they are.

The future of conservation in Missouri is bright. Currently, there is a large community of environmentally-minded young people. The natural beauty and lifetime memories fuel the passion of this community. Like CFM, this community of Free Range Americans seeks to educate others on the importance of conservation and preservation.

Marcus Ward CLC Secretary

The author (back, center) and class members during a winter bird count through the College of the Ozarks. (Photo: Courtesy of Marcus Ward)