Vol76 no3 2015

May 2015 VOL. 76, NO. 3

Executive Director

Conservation’s Future in Citizens Hands

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read a story the other day about a battle that took place 200 years ago this month between early settlers and a number of Indian tribes at the confluence of the Osage and Missouri Rivers. Today we are manning missions to Mars.

Can you even imagine what this world will be like in another 200 years?

The settlers pushed out the last remaining Indian tribes and began spreading out across a native landscape flush with fish and game. These early settlers found a fortune of deer, bison, elk, bears, ducks, turkeys and other wildlife species. They took what they needed and a whole lot more. Market hunting was rampant. Shipping game meat and hides back East and off to Europe quickly took a toll on wildlife. So did the booming lumber industry.

The Ozarks were logged bare; feeding sawmills like the one at Grandin that consumed seventy acres of woodland a day. Maybe those early settlers never dreamed they could exhaust the abundance of natural resources they found here in Missouri, or maybe it was a race to the end to see who could make the most money before the resources ran out. Either way, the damage was done.

In less than 100 years, the early settlers had killed every bison, every elk, and every bear in Missouri. Deer were almost gone, reaching a low of an estimated 400 in the state. Turkeys were not doing much better. In the early 1930s, there were only an estimated 2,000 turkeys left.

To put that in perspective, during last year’s Youth Turkey Season, youth hunters killed 4,332 turkeys. That’s a harvest of two times the number of turkeys we had in the state just 80 years ago.

So just a couple of generations ago, when your father or grandfather was young, Missouri was on the brink of losing the few deer and turkeys we had left. But something amazing happened. Citizens stood up. People just like you said we have to do something about this. We cannot stand by and lose what is left of our precious wildlife resources. So they got together and formed the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Then these early conservationists, led by legends like Aldo Leopold, Ding Darling, Nash Buckingham and E. Sydney Stephens, rallied Missourians together from all across the state to push an initiative petition to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would take politics out of conservation, thus allowing sound science to manage our natural resources. They did, and it passed.

The people of Missouri created the Conservation Commission, which you recognize today as the Missouri Department of Conservation. And if Missourians shall continue to live in a state with thriving forest, fish and wildlife resources, then citizens must be engaged in the process of protecting our unique system of authority from the ever-encroaching attempts of certain industry-influenced legislators who are determined to undermine what most American conservationists refer to as the greatest state game agency to ever exist.

Our stunning Missouri Ozarks are once again teeming with wildlife thanks to the conservationists who came before us.

From 1935 until today, Missourians have been working to restore our natural resources and wildlife species. And because of citizens supporting the efforts of the Department of Conservation, Missouri has once more become a land rich in game and habitat. Today there are an estimated 1.4 million deer in Missouri. That’s quite a recovery from 400. And Missouri now has 500,000 turkeys. We only have these resources because of the citizen conservationists who came before us. They restored our natural resources. Now we must conserve them for our children and our children’s children. Please, do your part.

If you’re not already a member, please join the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler Executive Director, CFM

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MISSOURI

Wildlife May 2015 Vol. 76, No. 3

Contents 10 CFM Partner, Missouri Resident Attempting World Record 12 Logboat Brewery - It’s More Than Just Good Beer 15 Conservation Day at the Capitol Brings Together

Numerous Conservation Organizations 17 National Wildlife Federation 79th Annual Meeting 19 Caterpillars and More Caterpillars — That’s What Little Birds are Made of 24 Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented 27 9th Annual Pull For Conservation Weekend August 7-8, 2015

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

Staff Brandon Butler Rehan Nana

Executive Director/ Editor Deputy Director

Emma Kessinger

Communications Specialist

Micaela Haymaker

Office Manager Membership Director/ Managing Editor Creative Director

Laurie Coleman

30 Mexico Turkey Hunt Erases All Doubt 34 Synergy in the Sunflowers

Joe Pendergrass

36 2015 Convention — At A Glance

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

38 CFM Debates Issues: Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions 39 Chesterfield Elementary School Awarded NWF Grant 40 Life After CLC - Where Are You Now?

news, updates and columns 3 From The Stone House 6 President’s Message Agency News – Missouri Department of Conservation 20 21

More Than 1,380 Students Compete in State Archery Tournament MDC Uses Computer and Satellite Technology For Deer Study

Department of Natural Resources – 32

Creating a Rich Legacy for Our Missouri Waters

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Spotlight on Missouri State Parks — Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park

Member Information: 5 Business Alliance Members 6 Honorariums & Memorials 7 Affiliate Spotlight 11 New Members 14 Calendar 22 Business Alliance Spotlight 27 CFM Affiliates 41 Member’s Memories

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Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

ISSN 1082-8591

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MISSOURI WILDLIFE, 728 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559 Front Cover: Morel mushroom hunting in Palmyra, MO. Photo credit: Sheri Borrowman.

Special thanks to Ronnie Cook (Missouri Morel Hunting – Facebook page).

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

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

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Alps OutdoorZ

CZ-USA G3 Boats Learfield Communication, Inc. Poke N’ Stoke Pure Air Natives, Inc.

MidwayUSA Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC Show Me Farms

Bronze Advantage Metals Recycling Assoc. of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Inn at Grand Glaize

James T. Blair IV Missouri Petroleum Council Missouri Wildflowers Nursery

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

Iron Bass Pro Shops (Independence)

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Fast Yeti

Missouri Teardrops

Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc.

Forrest Keeling Nursery

REMAX Boone Realty

Blue Springs Harley Davidson

General Printing Service

Second Creek Deer Blinds

Brown Printing

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Shade Tree Service, Inc.

Cap America

Grundy Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Shady Lane Cabins & Motel

Citizens Telephone Company

Hornbuckle Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Inc.

Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning

The Bank of Missouri

Columbia Daily Tribune Commerce Bank Consolidated Electric Cooperative Dickerson Park Zoo

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative McRoberts Farm, Inc. Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Tabor Plastics Company United Electric Cooperative, Inc. White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

To learn more about how your business can benefit from supporting conservation call Rehan Nana at the CFM office, 573-634-2322.

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president’s message

Working Together for Conservation

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his Spring was

ushered in with an outstanding weekend of Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) activities in Jefferson City. The CFM Convention featured business and pleasure; awards and assignments; food and friendship. Glad so many of you were able to be there!

An important event was held at the Runge Conservation Nature Center prior to the CFM Convention. The Outdoor Action Committee (OAKs) held a “Missouri Outdoor Summit: Communities Connecting People and the Outdoors.” Invited participants exchanged ideas and discussed approaches that could provide opportunities to increase communities engagement in outdoor activities. Presentations addressed the impact of outdoors experiences on health and wellness. It was clear that Missouri has a cache of conservation resources available to develop and enhance outdoor experiences for Missourians of every age. The Summit was very positive and productive.

OAKs formed following a 2009 meeting convened by CFM entitled

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the “Future of Missouri Outdoors”.

Participants included representatives from state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations that collectively manage Missouri’s natural resources and provide conservation and natural resource education and opportunities. This diversity of membership provides OAKs with a unique potential to positively identify approaches to impact Missouri conservation through the development of collaborative actions.

A current example of OAKs potential for addressing conservation problems through collaboration was demonstrated at the recent Summit when facts describing the loss of the monarch butterfly and other pollinator habitats were presented.

This habitat-related decline in pollinators is a national concern that impacts agricultural producers as well as natural resource managers and the public. Conversations at the Summit made it clear that virtually every agency, organization and community represented at the table had an interest in, or projects involving, this issue along with opportunities for collaboration.

We at CFM are looking forward to working together on this conservation priority.

So, that’s my message. We must all work together for conservation

Honorariums Memorials 6

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Monarch butterflies. Photo credit: MDC.

in support of The Mission of the Conservation Federation of Missouri: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships.

Yours in Conservation.

Al Vogt President, CFM

In memory of Robert Bomgaars Judd & Judy Kirkham – Climax Springs, MO

In memory of Jeanne Crews Arnold & Helen Meysenburg – Lees Summit, MO

In memory of Maurine Shull Marilynn Bradford – Jefferson City, MO

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Affiliate Spotlight Missouri State Chapter NWTF

he National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is the nations’ leading hunter advocacy and conservation organization focused on enhancing and conserving upland habitats. NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey in Missouri and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Their Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. 10 year plan is designed to help conserve and enhance 4 million acres of habitat, provide access to an additional 500,000 acres for hunting, and create 1.5 million new hunters. Between the 1980’s and early 2000’s, Missouri’s forested land has produced some of the nations’ healthiest turkey populations. These lands are steadily transitioning to a less productive state from lack of management.

Much of our open lands (the engine room that controls turkey population

densities) have changed to a less productive condition as well. Over the next 10 years the NWTF in Missouri will strive to strategically address these concerns by conserving and enhancing over 131,000 acres at an estimated cost of 8 million dollars.

opportunities, primarily for youth. From the Governors Youth Turkey Hunt, to the Spring Hunter Apprentice School, as well as other chapter driven hunts and outdoor opportunities there is something available regardless of where you live. NWTF will also create 30,000 new hunters by increasing the capacity to deliver hunter education opportunities through the chapter system.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has been a key partner to NWTF. CFM

has effectively created a coalition that includes the majority of individual agencies and organizations in Missouri interested in conservation. They are the eyes and ears at the Capitol and they help each affiliate organization feel as though they are playing for a team devoted to enhancing and protecting the resources we each rely on to add significantly to the quality of our lives.

For more information on NWTF visit www. monwtf.org, www. nwtf.org or find them on Facebook.

NWTF will also create 10,000 new hunters by expanding successful existing outreach programs to include mentored hunting components designed to attract, educate, and engage young and old; securing our hunting heritage. NWTF Chapters across Missouri offer a wide variety and number of mentored hunting

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Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch Historic renovation of the 1919 International Fur Exchange Building, the Thomas Jefferson Building and the American Zinc Building in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Drury Hotels is proud to call St. Louis, Missouri home.

In all 130 of our hotels, including 21 in St. Louis, our guests enjoy award-winning friendly service and free amenities: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Hot Food & Cold Beverages at the 5:30 Kickback® • Free Wireless Internet & Long Distance Calls • Microwave & Refrigerator in Every Room • 24-Hour Business & Fitness Centers • Pools with Whirlpools •

Now offering a 10% discount for CFM Members

DruryHotels.com | 1-800-DRURYINN

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CFM Partner, Missouri Resident Attempting World Record

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ave Miller was watching television with his girlfriend and her two children, Will and Cindy, one night last year. On television was a man breaking coconuts with his elbow in a world record attempt. Halfway through the great coconut smash, Will, age 10, said, “Dave, you should set some sort of record with your shooting!” After a quick laugh, Miller didn’t think much more of it that evening.

“For whatever reason, though, that idea stuck,” said Miller, Shotgun Product Manager for CZ USA / CZ USA Pro Shooter. “I began researching the world record for most clay targets broken in an hour and realized that I could do it.”

Growing up in Grain Valley, Mo., Miller has always been closely tied to hunting, the outdoors, and for the past 25 years, competitive shooting. Along with quail hunting at a young age, Miller shot trap and sporting clays with his father. In these pursuits, Miller learned the importance of Missouri’s outdoors. “Missouri has so much to do for outdoorsmen. We have an incredible Department of Conservation, with a footprint all over the state. There are so many outstanding programs for getting outdoors. It’s an amazing state north to south.”

At 26 years old, Miller started shooting competitively, which eventually led him to become a private shooting instructor. In 2008, Alice Poluchova, President of CZUSA, became a client and eventually suggested Miller start shooting the CZ Sporter over/under shotgun competitively for CZ-USA. He still shoots the CZ Sporter competitively for the CZ-USA team today.

CZ-USA opened its doors in Kansas City in 1998 as the U.S. arm of CZ Firearms International, and has since been manufacturing and creating some of the country’s finest firearms. However, firearms aren’t the only thing CZ-USA creates. Along with supporting the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s mission through its Business Alliance membership, CZ-USA supports a number of other youth oriented and conservation organizations, including Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, 4H, Boy Scouts and the Scholastic Clay Target Program in an effort to support outdoor participation.

“Our offices are a big mix of guys and gals who like to hunt and shoot; just about everyone has a passion for the outdoors. We’re all cut from the same cloth,” said Miller. “It’s a good environment to be in, and everyone recognizes the importance of continuing to get young adults outside and involved in the shooting sports.”

Even more unique than his world record attempt is why 1 0

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CZ USA’s Dave Miller will attempt to break 3,000 clay targets in one hour to set a world record. Photo credit: CZ-USA.

he is doing it. CZ-USA partnered with CFM’s affiliate Pheasants Forever and its 738 chapters to raise funds for the organization’s No Child Left Indoors Initiative.

Through this attempt approximately $100,000 will be raised and put into an endowment to further youth shooting sports throughout the country.

When Dave brought forth the idea of breaking the world record while simultaneously raising funds for youth shooting, CZ-USA was fully supportive. “It’s always an ‘easy sell’ to CZ-USA’s management when our team comes up with a program that supports youth shooting or hunting and our company. As this world record attempt turned into an actual idea, we realized it would fit nicely with the No Child Left Indoors program, which is supporting the future of the shooting sports industry.”

Using a custom-made clay target thrower which throws 86 targets a minute and 30 CZ-USA’s 712 and 912 semi auto modified to hold 16 shells a piece, Miller will be attempting to break 3,000 targets in one hour with a Guinness Book of World Record judge standing by to watch on May 16. According to Miller, the 712 and 912 are both very versatile shotguns and can be modified to fit the shooter. Retailing for less than $550, Miller says, “They’re soft shooting and easy to handle, which makes them perfect for the field or breaking a world record.”

Once the hour is up, Dave Miller will be the first person continued on page 17

WELCOME C F M N E W members

Steve Hudson, Saint Louis

Travis & Kathi Moore, Palmyra

Travis Shepherd, Hollister

Stuart Hunter, Jefferson City

Zachary Morris, Nixa

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Ellery Johnson, Florissant

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Rochelle Renken, Columbia

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Jack Rich, Barnett

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T.J. McKenna, Festus

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Jane Hassler, Saint Louis

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Faith Cregger, Castle Rock, CO

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Arthur & Juanita Henke, Saint Louis Dennis Meeker, Saint Louis

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Bo Young, Elsberry

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Dennis Hogan, Columbia, IL

Rudolph Diamond, Columbia

Mike Holley, Saint Louis

Kevin Dixon, Calhoun

Larry Hudson, Newtown

Annemarie Brockmann, Miami, FL Lon Brockmeier, Columbia Dan Busenbarrick, Kansas City Busken Construction Corporation, Florissant Douglas Callahan, Columbia Myrna Carlton, Chillicothe Bill Carter, Columbia Harry Cheatham, Webster Groves Chemisphere Corporation, Saint Louis

Kathy Whittington, Sturgeon

CFM would like to thank the 286 members that renewed since our last publication.

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Logboat Brewery – It’s More Than Just Good Beer

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or 2,341 miles, it twists and turns through the landscape. The sleek, powerful water creates a lasting impression on every rock, animal and human that crosses its path. For thousands of years it has provided sustenance and transportation for the inhabitants of the area.

The Missouri River is known for being the longest river in North America. Its name comes from the Missouri tribe of Native Americans, whose name meant “people with wooden canoes.” Wooden canoes, synonymous with logboats, were the inspiration behind the newest brewery in Columbia, Logboat Brewery. The name honors the rich history of water in Missouri.

Logboat Brewery began as just a passing thought for three friends. Tyson Hunt, Judson Ball and Andrew Sharp turned their seedling of a dream into a reality in 2014 with the opening of their own brewery.

Logboat Brewery guests enjoy a sunny afternoon in the ‘shipyard.’ This particular afternoon, Logboat was hosting the St. Baldricks event, where people can shave their head to raise money for cancer. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger

For the owners, the tie to Missouri is a strong one. The three owners have a compelling connection to the state.

“Most Missourians are somehow connected to a river or farming within a generation, and with that comes a lifetime of adventure and hard work. Those qualities usually translate to respect and compassion,” Sharp said.

Because of this, the three owners believe Missourians support small businesses and respect their hard work.

The small, aggregated community of Columbia, Missouri seemed to be an appealing location, and the town has fully embraced the brewery.

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The relationship goes both ways. Logboat strives to be as involved in the community as possible. Every Wednesday they host “charity bingo,” during which they donate a portion of their proceeds from that evening to a designated charity. They change the charity every month, but have the same continued impact of giving back to the community that has fostered their business. “This is our community, our home and we’re doing what we can to make a positive impact,” Sharp said.

Their impact doesn’t stop at the community. They see a lasting significance in conservation as well. They were taught the importance of conservation at a young age, and have been conscious of their impact ever since.

“Missouri has some of the most serene, awe-inspiring landscapes we’ve ever encountered, and we are very passionate about conserving the wild places that make this state so incredible,” Sharp said. They strive to share their love of the state and Missouri’s natural heritage through their business. They became an Iron level CFM Business Alliance member last fall.

A tangible glimpse of their appreciation for our state’s natural resources is through the Logboat building itself.

They worked with Elmwood Reclaimed Timber, a Kansas City company, to transform old pieces of wood into the striking exterior of their building. The exterior wood came from old Missouri barns. Logboat’s bar top and tables came from an 1800’s schoolhouse in Kansas City that was recently torn down.

“Starting a brewery with two of my closest friends has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life,” Sharp said. However, for Logboat, this is just the beginning. The brewery is constantly experimenting with its brews and is quickly progressing as a business. Their newest product is gold-topped 12 oz. cans, which can now be found in stores.

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CALENDAR MISSOURI FESTIVALS AND AFFILIATE EVENTS

AFFILIATE EVENTS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF MISSOURI MAY 2: Public Field Trip, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia (7:30am); Lori Turner (573) 881-2941 MAY 3: Public Field Trip, Birding Local Farms Part 1: Chert Hollow Farm & Pinnacles, Boone County MAY 15-16: Birding Event, Current River State Park MAY 16: Public Field Trip, Three Creeks Conservation Area, Columbia (7:30am); Lori Turner (573) 881-2941 MAY 17: Public Field Trip, Birding Local Farms Part 2: Goatsbeard Farm & Sullivan Farm MAY 17: Birding Event, Current River State Park MAY 21: Public Field Trip, Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area (7:45am); Edge Wade (573) 268-3714 MAY 30: Public Field Trip, Grindstone Nature Area, Columbia (7:30am); Greg Leonard (573) 823-4759 JUNE 6: Public Field Trip, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton (7:30am) BURROUGHS AUDUBON SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY MAY 2: Native Plant Sale, Backyard Bird Center, Kansas City (9:00am - 5:00pm); Christine Kline (816) 540-3515 MAY 9: Native Plant Sale, Wings Over Weston Bird Festival, Weston Bend State Park, Weston (9:00am - 3:00pm); Christine Kline (816) 540-3515 FOREST AND WOODLAND ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI JUNE 5-6: Missouri Tree Farm Conference FRIENDS OF ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK MAY 2: Where the Wildflowers Grow, Gans Creek Wild Area, Columbia (9:00am - 11:30am) MAY 7: Weekly Wildflower Walks, Devil’s Icebox, Columbia (5:30pm - 7:00pm) MAY 14: Weekly Wildflower Walks, Devil’s Icebox, Columbia (5:30pm - 7:00pm) GREENWAY NETWORK MAY 2: Storm Drain Marking Project, Saint Peters (9:00am - 12:00pm) MAY 3: Spring Dardenne Creek Monitoring Day (8:30am - 2:00pm) MAY 4: Regular Monthly Meeting, Saint Peters(7:00pm - 9:00pm) MAY 10: Confluence Clean Up - Trail Building, Jones Confluence State Park and Riverlands Bird Sanctuary, West Alton (9:00am - 2:00pm) MAY 12-14: National Adaptation Forum, Saint Louis (9:00am - 5:00pm) MAY 13: Big Muddy Paddle - Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (4:30pm - 8:30pm)

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MAY 22: Schon on the Boulevard, Saint Louis (5:30pm - 9:00pm) JUNE 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm) JUNE 6: Storm Drain Marking Project, Saint Peters (9:00am - 12:00pm) JUNE 6: National Trails Day JUNE 10: Big Muddy Paddle - Speaker Series, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (4:30pm - 8:30pm) JUNE 14: Great River Confluence Volunteer Clean Up & Nature Walk, Jones Confluence State Park and Riverlands Bird Sanctuary, West Alton (8:30am - 2:00pm) HEAVEN’S ANGLERS MAY 2: Fellowship Tourney, Lake Ozarks MAY 16: Catch a Vet, Lake Ozarks MAY 30: Help a Child, Mark Twain Lake JUNE 6: Take a Vet Fishing, Busch Wildlife Area MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNTERS ASSOCIATION MAY 16: Annual Banquet MAY 25: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion, Brentwood (7:30pm) MISSOURI BASS FEDERATION NATION JUNE 13: Monthly Board Meeting JUNE 14: Summer Sizzler, Truman Lake, Sterett Creek Marina (6:00am - 3:00pm) MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITED MAY 9: Old Monroe Shoot, Blackhawk Shooting Club, Old Monroe (9:00am - 5:00pm); Cathy Kleinsorge (314) 578-1245 or Darren Boschert (636) 290-3166 MAY 14: Saint Louis Sponsors Shoot, Strathylbyn Shooting Club, Weldon Springs (1:00pm - 10:00pm); Chip Wagner (314) 496-8283, Mike Checkett (901) 277-9118 or Todd Carlton (573) 415-6697 MAY 16: Bates County Banquet, Optimist Building, Adrian (5:00pm - 9:00pm); Dillion Pike (816) 5815387, Justin Kershner (913) 220-6385 or Tim Greer (816) 309-5700 JUNE 30: License Plates Renewal, Statewide; Todd Carlton (573) 893-7449 MISSOURI HUNTING HERITAGE FEDERATION MAY 2: Summer Social Fun Shoot, Heartland Trap and Skeet, Harrisonville (10:00am - 2:00pm) MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION FUNDRAISING BANQUETS MAY 1: Osage Gobblers, Osage County Community Building, Linn; Steve Brune (573) 897-2211 MAY 8: Jacomo Strutters, Sportsmen’s Club, Lake Lotawana; Norbert Kurok (816) 560-0799 MAY 16: Saint Louis Longbeards, Oakville Elks Lodge, Saint Louis; Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 MAY 22: King City Strutters, Tri County Alternative Energy, King City; Justin Washburn (660) 535-4824 JUNE 5: Nolan R. Hutcheson Memorial, Intercounty Electric, Licking

JUNE 6: Brandon Tri Lakes, Clarion Hotel, Branson; Jack Livingston (417) 699-3481 JUNE 19: Crowleys Ridge Limbhangers, Elks Lodge, Dexter; Kyle Ouzts (573) 258-0770 JUNE 20: Bollinger County Double Beards, First Baptist Church, Marble Hill; Randy Pogue (573) 238-3234 WHEELIN’ SPORTSMEN EVENTS JUNE 13: Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Benton; Tim Schwent ((573) 225-3740 JUNE 13: Bootheel Boss Gobblers Clay Bird Shoot, Marble Hill; Randy Kuehn (573) 587-6184 MISSOURI PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION JUNE 12: Monthly Board Meeting, Jefferson City (10:00am) MISSOURI PRAIRIE FOUNDATION MAY 2: Native Plant Sale, Town and County Whole Foods Market, Town and Country (9:00am - 3:00pm) MAY 9: Native Tree Walk, Mizzou Botanic Garden, Christopher Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia (9:30am - 11:30am) MAY 16: Plant Sale, Bass Pro Shops, Columbia (10:00am - 2:00pm) MAY 29: Bioswale Design and Maintenance with Native Plants - A Workshop for Professionals (8:30am - 3:00pm) MAY 30: Rain Garden Design and Maintenance with Native Plants - A Workshop for Homeowners (9:00am - 3:00pm) MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE MAY 19: Monthly Meeting, American Legion, Saint Louis (7:00pm - 9:00pm) MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION -SAINT LOUIS MAY 2-3: Kid’s Day, Montauk MAY 16-17: State Derby, Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon -SPRINGFIELD MAY 2: Fishing Trip, Roaring River State Park (9:00am - 4:00pm) MAY 7: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) MAY 16-17: Annual Trout Derby, Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon MAY 28-31: Discover Nature Women’s Event, Windermere Resort JUNE 4: Monthly Meeting, Conservation Nature Center, Springfield (7:00pm) MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITED JUNE 13: Banks Black Island Chapter Banquet, Parish Center, Portageville MULE DEER FOUNDATION MAY 16: Muley Kids Event, Rod and Gun Club, Sedalia (8:30am - 3:30pm)

OPEN SPACE COUNCIL MAY 9: Simpson Lake Spring Cleanup, Simpson Park (8:30am) OZARK FLY FISHERS MAY 28: General Membership Meeting, Queeny Park, Ballwin(7:00pm) JUNE 25: General Membership Meeting, Queeny Park, Ballwin (7:00pm) OZARK REGIONAL LAND TRUST MAY 2: Annual Members Meeting, Prairie Star Restoration Farm, Bland (10:00am - 12:00pm) OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUB MAY 9: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) MAY 9: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm) MAY 10-11: State Park Tours, Johnson Shut Ins State Park JUNE 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm - 7:30pm) JUNE 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm - 9:00pm)

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OZARKS WATER WATCHERS JUNE 1: Clean Marina Press Conference, State Park Marina JUNE 2: Connecting Families and Nature Conference, Convention Center, Branson JUNE 6: James River Cleanup Float JUNE 6: Family Fishing Fair, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery JUNE 18: 6th Annual Golf Classic, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC. MAY 16: Guided Fishing, Pomme de Terre Lake; Jim Ashton (314) 368-8927 JUNE 6-7: Northern Missouri Outing and Meeting; Tim Dunaway (573) 588-4082 or Wayne Humphrey (314) 440-2173 JUNE 27: Family Day, Pittsburg State Park and Marina, Pomme de Terre Lake; Dan Diemert (314) 752-9971 or Phil White (816) 518-8459

MAY 9: Three Rivers Buglers Big Game Banquet, Poplar Bluff; Leonard Wagganer (573) 718-5030 SAINT LOUIS AUDUBON SOCIETY MAY 2: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15am - 10:30am) MAY 2: Community Stewardship Project, Dogport, Maryland Heights 8:30am - 12:00pm) MAY 16: Riverlands Bird Blitz, Audubon Center at Riverlands (10:00am - 2:00pm) JUNE 6: Beginner Bird Walk, Forest Park, Saint Louis (8:15am - 10:30am) TROUTBUSTERS OF MISSOURI MAY 15-17: Spring Trout Bust, Hidden Valley Outfitters Campground, Bennett Springs State Park, Lebanon CFM EVENTS MAY 9: Kansas City Regional Event, Bass Pro Shops & Stoney Creek Inn, Independence

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION MAY 2: Thousand Hills Big Game Banquet, Milan; Ron Smith (660) 626-7794

Conservation Day at the Capitol Brings Together Numerous Conservation Organizations

he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) had a successful inaugural Conservation Day at the Capitol on April 2.

Over 25 conservation organizations joined us in the rotunda of the Capitol. The day focused on educating and informing citizens, students and legislators about conservation issues facing Missouri. The organizations passed out materials and had oneon-one conversations with citizens interested in getting involved with conservation efforts

around the state.

During the morning, The Morning Shag with Shags and Trevor of 96.7 KCMQ broadcasted live from the event, allowing those not able to come to take part hear from Brandon Butler and a variety of the organizations represented.

The Outdoor Guys from ESPN 1510 joined CFM in the afternoon for a live broadcast. They talked to Brandon Butler and Representative Don Phillips to close out the event.

The event emphasized Missourian’s love of our natural resources by

Attendees browse the conservation booths that filled the 3rd floor rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol. Photo credit: Emma Kessinger

bringing together a wide range of conservation organizations and showing our vast presence at the Capitol. It was a

compelling way to show how many people truly care about every aspect of conservation around the state.

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National Wildlife Federation 79th Annual Meeting

he 79th Annual Meeting of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) was held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepardstown, WV, March 27-29, 2015 and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) was well represented among the ranks of the delegation from 49 other states.

The theme of this year’s meeting was Revitalizing the Federation: Advancing Wildlife Across the Nation.

Representing Missouri at the meeting were NWF affiliate representatives Don Johnson, a CFM Past President and CFM First Vice President, Ron Coleman.

Also in attendance at various meeting functions during the week were CFM Executive Director, Brandon Butler and NWF Region 5 (AR, KY, MO, TN) Director, Nicole Wood.

Annual Meeting Highlights for Missouri • Brandon Butler participated in one of the first preconvention NWF Executive Leadership Sessions in Washington, DC. Butler presented to conservation NGO executives from other state affiliates on how Missouri is weathering the storm of anti-conservation legislation in our state in recent years. His talk was a big hit with the group and left a lasting impression about the importance of standing tall for our forest, fish and wildlife in today’s adverse political arena.

• Don Johnson actively participated in the NWF resolutions process voting on a number of key national policy resolutions including one particularly controversial conservation proposal to delist from the

Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) the currently listed gray wolf in the western great lake states of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin due to the wolves successful recovery rate under the ESA. • Nicole Wood, CFM Secretary was unanimously reelected to a second term as NWF Region 5 (AR, KY, MO, TN) Director.

• Missourians honored by NWF: Dr. Susan Flader and Pat Jones were both honored with NWF Conservation Achievement Awards for their lifetime conservation work in Missouri. Dr. Flader was present to accept the National Conservation Special Achievement Award.

Pat Jones was unable to attend the presentation to personally accept the Affiliate Volunteer of the Year Award. Therefore, CFM First Vice President Ron Coleman accepted on her behalf. Coleman said “It is really pretty remarkable that of the 49 states represented this year at the NWF annual meeting two superb Missouri conservationists should be honored among the five award recipients. I think it says a lot about our states high regard for citizen driven stewardship.”

• We Pledge: CFM was honored to be in the ranks of the 49 NWF state affiliates who overwhelmingly voted to adopt the We Pledge Conservation Statement clearly defining the unity imbedded in our collective state and national conservation mission.

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in the world to break more than 3,000 clay targets in one hour; a feat that has never been accomplished.

While a world record next to his name would be nice, Miller says the true spirit of the event lays in setting conservation milestones for the next generation of hunters and conservationists. “This is all about raising money for youth and educating kids to be successful,

ethical, smart, and educated gun owners and conservationists,” Miller said. “They’re the future of our industry, heritage, and sport.”

The world record attempt will take place at the Heartland Trap & Wobble Skeet in Harrisonville, Mo., on May 16th. This event is open to the public for those wishing to watch Miller’s world record attempt.

Ron Coleman First Vice-President, CFM

Statistics - Must Break: 3,000 clay targets in 60 minutes or 50 clay targets a minute.

- Shells Fired: 4,000+ - Clays Thrown: 5,200 - Gauge: 12 - Choke: Cylinder - Guns: CZ 712 and 912.

- Shooting Advice: “Keep it simple.

Shoot the same gun, same chokes, same shells.”

Rehan Nana Deputy Director, CFM MIS S OURI

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Caterpillars and More Caterpillars — That’s What Little Birds are Made of

arly May in Missouri brings the last days of spring bird migration, the return of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and the beginning of songbird nesting season. How many species of birds will nest in your yard? That depends on available habitat and food for baby birds.

One brood of four to six Chickadees, in the 16 days from hatching to leaving the nest, will consume 390 to 570 caterpillars per day according to University of Delaware professor Doug Tallamy. The parents find these caterpillars within 50 meters or 164 ft of the nest. That is a lot of caterpillars in a fairly small area—essentially the size of an average, suburban yard.

Chickadees are not alone. Ninety-six percent of terrestrial birds in North American feed their young invertebrates and the overwhelming percentage of invertebrates are caterpillars. Taking it the next step, 90% of butterfly or moth caterpillars eat only one kind of plant or stick to a particular family of plants.

The evolution of caterpillars in this area took place on the plants that also evolved in Missouri. Native plants are key. The prairie, wetland, forest, woodland, and other natural communities of Missouri have existed

Make your land or yard a haven for nesting birds by providing the food that baby birds need: insects and other invertebrates. By choosing to use native plants in your landscaping, you will attract insects with the specific food that they need to eat.

here for about 8,000 years. During this period, caterpillars, other insects, and birds developed their dietary needs. By planting wildflowers and other plants that are native to this area, you can help support the birds and other beneficial wildlife that bring nature to your yard.

A great and easy way to convert part of your lawn to native plants is to mow or weed whack the grass in a given area, then cover this area with black plastic for a couple weeks.

Next, remove the black plastic and plant right in the dead turf. Many seeds of weeds are stored in the dirt. To keep weeds down, disturb the soil only where you are planting plants.

No need to mulch, but you may want to plant some barren strawberries (Waldsteinia fragarioides) for groundcover to help control weeds until your native plants become established.

There are many beautiful natives from which to chose. By selecting ones with different bloom times, you will always have nice colors as well as nectar and pollen available to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Goldenrods and asters are among the plants that support the greatest number of invertebrates. These late-blooming natives also provide the added benefit of being great refueling stations for the monarch butterflies on their fall migration to their wintering grounds in central Mexico.

Good early-blooming perennials include false blue indigo (Baptisia australis) and coreopsis.

Mid-season bloomers like coneflower and sunflowers (in the Asteraceae family) support the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.

By the time these bloom, a good crop of hungry Silvery Checkerspot caterpillars may have stripped the stems clear of any leaves. Excellent attractors of butterflies are Liatris species (blazing stars). There are many Liatris species that grow in Missouri, four of which readily available from native plant sellers; by planting all four you extend the bloom time in your yard.

As fall rolls around and nesting season has long

passed, these natives will again provide buffets for the birds in your yard, which pluck the seeds from the spent flower heads.

Watch a good stand of coneflowers in late summer or early fall and you may see a flock of goldfinches busily feeding at the seed heads.

Whichever natives you chose, make sure they are pesticide-free, propagated in a nursery (not wild dug), and if you can, find locally sourced plants. Those that come from the genetics that have been around this area for thousands of years have adapted to our soils, climate, and pollinators, which give them quite a growing advantage. For more information on native plants and where to buy them, visit www. grownative.org.

Mary Nemecek Mary Nemecek is the Conservation Chair of Burroughs Audubon, a Missouri Master Naturalist and a CFM and Missouri Prairie Foundation member. Grow Native! is a native plant education and marketing program of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, an affiliate member of CFM. Visit www.grownative.org, Resource Guide, for a list of suppliers of native shrubs and other native plants, seeds, and services.

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agency news - department of conservation

More Than 1,380 Students Compete in State Archery Tournament The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently hosted the seventh annual Missouri National Archery in the Schools (MoNASP) state tournament on March 27 and 28 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The increasingly popular event drew 1,388 competing students in grades 4-12 from 88 schools across the state along with more than 8,500 observers and supporters.

Winning teams and individuals, along with other teams and individuals who had qualifying scores, will go on to compete in the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky on May 7-9.

Winning teams and other individual winners: High School Division 1st: Sarcoxie R-II, Sarcoxie 2nd: Lee’s Summit West, Lee’s Summit 3rd: Helias High School, Jefferson City Middle School Division 1st: Ridgewood Middle School, Arnold 2nd: Hillsboro Junior High, Hillsboro 3rd: Sarcoxie Middle School, Sarcoxie Elementary School Division 1st: George Guffey Elementary School, Fenton 2nd: St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Thomas 3rd: Longview Farm Elementary, Lee’s Summit Individual High School Males 1st: Seth Pezley, Helias High School 2nd: Zane White, Sarcoxie R-2 3rd: Christian Durst, Lee’s Summit West 4th: Gavin Currey, Sarcoxie R-2 Individual High School Females 1st: Shelby Winslow, Lee’s Summit West 2nd: Lexie Vaught, Crane High School 3rd: Samantha Lee, Joplin High School 4th: Katherine McDonald, Helias High School

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Individual Middle School Males 1st: Jeremy Stockman, St. Thomas the Apostle 2nd: Andy Rodgers, Our Lady of the Presentation 3rd: Nate Baldwin, Sarcoxie R-2 4th: Michael Sechrest-Grove, Ridgewood Middle School Individual Middle School Females 1st: Jenna Newell, Ridgewood Middle School 2nd: Madison Genge, Hillsboro Junior High 3rd: Lauren Smith, Summit Lakes Middle School 4th: Lexi Shopmaker, Crane Middle School Individual Elementary School Males 1st: Irving Johnson, Salem Middle School 2nd: Tyler Gardner, Clinton Intermediate 3rd: Max Wangler, Sarcoxie Elementary 4th: Drake Acheson, Sarcoxie Elementary Individual Elementary School Females 1st: Maggie Carrol, George Guffey 2nd: Sydney Menard, George Guffey 3rd: Grace Boessen, St. Thomas the Apostle 4th: Jordyn Dawson, Simpson Elementary

Shelby Winslow, a sophomore from Lee’s Summit West High School, won top female and top overall archer for the third year in a row. Photo credit: MDC.

For more information on MoNASP, visit mdc.mo.gov Joe Jerek News Services Coordinator, MDC

agency news - department of conservation

Tips for Fishing Heavy Cover A mistake a lot of fishermen make when flipping and pitching is dropping the bait on the outside edge of the structure or cover, and that spooks any resident bass.

Instead, drop it right at the base.

Most fishermen naturally don’t want to get hung up, but you have to get over that if you are going to improve your flipping and pitching skills and begin catching bass in heavy cover. Most of the time you will find that the thickest spots are holding the biggest fish, so this is where you should put your first flip or pitch.

Practice flipping and pitching at a target around your house so when you are on the water you have the confidence you need to put your lure where you need to. Then you won’t have to worry about getting hung up as much. Besides, you aren’t fishing where you can catch big fish if you aren’t losing a few lures.

By Larry Whiteley, Host of the awardwinning Outdoor World Radio For more tips, go to basspro.com and click on 1Source

MDC Uses Computer and Satellite Technology For Deer Study

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iologists for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) are learning more about white-tailed deer survival, reproduction and movement as a five-year study progresses. The new study utilizes computer, telemetry and satellite technology to track deer in partnership with researchers at the University of Missouri at Columbia (UMC).

Researchers are currently tracking 90 deer wearing collars using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

Crews from January through March trapped deer and placed collars on them. Transmitters on the collars give satellites readings on a deer’s movements, and biologists are able to download that data to computers.

They can map each collared deer’s travels in fields and forests, or if movement stops, note mortality.

MDC will use information from the current study to help guide decisions on deer herd management.

Survival data will include deer harvested by hunters as well as those dying from other causes. Biologists will use information to help guide policy decisions about regulations and permit allocations, such as how many antlerless deer permits are allowed for a specific county.

The GPS tracking technology is a centerpiece for the study. GPS transmitters have a battery life of three or four years. Biologists can release the collar at any time from a deer via computer.

Trapped deer were also given metal ear tags. Biologists also obtained tissue samples for a DNA

database. For some trapped deer, they obtained measurements of hind legs, neck girth or antler size.

Anyone finding a deer collar or tag is asked to utilize information on devices to contact MDC.

The five-year study of GPS collared deer will help guide white-tailed deer management in Missouri. Photo credit: MDC.

A high-tech component is internal transmitting devices that enable biologists to tell if a doe has given birth to a fawn. MDC staff will be able to find fawns shortly after birth and outfit them with special transmitter collars that expand as the deer grows.

One deer has already surprised biologists. An adult doe given a collar in early March has traveled more than eight miles. “Adult deer are normally expected to roam within about a one-mile home range,” said Emily Flinn, MDC deer biologist.

For information about deer management in Missouri, contact Emily Flinn at emily.flinn@mdc. mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3619.

Bill Graham Media Specialist, MDC MIS S OURI

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Business Alliance Spotlight — Shelter Insurance —

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helter Insurance opened their doors in 1946 and have since become one of the most successful and financially sound regional insurance groups in the country. They transformed from a small company providing Missourians affordable car insurance into a leading corporation offering additional options including home, life, business and much more.

Shelter Insurance is a proud sponsor of the Share the Harvest program.

The Missouri program helps deer hunters donate venison to the needy.

Hunters are encouraged to donate deer meat to an approved meat processor.

The processor packages the meat, which is then picked up by local sponsoring organizations and taken

to charitable agencies for distribution. This program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Since the program started in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided more than 3.3 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed Missourians in need. With the support of Shelter Insurance many people in Missouri are able to benefit from the Share the Harvest program.

“Shelter Insurance has been an active supporter of conservation in Missouri for a long time.

Their organizational commitment to Share the Harvest has allowed the Conservation Federation of Missouri to put healthy, protein-rich venison on the

Rick Reams (left), President & CEO of Shelter Insurance is presented a granite plaque from CFM Executive Director, Brandon Butler (right). Photo credit: Emma Kessinger.

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dinner tables of millions of Missourians,” said Brandon Butler, executive director of CFM. Shelter Insurance is a platinum level CFM Business Alliance member.

The CFM Business Alliance program seeks to strengthen the connection between Missouri’s natural resource managers and its business leaders. “Our relationship with the Conservation Federation of Missouri has been very positive. We appreciate the entire team’s dedication to the programs we are

involved in. It’s been very gratifying to see those programs flourish through the years. We look forward to working with the Conservation Federation to support conservation efforts in Missouri.” stated Anna Hargis, Director of Advertising for Shelter Insurance.

Corporate support, like Shelter Insurance’s, has been and always will be essential for the promotion and protection of our precious natural resources.

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Esteemed CFM Conservation Awards Presented Citizen Conservationists Recognized at Annual Convention

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he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) recognizes conservationists throughout Missouri for their outstanding achievement and efforts for conservation throughout the year.

Conserving our air, water, soil and wildlife resources is an ongoing challenge that requires a continuing commitment by all citizens. Many people have made outstanding personal efforts toward some aspect of conservation, either individually or as part of an organization. Through

these awards CFM seeks to give them the recognition they deserve, with the highest honor being the Conservationist of the Year award. Â At the 2015 Annual Convention, CFM awarded the 2014 Conservation Achievement Awards. Hundreds of CFM members and friends celebrated the winners accomplishments at a reception sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.

Presenting the 2014 awards were CFM Executive Director, Brandon Butler and David Smith of Bass Pro Shops.

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement: Dick Wood, Saint Louis

Conservation Communicator of the Year: Kenneth Kieser, Olathe

Conservation Educator of the Year: Robert Snyder, Point Lookout

Forest Conservationist of the Year: Nate Goodrich, Columbia 2 4

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Conservation Organization of the Year: Springfield Plateau Chapter of the Master Naturalist, Springfield

Professional Conservationist of the Year: Tom Draper, Jefferson City

Water Conservationist of the Year: Steve Herrington, Saint Louis

Youth Conservationist of the Year: Ethan Green, Walnut Shade

Wildlife Conservationist of the Year: CFM Ad Hoc CWD Committee, Statewide

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Conservation Legislator of the Year: Representative Keith Frederick, Rolla

Conservation Legislator of the Year: Senator Wayne Wallingford, Cape Girardeau

Corporate Conservationist of the Year: Shelter Insurance, Columbia

Conservationist of the Year: John Karel, Sainte Genevieve

If you know someone who has done something special to aid conservation in Missouri, we invite you to nominate them for a Conservation Achievement Award. The nomination form can be found on our website at http://confedmo. org/programs/actions/awards/.

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C o n s e r v a t i o n F e d e r a t i o n o f M i s s o u r i A F F I L IATES Anglers of Missouri, Inc. Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Audubon Society of Missouri Bass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc. Big Game Hunters, Inc. Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City Capital City Fly Fishers Central Missouri Chapter Safari Club International Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment Deer Creek Sportsman’s Club, Inc. Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited Greenway Network, Inc. Heaven’s Anglers Jefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc. Katy Land Trust Meramec Area Sportsman Association Mid Missouri Outdoor Dream Mid Missouri Trout Unlimited Midwest Diving Council Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters Association Missouri Association of Meat Processors Missouri Atlatl Association Missouri BASS Federation Nation Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Bow Hunters Association Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society Missouri Chapter Soil & Water Conservation Society Missouri Conservation Agents Association Missouri Conservation Pioneers Missouri Consulting Foresters Association Missouri Delta Waterfowl Missouri Ducks Unlimited State Council Missouri Farmers Care Missouri Forest Products Association Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF Missouri Hunter Education Instructors Association Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation Missouri Native Seed Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Missouri Parks Association Missouri Prairie Foundation Missouri River Bird Observatory Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Missouri Sport Shooting Association Missouri State Campers Association Missouri State Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station Missouri Taxidermist Association

Missouri Trappers Association Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association Missouri Whitetails Unlimited Mule Deer Foundation North Side Division Conservation Federation Open Space Council of the Saint Louis Region Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc. Ozark Regional Land Trust Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club Ozarks Water Watchers Perry County Sportsman Club Pomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc. Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc. Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever River Bluffs Audubon Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation South Side Division Conservation Federation Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers St. Louis Audubon Society Tipton Farmers & Sportsman’s Club Troutbusters of Missouri United Bow Hunters of Missouri Walnut Council & Other Fine Hardwoods Wecomo Sportsman’s Club Wild Elk Institute of Missouri Windsor Lake Rod & Gun Club

9th Annual Pull For Conservation Weekend August 7-8, 2015 The date for CFM’s Annual Pull For Conservation Weekend has been set. The pre-shoot banquet will be held at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia on Friday, August 7.

It will be a fun filled evening with dinner, drinks, a silent auction, raffles and live music. David Smith and his team will be hosting the event and will once again be providing the prizes for the shoot.

The Sporting Clays Classic will be held on Saturday, August 8. If you have never attended this annual fun shoot make plans to join us this year for a great time at River Hills Sporting Clays in Boonville.

Register early for the shoot or purchase your banquet tickets by contacting the CFM office at (800) 575-2322 or by visiting our website at http://confedmo.org/pull-for-

Shooters on the scramble course in 2014.

conservation/. You can find more details on the event and a registration form on the inside back cover of this issue.

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Mexico Turkey Hunt Erases All Doubt

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t’s been said that travel is the greatest cure of ignorance. I have found this to be true.

When my wife and I were married in 2004, Mexico was our dream honeymoon destination.

At the time of our wedding, we were in the process of buying a house.

My loving and generous grandparents made us an offer. Either they would send us to Mexico, or they would give us the equivalent cost of the trip in cash to use towards the down payment of our first home. We took the money.

Having decided to wait five years before trying to add to our family, we thought we’d just go to Mexico the following winter. Three months later we were expecting. Bailee was born in June. Annabel followed 13 months later.

We never made it to Mexico.

When Bill Cooper, one of Missouri’s most accomplished outdoor writers, asked if I’d be interested in joining him on a trip to the Yucatán Peninsula to chase ocellated turkeys, I only had one question, “Can my wife come?”

On March 5, 2015, after nearly 11 years of waiting, Melissa and I were finally on our way to Mexico. We landed in Cancún late in the afternoon and immediately hopped in a passenger 3 0

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van headed to Mérida.

From this point forward, my misconceptions of Mexico began rapidly deteriorating.

Many Americans have preconceived, negative notions about Mexico based on media coverage that leads us to believe Mexico, outside of the Las Vegas style resort areas, is a very dangerous place. To the contrary, Mexico is a wonderful, beautiful and diverse land. Sure, there are areas to avoid. But most countries, including our own, have places you shouldn’t be. As we traveled the Peninsula, passing through small villages and walking city streets at night, I never once felt unsure of my wife’s safety or my own.

Mérida is the largest city in the Yucatán Peninsula.

It is the capital of the state of Yucatán. Mexico has states. I didn’t know that. We stayed in an old, elegant, colonial hotel with a beautiful open courtyard from which you could stare at two towers of the Mérida Cathedral, which was built entirely in the 16th century.

In Mérida, we met up with Maya Amazing Adventures. Rueben Encalada, their public relations director, sure knows how to plan a trip to expose outdoor enthusiasts to the natural and manmade treasures of the Yucatán. Our tour guides were Pancho,

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Brandon and Melissa Butler pose with an ocellated turkey taken on a hunt in the Yucatán Peninsula.

a 38-year-old local who teaches recreation and tourism classes at a college, and Lisa, a 19-year-old intern from Austria. Lisa was promptly nicknamed “Lefty,” so our tour guides were Pancho and Lefty.

We spent the next two days touring Mayan archeological sites, swimming in cenotes, exploring costal wildlife refuges, eating incredible food and enjoying outstanding company.

Mayapan was my favorite site. It has over 4,000 structures around the Temple of Kukulcan.

Cenotes are water filled sinkholes. You’re basically swimming in a cave full of crystal clear

water. We took a boat from the fishing village of Dzilam de Bravo to Parque Natural San Felipe. Pink flamingos

were everywhere, providing incredible bird watching and photography opportunities.

Fresh, line-caught fried grouper, a chilled octopus cocktail and a couple of cervezas served seaside was just one of the meals I won’t soon forget.

From Mérida, we traveled to Campeche where we spent time touring Fort of San Miguel until Roberto Sansores of Snook Inn Hunting and Fishing picked us up for the hour long ride to turkey camp. Roberto’s father, Jorge Sansores, is a legend of ocellated turkey hunting. He’s been outfitting on the Yucatán Peninsula for over 50 years.

He prides himself on helping hunters achieve the World Slam, which is accomplished by shooting all six subspecies of wild turkey.

Jorge’s camp is located in the small village of Carlos Cano Cruz. It’s about an hour outside of Campeche. The accommodations are perfectly adequate for an authentic Mexican hunting adventure.

The food at Snook Inn was

the best I’ve ever experienced in a hunting or fishing camp.

One night, we had all the stone crab claws we could eat paired with fresh grilled Spanish mackerel. For desert, we enjoyed pineapple drizzled with honey and rum.

The turkey hunting takes place in agricultural fields surrounded by dense jungle.

Jaguars roam these fields.

Ocellated turkeys often come through in flocks. The first morning five gobblers came in front of me, and I ended my hunt before sunrise with a single shot. The beauty of the ocellated turkey is in its colors. A shimmering aqua and bronze body is highlighted by a tail fan with each feather hosting an eye of blue. I spent the second morning behind the lens of my camera. Over 100 turkeys in a single flock flew down in front of my blind. The next hour was mesmerizing.

Everything I ever dreamed about Mexico came true. It’s not a scary place. Mexico is an amazing country I will return to again and again.

Snook Inn Hunting and Fishing has been hosting sportsmen on the Yucatan Peninsula since 1944. The lodge is located in the quaint village of Carlos Cano Cruz. It’s a first class operation with experienced guides, wonderful lodging and incredible food. They boast a 100 percent opportunity rate to shoot an ocellated turkey. Once you have killed your bird, you can tour numerous Mayan archeological sites in the area or head back to Campeche for a few days. For more information on hunting ocellated turkeys, visit www. snookinnhunting.com.mx.

Maya Amazing Adventures offers nature and adventure tourism opportunities across the Yucatan. They can design your trip to include rainforests, cenotes, beaches, archeological sites, haciendas, caves, colonial sites, refuges and villages. The folks at Maya Amazing are local experts. They know what you should see and do, and where you should stay and eat. Let Maya Amazing help you design your perfect Yucatan adventure. For more information about adventure tours in the Yucatán, visit www.mayamazing.com.

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agency news - department of natural resources

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Creating a Rich Legacy for Our Missouri Waters

n the last issue of Missouri Wildlife, deputy director Todd Sampsell wrote about the value of water and state water planning. I wanted to continue the discussion in this issue and share additional information about how both of these topics work together to create a rich legacy for our Missouri waters.

Missouri has been traditionally blessed with abundant and diverse water resources like few other states in the nation. Our waters can be peaceful and serene as we sit along a scenic stream watching as it slowly meanders through an Ozark forest. They can be exhilarating and exciting as we travel by canoe or raft through the white rapids of a fast-moving river. Missouri’s large man-made lakes provide fishermen and women with myriad of opportunities to reel in the catch of the day or better yet the trophy of a lifetime.

The quality of life for each Missourian can be closely tied to the health of our state’s natural resources. Ensuring we are able to enjoy our Missouri waters today as well as ensure the same for future generations is the essence of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ mission. To ensure those waters are protected, Missouri revised its water quality standards to extend the Clean Water Act protections to more than 115,000 miles of streams and rivers and 3,080 lakes and reservoirs. This is an increase of more than four times the number of waters previously protected.

Creating a rich legacy for our state’s waters can be a daunting task, which 3 2

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The Department of Natural Resources has established Watershed Advisory Committees in more than 40 of the 66 HUC-8 watersheds. Contact the department or visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov if you would like to participate and help create a rich legacy for Our Missouri Waters.

is why we simply can’t complete this alone. Missouri’s waters belong to all of us. Over the last few years, the department has been creating a framework to inform and empower local citizens, businesses and communities about the importance of our waters both quality and quantity. An engaged local citizenry and good science provides the perfect balance to create the best path forward to improve and maintain healthy waterways.

The department’s Our Missouri Waters efforts present the opportunity for local citizens and local leaders to hear and be heard on water resource issues; to be recognized as important and critical voices in the process; and influence the ultimate decision-making process on setting planning priorities and goals for their watershed.

Over the next two years the depart-

ment will establish a Watershed Advisory Committee in more than 40 of the 66 HUC-8 watersheds across the state.

Through a series of public meetings, each committee will share and discuss information about their watershed, document concerns, establish priorities and develop a healthy watershed plan that will address their specific watershed. Together, we will complete demonstration projects that will highlight how the collaboration between the department and its resources and external partner and their resources can improve outcomes for local communities. However, Our Missouri Waters is not just a planning exercise; it’s something much bigger with the promise of greater success. Our Missouri Waters will provide a network of engaged citizenry and a blueprint for action, guiding the department

agency news - department of natural resources towards its efforts in ensuring a legacy of healthy waters for Missouri’s future.

Writer and blogger Chris Holmes said “Life without direction, life without purpose, life without intent, will surely rob you of your legacy. GO MAKE WAVES!” Conservation Federation of Missouri and its members have provided

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tremendous support to the Department of Natural Resources in its quest to improve the conservation and management of our air, land and water – to ensure a rich legacy of those resources.

I hope you will continue to provide support by participating in your local watershed meetings “to make a few waves” in order to ensure our Mis-

souri waters are clean and thriving for generations to come.

To learn more about Our Missouri Waters, visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR

Spotlight on Missouri State Parks – Edward “Ted” and Pat JonesConfluence Point State Park

n 1721, French explorer Father Pierre Francois de Charlevoix wrote of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, “I believe this is the finest confluence in the world. The two rivers are much the same breadth, each about half a league; but the Missouri is by far the most rapid, and seems to enter the Mississippi like a conqueror, through which it carries its white waters to the opposite shore without mixing them, afterwards, it gives its color to the Mississippi which it never loses again but carries quite down to the sea....”

Nearly 300 years later, visitors to Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park, located in West Alton, can still witness the two great rivers of North America as they join and become one. The Mississippi River, the vital highway down which the products of America’s factories and fields travel to the world market, merges with the Missouri River, the wild western river. In 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean at the confluence of the two rivers.

The Department of Natural Resources acquired the land that makes up the park through cooperative efforts with several organizations and agencies. The park is named after Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones, who donated money for the acquisition and development of Katy Trail State Park and have been supporters of the entire Missouri state park system.

The department plans to restore a natural floodplain reminiscent of what Lewis and Clark might have seen along the lower Missouri River. This restoration emphasizes native vegetation and the natural wetlands suitable for the site’s current soil, topography and hydrology. A variety of wildlife currently makes the area their home, including white-tailed deer and beaver. As the park returns to a more natural state, even more species will flock to the bottomland habitat.

Dedication ceremony for Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park, located in West Alton, where two of the nation’s mightiest rivers merge – the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The park provides a unique perspective of our Missouri’s waters and America. Credit: DNR

The confluence point is one of the area’s best places for bird watching as millions of birds migrate along the Mississippi River corridor each spring and fall. The Mississippi River flyway is used by 60 percent of all North American bird species, including 40 percent of all waterfowl. Common birds seen in the area include great blue herons, bald eagles, geese, gulls, pelicans and many kinds of songbirds.

Because it is located in a floodplain, the park’s development has been limited to day-use facilities. The park features outdoor interpretive exhibits that give the history of the rivers and explain the role they played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A short interpretive trail leads directly to the point at which the Mighty Mississippi and the Big Muddy merge into one. To learn more about the park, visit mostateparks.com.

Sara Parker Pauley Director, DNR MIS S OURI

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Synergy in the Sunflowers Synergy is better than my way or your way. It’s our way.

— Stephen Covey.

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he success of Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) is rooted within a conservation model that allows local chapters to have 100 percent control of their fundraising dollars in a given year.

It is this grassroots effort that has contributed to some very successful partnerships in the state of Missouri, and most recently, a highly successful new program known as the New Hunter Dove Initiative.

Father and Son shoot their first dove together at Dove Initiative Hunt in Monroe County. Photo credit: Elsa Gallagher.

During the summer of 2014, Quail Forever was presented a unique opportunity to work side-byside with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to help shape the New Hunter Dove Initiative; a program designed to 3 4

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provide younger generations with a safe, successful, and encouraging environment as first-time hunters.

Working with landowners throughout Missouri, Quail Forever volunteers worked tirelessly to transform (disking, planting, and spraying) agricultural fields into arenas of yellow and gold sunflowers in preparation for the fall hunt.

Upon identifying landowners who were willing to share their passion for the outdoors with a new generation of conservationists, financial resources from grants and chapters completed six dove fields in total to be used for the 2014 dove season. Marty Gipson, a landowner in Monroe County, agreed to host the program’s 1st annual hunt on his Missouri farm and welcomed 66 participants during the September gathering. The Mark Twain QF Chapter served lunch and manned several stations to make the hunt memorable for the participants.

Mentors from QF, NWTF, and MDC assisted on all the hunts across the state. Hunts on each field included hunting safety instruction, shotgun handling/cleaning, trap shooting, and field dressing stations.

“My daughter can’t stop talking about how much fun she had on this first-time hunt,” commented a participant’s father at the Monroe County hunt. “In today’s fast paced world, it is great to know there are still volunteers in our community who give their time and energy to help others enjoy some of God’s greatest gifts. This is a great starting point for having my daughter immersed in the world of hunting and conservation.”

As the New Hunter Dove Initiative continues to develop and

new partners are identified for program funding, this successful partnership will have an even larger impact on future conservation leaders in the state. By working together to promote conservation in Missouri, we are preserving and enhancing wildlife for today, tomorrow, and forever.

If you know of any new hunters that would be interested in participating in one of these Dove Initiative Hunts this fall, please contact Elsa Gallagher at egallagher@quailforever.org or John Burk at jburk@nwtf.net.

Elsa Gallagher Missouri Statewide Quail Coordinator, Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

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2015 Convention – At A Glance

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e wish to thank everyone who made this year’s convention our most successful to date. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our major sponsors for their financial support to help ensure our convention was a success: Ameren Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, Missouri Electric Cooperatives and Shelter Insurance.

We are grateful to those who traveled to share in the fun, fellowship and business of the Conservation

Federation of Missouri once again.

Thank you to all who attended the 2015 convention. Over 20 resolutions were passed out of the natural resource committee sessions. Several individuals were recognized for their outstanding conservation achievements at our Awards Ceremony.

Special thanks goes out to our convention planning committee for all their hard work in advance and to everyone working behind the scenes for their task in pulling off this terrific event and whose efforts will no doubt help us achieve even greater heights in 2016.

Susan Kaderka (NWF South Central Regional Executive Director) presents Pat Jones with the Affiliate Volunteer of the Year Award.

Keith and Elizabeth Hannaman.

(Left to right) Linda Tossing, Terry Lewis, Jerry Castillon, Linda Castillon and Brenda Irwin.

Conservation Leadership Corps students.

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(Left to right) Ava and Mia Allen see how many tickets they pulled from the shotgun shell raffle as Katherine Dockery (Open Space Council Executive Director) and Rehan Nana (CFM Deputy Director) watch.

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CFM Debates Issues: Annual Convention Produces Conservation Resolutions

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he delegates of this year’s Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) Annual Convention have voted to adopt twenty-two resolutions on current issues. The convention challenges hundreds of CFM members, meeting in natural resource committee sessions, to debate current conservation issues and develop position statements, when appropriate.

Action letters have been sent to agency heads, legislative leaders (state and national), non-profit directors, and others requesting their response. #1: Incentive Program for Private Wetland Owners #2: MDC Research of Rapid White Oak Mortality (RWOM) #3: Asian Carp Education #4: Protect Urban Missouri Streams with Vegetated Buffers #5: CFM Support For Use of a Fall Arrest System in the Missouri Hunters Education Course #6: CFM Urges MDC to Reconsider Recommendations to Reduce the Legal Limit of the Number of Bucks from Two to One During Archery Season #7: MDC to Designate Set Fields for Youth Hunting During Dove Season #8: CFM Support For and Participation in a Proposed Black Bear and Bobcat Study

#9: MDC Implement Facilitating Off Site Option for Missouri Discover Nature Schools Program #10: Develop an Incentive Program for Converting CoolSeason Grass Pastures to Native Warm-Season Grass #11: Review of CRP Rental Rates and Adjust Them to be Competitive with Cash Rental Rates for Crop Ground #12: Request MDC Provide Additional Incentive Money for Renewing CRP Contracts with Native Warm-Season Grass #13: Nest Predator Study #14: Non-Toxic Shot on Dove Management Fields #15: Grazing Native Grass to Improve Ecosystem Function

#16: Preservation of CCC and WPA Buildings and Structures #17: Protecting the Recreational Usage of the Waterways of Missouri #18: Extend Missouri Department of Conservation Area’s Trail Access for General Public Use #19: Promoting Milkweed and Monarch Populations in Missouri #20: Promoting the Use of Prairie Strips in Row Crops #21: CFM Support of Research for Control of Zebra Mussels, Both Chemical and Biological #22: Support of the 2016 Deer Season Regulation Recommendations

If you would like to view the entire text of the resolutions and the authors please visit the CFM website at http://confedmo.org/2015-2/.

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Chesterfield Elementary School Awarded NWF Grant

hile on a monthly phenology walk, students and teachers noticed erosion in a field near a retention pond at Chesterfield Elementary.

The group began observing the issue and realized it was a major problem.

Actions of the students and staff led to the school becoming one of 24 to receive a $2,500 grant from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

To begin the process of correcting the erosion, they talked to the principal, groundskeepers, the

Missouri Department of Conservation, Chesterfield City Hall and more in hopes of creating a plan.

The discussions sparked the idea of a rain garden to prevent future erosion.

Mitzy Cruzen, a 5th grade teacher at the elementary school and a member of the NWF, heard of the grant through Chesterfield City Hall and applied in hopes of getting funding for the students to start developing a rain garden.

Their grant is for schools to design a schoolyard habitat that mirrors the native plants and ecosystem of a nearby wildlife

refuge. Their habitat will consist of native rain garden plants, a reading area with a bench, a bridge and more.

“These wildlife habitats become places where students not only learn about wildlife species and ecosystems, but also outdoor classrooms where they hone their academic skills and nurture their innate curiosity and creativity,” according to the NWF. This elementary school is no stranger to promoting environmental stewardship among its students.

“We have numerous

environmental initiatives encouraging conservation education and respect,” said Cruzen.

The school will complete the rain garden by the end of the school year.

Chesterfield Elementary is consistently working to get students outside and exploring how to learn through the environment. The school understands the benefit of kids getting outside and actively participating in the community. As we all know, it is never too early to start igniting a passion for conservation in the next generation.

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Life After CLC - Where Are You Now?

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Ryan Diener:

ach person’s motivation for joining the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) is unique. Just as unique are the experiences and outcomes each person gathers from their time with CLC.

with his father on his grandparents’ property, which he calls “The Ten Acres.” Initially, he wanted to be a waterfowl biologist, participating in the Waterfowl and Wetlands Natural Resource Committee at CFM’s annual conventions. During this time, Diener also had a budding interest for upland wildlife management,

First Missouri wild pheasant, opening day of 2014.

Ten years after first hearing about the CLC program, Ryan Diener embodies what CFM’s youth conservation advocacy program hopes to accomplish. Professionally, he enhances Missouri’s upland landscape as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist for Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever in his hometown of Marthasville and the surrounding areas. Personally, he dedicates his free time as an active member of CFM’s board of directors, participates in a number of CFM affiliated organization’s local chapters, all the while finding time to teach his 14 year old sister, Ashley, to appreciate the outdoors through hunting and fishing.

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so he also participated in the Quail and Small Game Natural Resource Committee. It was in these upland committees Diener developed a friendship with Elsa Gallagher, State Coordinator for Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever.

“I was a junior in high school my first year of CLC, and that first year, it was mainly college students and professionals. Needless to say, I was a little intimidated,” said Diener.

“As soon as we settled in though, I never felt like any of us didn’t belong there. It was a group mentality, and very quickly it became a room with 30 people who were all friends working towards common goals.”

“I stayed in CLC six years, because I quickly found CLC and CFM’s convention to be one of the only places that you could get the op-

portunity to meet with a number of different professionals from different agencies in a casual setting, but a setting that still focuses on conservation,” continued Diener. “It was an outstanding experience. I mean, how can you not enjoy being in a room with four hundred people who all love the outdoors and conservation in Missouri?”

After graduation, Ryan applied for a biologist position in Kansas with Pheasants Forever. Utilizing Elsa Gallagher as a reference, he became employed in Oberlin, Kansas, as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist. In this role, Ryan helped landowners enroll their property into wildlife friendly programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program. During his time in Kansas, Ryan maintained an active roll in CFM participating on different committees and attending all but one annual convention.

When a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist position with Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever opened up in his home area of Missouri, Ryan jumped at the opportunity. Securing the job, Ryan also increased his activity with CFM, sitting on multiple committees, the board of directors and continuing to lead CLC students.

CLC and CFM still play an active role in Diener’s life today and he credits his experience to his conservation dedication. “CLC certainly gave me more awareness about how we can protect our natural resources both in our state and our nation. It also helped me understand some of the legislative aspects of conservation and the need to be watchful over our natural resources and outdoor heritage. I encourage all Missourians to do the same,” said Diener.

Rehan Nana Deputy Director, CFM

Member’s Memories

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

Visit our website: www.confedmo.org