Vol74 no4 2013

July 2013 VOL. 74, NO. 4

July 2013 VOL. 74, NO. 4

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1

Inside This Issue:Featured articlesMotorcycle Tour and Poker Run Planned Sept. 6-8 at Sam A. Baker State Park ................................................................................... 6

Tee-It-Up For Missouri Outdoors ................................................................................ 8

Rick Thom Retires from Missouri Heritage Foundation .................................... 13

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation Announces New Executive Director .... 18

Union Pacific Railroad Ask Drivers to Use Caution at Railroad Crossings While Traveling ............................................................................. 26

Union Pacific Railroad Reminds Hunters Not To Be Drawn To Railroad Property ........ 26

Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region Honors Conservation Leaders .................. 28

A Legacy of Conservation ........................................................................................... 30

news, updates and columnsPresident’s Message..............................................................................................2

Calendar ................................................................................................................12

Teaming With Wildlife

Celebration of Migratory Bird Day A Proclamation for MOBCI Presented by First Lady, Georganne Nixon Recognized the Trumpter Swan ..........14

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Host Donor Appreciation & Dedication Event ............................................................15

Children in Nature Challenge ............................................................................15

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Annual Conference ...................................16

Agency News

Department of Natural Resources - Let’s Go Hiking! ...............................................................................................4

Missouri Department of Conservation - MDC Adds 39 “Plus-1” to Missouri Elk Restoration Effort ..............................22

Five Year Missouri Poaching Case Against 46 Ends in Federal Court ...............24

Get Your Hunter Ed Certification Early..........................................................25

Member Information

New Members .....................................................................................................3 Business Alliance Members ...................................................................................5 Conservationists For Life ....................................................................................20 Affiliates of the Federation .................................................................................21 Honorariums & Memorials ................................................................................24

July 2013Vol. 74, No. 4

Wildlife MISSOURI

Missouri Wildlife is the official publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ISSN 1082-8591

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

728 W. Main Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

Phone • 573-634-2322 Fax • 573-634-8205

Email • [email protected] Online • http://www.confedmo.org

MISSOURI WILDLIFE (USPS 012868) is published bi monthly in January, March, May, July, Sept ember 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

Richard AshAl VogtRon ColemanMossie SchallonRandy Washburn

Travis Scott

Debra Lee

Micaela Haymaker

Laurie Coleman

Joe Pendergrass

President1st Vice President2nd Vice PresidentSecretaryTreasurer

Director of Development

Teaming With Wildlife Coordinator

Office Manager

Membership Associate/ Managing EditorDesign & Production

Officers

staff

COVER: A Mother’s Love: Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).

Only a mother could love a “chick” like this !!!

© Glenn D. Chambers 2013. www:glenndchambers.com

2 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

In our last Missouri Wildlife we announced that Executive Director, David Murphy, was about to retire after serving ten (10) years at the

helm of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM). Indeed that day arrived on May 31st and a significant period of our history came to a close. Truly, Murphy’s tenure went out with a “bang”. When CFM’s staff and of-ficers discussed how best to show their appreciation, Dave emphasized that he would prefer it not be all about him. Instead, he asked that if there was to be any celebratory function in his honor, it should serve as a fundraiser for CFM. That would be gift enough for him.

And so, his request was honored and on May 2, 2013. A $100 a-plate Dinner and Celebrity Roast was held at the Tiger Hotel in Columbia. And, yes, this CFM fundraiser was quite successful – please read more in a later article here in Missouri Wildlife. If you missed this opportunity to “thank” Dave and recognize his exuberance for Conservation via a contribution to the 10th Legion Endowment, please do so as you personally choose to express your appreciation for his efforts at CFM’s helm.

Let me also point out that Dave is a CFM Life Member, and although he is retired as paid-staff, he has not stopped working for Conservation. He has agreed to serve as a member of both the OAKs and Share-The-Harvest Commit-tees. In addition, he continues to work with our Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Consideration Committee.

Many of you may know that Dave is a pretty good cook in his own right. However, at CFM’s inaugural Golf Tournament, he toiled as an apprentice to Master Chef Bill Kirgan – one of CFM’s newest Board Members. For those who did not attend this CFM fundraiser – YOU MISSED OUT!!! The golfers and volunteers on hand were treated not only to a lunch of

delicious pork loin sandwiches but the most “scrumptious” ribs for dinner. Several folks made repeated visits to the food line, including yours truly. Again, later within this publication, Travis Scott, CFM’s Development Director, will convey more about the tourna-ment and its success; and he and his volunteer committee certainly deserve applauds. But, I wanted to also make mention of the wonderful food pro-vided and express my special thanks to Dave, Bill and Bill’s under-the-radar assistant, his wife Mary Ellan.

So what is happening towards fill-

ing the vacancy as CFM’s Executive Director?

Well, the “search” is on. Shortly

after the retirement announcement, a seven (7) member Search Committee was appointed. Their role is to recruit a pool of candidates and to complete a selection process which will provide viable recommendations to CFM’s Executive Committee to consider.

Don Johnson was tapped to lead the Search Committee as its Chair. Don’s qualifications to fill this role are many. For reference, a few would be: Vice President of Human Resources for Suddenlink Communications, CFM’s delegate to the National Wildlife Fed-eration (NWF), Past President of CFM and a Conservation Commissioner. To supplement Don’s wealth of experi-ence, Al Vogt was then named the Vice Chair. As CFM’s current First Vice President, Al’s background includes having been the Director of the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri’s Columbia campus. Too, it is surmised that this coming March, the Federation’s membership may be considering him to be elected CFM’s next President. To assist Don and Al are the following committee members:

- Stephen Bradford (former Conservation Commissioner)

- Earl Cannon (former Co-Chair of CFM’s Strategic Planning Committee)

- Ron Coleman (CFM’s Second Vice President & Alternate Delegate to NWF)

- Mossie Schallon (CFM’s Secretary and Convention Committee Co-Chair)

- Nicole Wood (NWF’s Board Member & recent OAK’s Committee Co-Chair)

The Search Committee has reviewed and revised the Executive Director’s job description as needed. They have

Turning Another Page with CFMpresident’s message


Joseph Berezowski, FestusEd Bettenhausen, CentraliaGrant Bower, FestusMichael Brandt, WarrensburgZack Bridgewater, Saint LouisAndrea Brown, CubaTim Brunsman, Saint LouisBrian Burke, ImperialPaul Chaney, Belleville, ILJames Coe, FultonJess Cole, GentryGabe Compton, Crystal CityAngela Corson, WarrensburgJohn Crites, FestusLeon Crites, FestusSherman Crites, ColumbiaJames Dye, MexicoLeo Echele, Saint CharlesCary Eggemeyer, FestusKathy Feldewerth, TroySteve Floyd, FestusSteve Foster, FestusGregg Garrison, O’FallonDouglas Godier, FestusCharlie Goodwin, Saint LouisEugene Griffith, High RidgeDaniel Hageman, FestusDennis Hageman, ImperialJohn Hartmann, Saint Louis

Chris Hersinger, FestusSue Holst, Jefferson CityAndrew Hueter, FestusClint Johnston, FestusHadley Kilgore, BallwinJustin King, Saint LouisRichard King, Saint PetersBrandon Klaus, ArnoldLester Koelling, EoliaJohn Kolb, Jefferson CityKenneth Langer, Osage BeachWilliam Layne, TiptonCalvin Lindwedel, HillsboroDarvin Lipp, FestusLee Lottes, Sainte GenevieveJohn Madras, Jefferson CityMike Mainzer, BallwinJohn Mather, Saint LouisDonnie McComack,

HerculaneumRyan McKenna, Crystal CityT.J. McKenna, FestusChris McKinney, FestusJames McPeters, FestusJim Meda, HillsboroDavid Menefee, SedaliaDolores Meyer, BallwinChris Monroe, Saint PetersCorey Nixon, MonettDrew Null, FestusVic Nygal, ArnoldDavid Orf, TroyChuck Otec, Crystal City

Mike Pashia, FestusCraig Paukert, New BloomfieldBob Pennock, FestusTyler Powell, WentzvilleMark Prouhet, Maryland HeightsPete Richardson, FestusRon Roellig, EurekaBraden Roth, FestusGlenn Rousset, FentonThomas Rousset, OzarkTimothy Rousset, SpringfieldKenneth Sadler, ColumbiaGary Schilb, SedaliaChris Schweppe, FestusTyler Shearburn, BallwinPaul Skinner, HerculaneumJohn Souva, ImperialSteven Spezia, ManchesterWilbert Stephens, UnionJason Sumners, ColumbiaEli Surdyke, FestusJennifer Surdyke, FestusMatt Surdyke, FestusBrett Thomas, Saint PetersDon Thomas, PevelyAaron Thompson, Columbia, ILChris Thompson, FestusGordon Thompson, ChesterfieldJudith Trout, Pleasant HillShawn Tucker, Saint LouisDan Weber, House SpringsChris & Laurie Wilson,

Jefferson City

WELCOMEC F M N E W M E M b E r s

CFM would like to thank the 374 members that renewed since our last publication.

sought input to ascertain primary skill/knowledge sets deemed priorities for the position in “today’s” challeng-ing environment. Consideration has also kept in mind CFM’s mission and strategic long-term goals. This input has been sought from diverse sources including but not limited to CFM’s Board, CFM Staff, Affiliate Repre-sentatives and partner Agency of-ficials (i.e., MO’s Director of Natural Resources). The process includes

conducting a nation-wide search using a variety of means. Both CFM and the NWF have distributed recruitment information throughout their networks of affiliates and agencies with conser-vation interests. As of this date, the anticipated deadline for application could be until July 31st as the Com-mittee is committed to finding the best possible slate of candidates for con-sideration. To date, in excess of thirty (30) candidates have submitted their

resumes for consideration.If you know of someone who you

feel could be a good candidate, do not hesitate to point them in CFM’s direc-tion. They can call Micaela at CFM’s office or check out CFM’s website for more information.

Experience Missouri’s Outdoors, Share It & Support It!

Richard L. Ash, Jr.President, CFM

4 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

department oF natural resources

Summer is upon us. Time to bask in the sun, work in the garden, hike or bike

through Missouri’s state parks or sip on a glass of cool lemonade as you catch a breeze on the front porch swing. In today’s fast-paced world, it is critically impor-tant that we remember to slow down and make the most of our opportunities to spend time outdoors. After all, spending time outdoors is not only good adventure, but good for the soul.

There are many great lead-ers who also appreciated the time they spent in nature. They were determined to create a legacy that would preserve and protect these outdoor spaces through parks, forests, preserves and trails the public could enjoy for years to come.

“The wonder of Nature is the treasure of America. What we have in woods and forest, valley and stream, in the gorges and the moun-tains and the hills, we must not destroy. The precious legacy of preservation of beauty will be our gift to posterity,” according to Lyndon Baines Johnson, our 36th President of the United States.

Forty-five years ago, Johnson signed into law the National Trails Sys-tem Act that established national recreation, scenic and historic trails. Early this year, Missouri proudly ac-cepted the title of Best Trails State given by the American Trails, a national, nonprofit

organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. The national award is presented every two years to the state that has made tremendous contributions to promote and improve its trails sys-tem.

Our Missouri State Parks offers almost 1,000 miles of managed trails and 2,900 acres of motorized riding areas. Missourians can walk, hike or bicycle on incredibly diverse trails throughout our 87 state parks and historic sites. Exploring our trail system not only provides us with a great adventure, it also provides us with an opportunity to improve our overall health and well-being.

Mrs. Lyndon B. John-son was correct when she

said, “A beautiful America will require the effort of government at every level, of business, and of private groups.” Missouri’s award-winning trail system would not be possible without the financial commitment and support of many agencies, businesses, organizations like Conservation Federation of Missouri and most im-portantly the public through their continued support ap-proving the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax.

It’s through those success-ful partnerships, dedicated staff and our state park visitors that have earned our state park system a national reputation as one of the best in the country. The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administra-tion, in partnership with the

National Recreation and Park Association recently announced Missouri State Parks as one of the State Award Finalists for the 2013 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Our system is repeatedly a finalist in the national Gold Medal Award Program for State Parks and this year is no exception. We’re keeping our fingers crossed until the Gold Medal winner is announced this fall.

Missouri is truly blessed to contain some of the most outstanding state parks and historic sites that provide the public with more than 200,000 acres to get out-doors to discover, explore, learn and enjoy. To encour-age Missourians to get out-

Let’s Get Hiking!

Early this year, Missouri proudly accepted the title of best Trails state given by the American Trails, for making tre-mendous contributions to promote and improve its trails system. Photo credit: Missouri DNr


doors and enjoy Missouri’s nationally recognized trails, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge during National Trails Day on June 1.

The 100 Missouri Miles initiative challenges Missou-rians to complete 100 miles of physical activity by the end of the year. Whether you prefer to walk, hike, bike, paddle or row, Mis-sourians of all ages, interests and ability levels are encour-aged to participate.

You might spend an afternoon winding your way through the state’s largest tallgrass prairie at Prairie State Park in southwest Mis-souri. While at the park, you may see an American bison or add some new birds to your birding list by spot-

ting an eastern meadowlark, dickcissel or Bell’s vireo. Or perhaps the more adventur-ous types will enjoy moun-tain biking through the rug-ged terrain bicycle trails at Finger Lakes or Castlewood state parks. Those wishing to peddle more leisurely and enjoy the great views of scenic Table Rock Lake may do so on the Shoreline Trail at Table Rock State Park.

We hope all Missourians will take advantage of this opportunity by stepping foot on one of our spectacular trails this summer. Be sure to post your favorite pictures along the way through Face-book.com/100MoMiles and Twitter.com/100MoMiles or use #100MoMiles. Visit www.100MissouriMiles.com to join this exciting challenge and check out mostateparks.com for ad-

ditional details about events near you.

Our state park system offers something to suit everyone’s taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Mis-souri’s 87 state parks and

historic sites, the possibilities are boundless, so get out-doors and visit one today! Let’s Get Hiking!

Sara Parker PauleyDirector, DNR

PlatinumAssociation of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

Bass Pro Shops

Drury Hotels

Shelter Insurance Companies

PlatinumMidwayUSA

SilverGray Manufacturing Company, Inc.

James T. Blair IV

Pyramid Home Health Services

Redneck Blinds

Union Pacific Railroad

BaSicBee Rock Outdoor Adventures, LLC

Brown Printing

Cap America

Citizens Telephone Company

Columbia Daily Tribune

Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Cooper’s Oak Winery and A & K Cooperage, LLC

Dickerson Park Zoo

DJ Case & Associates

Farm Management Service (Dan & Cheri Erdel)

Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association

Forrest Keeling Nursery

Friends of Ryan McKenna

Full Care, Inc.

General Printing Service

Goodwin Brothers Construction Company

Greenbrier Wetland Services

Heartland Restoration, Inc.

Joe Machens Dealerships

Land & Water Partners, Inc.

Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative

Macon Realty Company

McRoberts Farm, Inc.

Meramec Bison Farm, LLC

Mid America Mortgage Services, Inc.

Middle River Bluffs

Midwest Mailing Services

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Osage Canoes, LLC

Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Quality Forest Management, LLC

REMAX Boone Realty

R. L.’s Swimming Pools, LLC

Sapaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac

Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Sierra Bullets, LLC

Socket Telecom, LLC

Sport & Spine Rehabilitation

Tabor Plastics Company

The Bank of Missouri

Thirty 3 Bar & Grill

Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc.

Trumans Bar & Grill, Inc.

White River Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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!

6 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

Experience the rolling St. Francois Moun-tains while rolling down the highway

during the Bikers at Baker event Sept.6-8 at Sam A. Baker State Park in Wayne County. The second-annual Missouri State Parks mo-

torcycle poker run and tour will feature a weekend of fun, food and music, as well as a chance to see some of Missouri’s most scenic state parks and historic sites.

Sponsored by Missouri State Parks and the Conserva-tion Federation of Missouri, the weekend event will begin Friday evening. Saturday will feature a poker run to some of the area’s most scenic and dramatic state parks, includ-ing Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Elephant Rocks State Park. Sunday will include time to explore the area and see what makes Sam A. Baker State Park one of Missouri’s premier state parks.

“Last year was the first year for this event, and we

received great feedback from the participants. We’re glad to bring it back so our friends on a motorcycle will again have the unique opportunity to see all the awesome sights in this part of the state,” said Bill Bryan, director of Mis-souri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

More information on registration fees and a sched-ule for the weekend will be available soon. If you want to be put on a list to receive registration information, e-mail [email protected] or call 800-334-6946.

Participants are responsible for making their own camp-ing and lodging reservations. Sam A. Baker State Park offers a full-service camp-ground with both basic and

electric campsites as well as rustic cabins. To make camp-ing reservations, call 877-422-6766 (877-ICampMO) or visit mostateparks.com. To make lodging reservations, call 573-468-6519. When making a reservation, be sure to mention you are partici-pating in the Bikers at Baker event.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more informa-tion on Sam A. Baker State Park or the Bikers at Baker event, go to mostateparks.com or call Missouri State Parks at 800-334-6946. Mis-souri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Motorcycle Tour and Poker Run Planned Sept. 6-8 at Sam A. Baker State Park

• A 15-oz tumbler/mug with double-wall construction and a stainless steel interior and exterior.

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Only $20.00 (includes shipping/handling)

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Order yours today! Just call CFM toll-free at (800) 575-2322.


8 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

The weather could not have been more perfect for Conservation Federation’s Tee-It-Up For Missouri Outdoors golf tourney held Friday, June 7th. We wish to express our deepest thanks to Union Pacific

Railroad and its staff for offering CFM the opportunity to hold this inaugural CFM fundraiser at The Course at Castle Ridge and Selma Conference Center. The event was a tremen-dous success with more than ninety participants joining us for

the afternoon and resulted in 60 NEW members for CFM. Special thanks to CFM Board member Bill Kirgan and his

wife Mary Ellan for preparing an unforgettable lunch and dinner for our participants. We would also like to express our appreciation to all of those who served on this year’s plan-ning committee, to those who participated in the event, to our donors and most importantly to our sponsors.

Tee-It-Up For Missouri Outdoors

Championship Flight:

1st Place Team – Jim Meda, Nathan Picarella, Don Thomas, and Don McComack

2nd Place Team – Steve Foster, Greg Glore, Chris Monroe, and Gregg Garrison

3rd Place Team – Carl Vogt, Aaron Pashia, Mike Pashia, and Dennis Beck

A Flight:

1st Place Team – Charlie Goodwin, Zack Bridgewater, Erick Hermann, and Aaron Hite

2nd Place Team - Steve Floyd, Pete McPeters, Drew Null, and Clint Johnston

3rd Place Team – Doug Chilton, Doug Godier, Josh Straup, and Justin Neal

B Flight:

1st Place Team – Abe Phillips, John Hartmann, Randy Washburn and Gary VanDeVelde

2nd Place Team – Jeff Welch, Grant Bowen, Bob Pennock, and Dave Pashia

3rd Place Team – Shawn Tucker, Tedd Yemm, and Joe Harzey

CFM Tee-It Up Results

Closest to the hole winners were Brandon Klaus, Paul Skinner and Greg Garrison. Brandon Frye won our longest drive competition.

8 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

Photo credit: Kevin Dawson – Union Pacific railroad.

background photo credit: Kevin Dawson – Union Pacific railroad.

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 9M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 9

Photo credits: Debra Lee.

1 0 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 1M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 1

1 2 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

AFFILIATE EVENTS

CENTRAL MISSOURI CHAPTER SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONALaUG 10: Saint Peters Catholic Church, Fulton; Walter Coleman (573) 642-3540

GREENWAY NETWORKJULY 1: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm)JULY 10: One River, One Problem, Big A’s Restaurant, Saint Charles (6:30pm - 9:00pm)JULY 20: Uber Asphalt, Life for Life Academy, Saint Louis (9:30am - 12:30pm)JULY 23-26: Missouri American Wa-ter River 340 Canoe and Kayak RaceaUG 5: Monthly Board Meeting, Saint Peters (7:00pm - 9:00pm)aUG 24: Race for the Rivers

HEAVEN’S ANGLERSJULY 11: Monthly Meeting, West County Assembly of God ChurchJULY 13: Club Tournament, Lake Vandalia, ILaUG 1: Monthly Meeting, West County Assembly of God ChurchaUG 3: Club Tournament, Kincaid Lake, IL

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUCK HUNT-ERS ASSOCIATIONJULY 10: What to do with Asian CarpJULY 22: Monthly Board Meeting, American LegionaUG 26: Monthly Board Meeting, American Legion

MISSOURI ATLATL ASSOCIATIONJULY 19-21: MO Jam, Marshall; Jon Wood (573) 881-6622, Peter Warnock (660) 831-4044 or Scott Rorebeck (660) 359-2368

MISSOURI BASS FEDERATIONJULY 13: Board Meeting, WarsawJULY 14: Summer Sizzler, Truman Lake

MISSOURI BOW HUNTERS ASSOCIA-TIONJULY 13-14: NFAA Sanctioned State

Outdoor Archery Championship, Independence Bow Hunters, Fleming Park, Blue Springs; Jason Hancock (573) 248-8658 or Steve Bridger (816) 419-2310JULY 27-28: State 3D Archery Cham-pionship, Carroll County Bowhunters, Carrollton

MISSOURI CHAPTER OF THE QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONaUG 24: Missouri’s SEMO Trail of Tears 5th Annual Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, Jackson; Allen Morris (573) 450-2186

MISSOURI DUCKS UNLIMITEDJULY 10: Kansas City Region Volunteer Training Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Independence (6:30PM - 9:00PM); Rene Sersch (816) 763-3482JULY 18: Ozark/Springfield Area Volunteer Meeting, Ozark Shooters, Walnut Shade (5:30pm - 9:00pm); Jason Pritchard (417) 234-4096 or Brad Watson (417) 766-4552JULY 20: State Committee - Grand Giveaway, Knights of Columbus Hall, Columbia (2:00pm - 5:00pm); Tony Berter (913) 221-6119 or Todd Carlton (573) 415-6697aUG 22: Blackwater - Warrensburg Sponsor Dinner, Warrensburg (5:00pm - 9:00pm); Brad Bromwell (660) 238-1380 or Gary Carter (660) 747-8414aUG 24: Parkville Membership Dinner, Athletic Complex, Parkville (5:30pm - 9:30pm); Dan Mason (816) 377-0696aUG 24: Longview Appreciation Dinner, German Turner American Hall, Belton (6:00pm - 9:00pm); Rene Sersch (816) 763-3482 or Troy McKin-ney (816) 358-8547

MISSOURI HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR’S ASSOCIATIONJULY 28: Board Meeting, Bass Pro Shops, Columbia (10:30am)

MISSOURI NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATIONFUNDRAISING BANQUETSJULY 11: Saint Louis Sponsor Event,

Saint Louis Skeet and Trap Range, PacificJULY 26: Finley River Chapter, Chris-tian County Elks Lodge, Ozark; Jared Byerly (417) 840-4973JULY 26: Shoal Creek Chapter, Park and Casino Building, Monett; Bill House (417) 442-3719JULY 27: Ritchie Meredith Memorial Chapter, Robinson Middle School, Aurora; Brian Fronabarger (417) 678-0130aUG 2: Dry Fork Strutters, Oak Meadow Country Club, Rolla; Jason Bell (573) 265-1693aUG 3: Locust Creek Longbeards, Community Center, Milan; Kirk Hen-dershott (660) 216-9991aUG 3: Ozark Mountain Gobblers, Arcadia Valley Elks Lodge, Pilot Knob; Kenneth Sherrill (573) 546-3392aUG 10: Lake Country Longbeards, Knights of Columbus Hall, Monroe City; Robert Kendrick (573) 248-7361aUG 10: Race to Save the Hunt at Lucas Oil, Lucas Oil Speedway, Wheatland; Stephen Barlow (620) 228-2366aUG 10: Rhine Valley Chapter, Saint George Church, Hermann; Lyndon Ruediger (573) 594-7189aUG 17: River Bottom Gobblers, Armory, CaruthersvilleaUG 17: Saint Louis Sponsor Event, Anheuser Busch Mansion, Saint Louis; Matt Ludwig (314) 853-4424aUG 24: Clark County Longbeards, Pioneer Seed Building, Kahoka; Michael Paben (660) 479-5567aUG 24: Perry County Beards and Spurs, Elks Lodge, Perryville; Dominic Blythe (573) 547-9209aUG 31: Committee Gun Raffle, Cape Girardeau; Larry Neal (314) 334-4942

JAKES FIELD DAYSaUG 17: Stealth Gobblers Chapter, UCM Trap and Skeet Range, War-rensburg; Dave McCannon (660) 747-8260aUG 24: Young’s Creek Strutters, Tri County Lake; Eddie Schultz (573) 682-4659

WHEELIN SPORTSMAN EVENTSJULY 26: Platte Purchase Sports-man’s Night Out, Moila; Edward Heidel (816) 253-9583aUG 11: Lake Show-Me Longbeards, Little Fox River Sporting Clays; Mike Allen (660) 323-5562

MISSOURI SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCEaUG 24: Operation Clean Stream

MISSOURI TAXIDERMIST ASSOCIATIONaUG 2-4: 33rd Annual Competition and Convention, Country Club Hotel and Spa, Lake Ozark

MISSOURI TROUT FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONaUG 1: Monthly Meeting (6:00pm - 9:00pm)aUG 16: Insect-O-Rama, Conser-vation Nature Center, Springfield (6:30pm - 9:00pm)aUG 22: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm)aUG 29: MSU Fly Fishing Class (6:00pm - 9:50pm)

MISSOURI WHITETAILS UNLIMITEDJULY 27: Black Island Chapter Ban-quet, Unity Center, PortagevilleaUG 3: Loose Creek Buck Fever Ban-quet, Community Center, Loose CreekaUG 17: Boone County Disabled Freedom Hunt Banquet, Knights of Columbus Hall, ColumbiaaUG 24: Missouri River Whitetails Chapter Banquet, Knights of Colum-bus Hall, Washington

OPEN SPACE COUNCILJULY 27: 17th Annual Meramec Watershed Celebration, Meramec State Park, SullivanaUG 24: Operation Clean Stream

OZARK FLY FISHERSJULY 8: Board MeetingJULY 12: Macro Invertebrate Fly Tying Class (7:00pm); Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335JULY 13: 5th Annual Water Quality Monitoring Outing, Montauk State Park (9:00am); Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335JULY 25: General Membership Meet-ing, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm)aUG 5: Board MeetingaUG 22: General Membership Meet-ing, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Queeny Park (7:00pm)aUG 24: Operation Clean Stream; Scott Darrough (314) 560-1335

CALENDARM I s s O U r I F E s T I V A L s A N D A F F I L I A T E E V E N T s

M I S S O U R I W I L D L I F E 1 3

Executive Vice Presi-dent Rick Thom an-nounced last month that he is retiring

from the Foundation at the end of June. Rick has headed MCHF since 2007, after retiring from a 28-year career with the Department of Con-servation. The Foundation has increased its visibility, improved its business opera-tions, and funded scores of conservation projects during Thom’s tenure.

Board President Steve Mowry says of Thom, “One of the greatest pleasures I have had in my conservation work has been the opportu-nity to work with world class professionals, right here in our own Missouri Depart-ment of Conservation. Rick Thom is at the very top of that fraternity. I will miss Rick’s quiet, effective leader-ship at MCHF but know that he will continue to remain involved as a private citizen.

Our loss will be the gain of a number of private organi-zations, every one of which will benefit from his great experience, demeanor and knowledge.”

Rick will enjoy more flex-ibility to pursue his many outdoor and conservation interests, and to spend more time with family and friends. “It has been an honor and a

great learning experience for me to work for MHCF”, says Rick. “The Foundation has enthusiastic board members and staff, wonderful conser-vation partners, and commit-ted donors and friends. It was especially satisfying to continue to support the good work of the Missouri Con-servation Department, which is the Foundation’s primary mission.”

“When Rick Thom became executive Director of MCHF, he brought a wealth of conservation experience with him” says Board Chairman David Reynolds. “He has used this experience to move the foundation forward and outlined a strategy for our future. Nature’s rhythms are a constant source of inspi-ration, much as Rick has inspired the Board during his tenure as executive director.”

Rick Thom Retires from Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

OZARK WILDERNESS WATERWAYS CLUBJULY 13: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm)JULY 13: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm)aUG 10: Potluck Dinner, Swope Park, Kansas City (6:30pm)aUG 10: Business Meeting, Swope Park, Kansas City (7:30pm)

POMME DE TERRE CHAPTER MUSKIES, INC.JULY 13: Kids Day, State Park Ma-rina; Dan Diement (314) 752-9971 or Steve Worstell (816) 520-2371JULY 27: Pomme de Tour, Pomme Arm; Earle Hammond (417) 993-0035aUG 17: Pomme de Tour, Lindley Arm; Earle Hammond (417) 993-0025

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATIONJULY 20: Osage Buglers Chapter Banquet, American Legion Hall, Blue Springs (5:00pm)

aUG 10: Capaha Big Game Banquet, Cape Girardeau; Dawn Myers (573) 335-8789

UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF MISSOURIJULY 18-21: MO Jam (7:00am - 7:00pm)aUG 9-11: 2013 Deaf Camp; Dennis Voss (636) 359-2506 or Darren Haver-stick (417) 693-5304

CFM EVENTSaUG 9: Pre-Shoot Dinner, Bass Pro Shops, ColumbiaaUG 10: 7th Annual CFM Sporting Clays Classic, River Hills Sporting Clays, Boonville sePt 21: Board MeetingDec 14: Board Meeting

CALENDARM I s s O U r I F E s T I V A L s A N D A F F I L I A T E E V E N T s

1 4 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

reduce • reuse • recycle

teaming with wildliFe

In celebration of Mi-gratory Bird Day, the second Saturday in May, Governor Nixon signed

a proclamation recognizing the Trumpeter Swan as the official Bird of the Year for Missouri. First Lady Geor-ganne Nixon presented the proclamation to the steering committee of the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) on Monday, May 13th, 2013 at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The event was held in a glade that had been restored with grant-funding provided by MOBCI. It was a great opportunity to share a bird watching experience with Missouri’s First Lady and to showcase work that is made possible by a coopera-tive effort of many entities utilizing MOBCI grants.

MOBCI is an umbrella or-ganization comprised of more than 62 organizations affili-ated with bird conservation and habitat restoration. This year the steering committee selected the Trumpeter Swan to be the migratory-bird-of-the-year for the remark-able conservation successes to recover this species and the wetlands it depends on as well as the magnificent

beauty it brings to Mis-souri. Migratory Bird Day is celebrated in May in the U.S. and Canada and in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean each year.

Conservation Federation of Missouri has supported the Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative from its inception and commends our partners on the successful accomplish-

ments achieved through state and private funds. Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Diversity Funds and State Wildlife Grants in com-bination with contributions from private and non-profit organizations have allowed MOBCI to administer a competitive grant program which has a dramatic impact on Missouri bird populations. Projects receiving funding

through this competitive program are categorized by habitat and invasive species. Total investment in the grant program has resulted in more than $4M of work on the ground since 2004.

Debra LeeTeaming With Wildlife

Coordinator, CFM

Celebration of Migratory Bird DayA Proclamation for MOBCI Presented by

First Lady, Georganne Nixon Recognizing the Trumpeter Swan

First Lady Georganne Nixon presents MObCI President, Charlie burwick with the Proclamation from the Governor iden-tifying the Trumpeter swan as Missouri’s bird of the Year. Credit: Norman Murray, MDC


The MCHF began fundraising to con-struct a fishing and viewing platform at

Bennett Spring State Park in 2011. The platform was to be constructed below the dam at Bennett Spring. The goal of $45,000 was met and ad-ditional funding allowed an effort to construct an addi-tional handicapped accessible ramp and platform, which is across the stream from the hatchery office, just below the dam. The platforms were completed prior to March 1 opening day of Missouri trout season. A dedication and donor appreciation was held on Saturday, May 4 in conjunction with the annual Kids Fishing Day at the park. Despite the below normal temperatures and snow flur-ries, about 80 people braved the cold to enjoy the ribbon

cutting and view the plaques that have been placed at each site to show the donors who participated or who honored loved ones with memorial

signage. The project was a joint effort of MCHF and the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Debra LeeTeaming With Wildlife

Coordinator, CFM

Healthy, happy chil-dren are the most precious resources of any community. Today’s children, however, suffer from a disconnection with nature and the out-doors. Reconnecting them with nature can improve a child’s sense of well-being and mental abilities; it can encourage physical activity

that reduces obesity; and it can help build lifelong understanding and concern for the care of our natural resources. The Children in Nature Challenge is a program to recognize com-munities and families who create opportunities for their children to get outside and discover nature firsthand.

Created by Governor’s Exec-utive Order (EO 10-18), the “Children in Nature Chal-lenge” directs state agen-cies to encourage Missouri communities to give children more opportunities to learn about and experience nature first-hand in all parts of the state. For more information on how your community

can get involved, visit http://childreninnature.mo.gov or email at [email protected].

Children in Nature Challenge

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) Hosts Donor Appreciation & Dedication Event


The honor of ribbon cutting was given to sharyn Fry Case of Columbia. she and her husband, Jerry Case, shared a love for the outdoors and fishing at Bennett Spring State Park. Credit to MCHF.

1 6 J U L Y 2 0 1 3


The Missouri Bird Conservation Initia-tive (MoBCI) is a partnership of or-

ganizations that “get excited about birds,” care about bird conservation, and/or have formal legal responsibilities for bird conservation. It is an organization of organiza-tions, a diverse partnership dedicated to the conserva-tion of wild birds and their habitats. The MoBCI was

formally established Au-gust 16, 2003 following the written commitment of 28 charter organizations to unite in the pursuit of integrated all bird conservation. A series of communication and consensus building meetings preceded the MoBCI’s official formation.

Since its inception, MoBCI has grown and awarded ap-proximately $1.4 million for projects, which brought in al-

most $3 million in additional partner matching funds, for a grand total of $4.4 million put towards “on-the-ground” bird conservation actions. The primary purpose of MOBCI is to work together to conserve, restore, and pro-tect bird populations. Today, the organization represents 62 other organizations focused on various aspects of bird conservation. To learn more about MOBCI please

attend the 2013 MOBCI An-nual Conference in Colum-bia, Missouri at the Peachtree Catering and Banquet Center on August 23rd and 24th, 2013. Registration opens the first week of July and can be found at http://www.mobci.org.

If you would like to receive a registration packet, please contact Michelle McGrath at [email protected] or 573-751-4115.

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MOBCI) Annual Conference

REGISTRATION FORM Early Registration Deadline: August 16, 2013

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Affiliation: _____________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _________ Zip: ________________

Phone : __________________________________________ Email Address: _____________________________________________________________

Registration Fees:

o Early Registration, before August 16 $45.00

o Late Registration, after August 16 $55.00

o Guest Registration $32.50

☐ MOBCI c/o Michelle McGrath MO Dept of Conservation P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 (573) 522-4115 ext. 3150

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative ConferenceANNUAL MEETING — August 23-24, 2013Columbia, MO

*To help us plan for Friday activities, please indicate if you plan to attend on Friday:

o Yes, I plan to attend the Friday night activities ☐

o No, I will not to attend on Friday night

Make checks payable to MOBCI Foundation or pay via PayPal

Conference Location: The 2013 conference will be held at the Peachtree Catering and Banquet facility at 120 E. Nifong Blvd. in Co-lumbia, MO. This facility does not have overnight accommodations so the conference attendees are encouraged to book their own rooms, in advance, at a facility of their choice. Columbia has a wide selection of hotels and motels within a short distance of the Peachtree.


1 8 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

The Missouri Hunt-ing Heritage Fed-eration (MHHF) announced the

appointment of Jeffrey Blackton as its new Ex-ecutive Director. Blackton, from Kansas City, MO assumed responsibili-ties June 1. Blackton was chosen to be the Executive Director after an extensive statewide search by MHHF that included input from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

A recent graduate from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Blackton is an avid outdoorsman.

“Jeff has the right combi-nation of enthusiasm, busi-ness management, youth leadership and outdoor experience to help MHHF expand beyond the Kansas City area,” says Federa-tion President Lee Vogel. “We’re excited to have him on our team.”

As Executive Director, Blackton will focus on recruiting and retaining MHHF members, securing funding for the ongoing growth of MHHF and help assure the consistent execu-tion of the MHHF clinic

model across the State of Missouri.

“Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation is un-like any other youth hunter education program,” says Blackton. “Our unique clinic model focuses en-tirely on the youth experi-ence and assures that every participant gets the oppor-tunity to connect with Mis-souri’s hunting heritage.”

Blackton holds a Bach-elor of Business Adminis-tration from UMKC and has successfully launched several businesses. In addi-tion, he holds both Mis-souri Hunter and Missouri Bow Hunter Education Certifications.

The role of Executive Director was previously held by Allan Hoover who passed away in December, 2012.

Missouri Hunting Heri-tage Federation, a service-oriented, nonprofit federa-tion of volunteer members and affiliates, conduct clinics designed to engage young people and their families in perpetuating our nation’s hunting heritage. With a focus on continu-ing the use of hunting as an essential component of the North American Model

for Wildlife Conservation, MHHF propagates safe hunting practices, the ethics of fair chase and a respect for and appreciation of

wildlife. MHHF works with similar-minded entities to ensure continuation of the hunting tradition.

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation Announces New Executive Director

Jeffrey Blackton Takes Leadership Role in Growing Organization



Join the CFM Business Alliance today!Check the annual member category you prefer:q $250—Basic q $1,000—Silver q $5,000—Gold q $10,000—Platinum

CFM Business Alliance members will receive a one-year subscription to Missouri Wildlife,

recognition in each issue of Missouri Wildlife and a CFM Business Alliance sticker.

Please mail this form with your gift supporting CFM to:

Conservation Federation of Missouri728 West Main

Jefferson City, MO 65101-1559

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

confedmo.org to sign up online

Business Name: ______________________________________________

Contact Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________________ State: _______________________________________________________

ZIP code: ___________________________________________________

Work phone: ________________________________________________ Home phone: ________________________________________________

Fax number: ________________________________________________ E-mail address: ______________________________________________

Please make checks payable to the Conservation Federation of Missouri. We also accept MasterCard, Visa, or Discover

below or online at www.confedmo.org

Credit card number: __________________________________________ Expiration date: _____________________________________________

Signature of cardholder:_______________________________________

2 0 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

When will you add your name to the list?CFM Life Membership Application

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________

Payment Method (circle one): Cash Check ________________________________________________

Credit Card_________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:__________________

Charles Abele, Saint LouisR. Philip Acuff, Saint JosephDuane Addleman, SpringfieldMichael Duane Addleman † Nancy Addleman †Nancy Carol Addleman, SpringfieldTom Addleman, HarrisonvilleJames Agnew, ArnoldCraig Alderman, BuffaloAllen Appell, CalhounRichard Ash, OzarkCarolyn Auckley, BallwinJ. Douglas Audiffred, BallwinMichael Baker, DeSotoDane Balsman, Frankfort, KYDon Bedell, SikestonJim Tom Blair, Saint LouisJeff Blystone, IndependenceGlenn Boettcher, OwensvilleDale & Linda Bourg, OzarkMarilynn Bradford, Cape GirardeauStephen Bradford, Cape GirardeauMark Brandly, New Baden, ILScott Brundage, ColumbiaGlenn Chambers, ColumbiaBryan Chilcutt, ColumbiaEd Clausen, Jefferson CityEdward Clayton, ClaytonRon Coleman, Saint AlbansMark Corio, ArnoldBill Crawford, ColumbiaAndy Dalton, SpringfieldRyan Diener, MarthasvilleJoe G. Dillard, ColumbiaRon Douglas, SpringfieldCharlie Drury, Saint LouisChuck Drury, Saint LouisTom Drury, Saint LouisJohn Enderle, Kelso

Joe Engeln, ColumbiaHoward Fisher, HigginsvilleMary Louise Fisher, HigginsvilleAndrew Fleming, ColumbiaHoward Fleming, MoberlyLori Fleming, ColumbiaMatt Fleming, MoberlyPaula Fleming, MoberlySara Fleming, MoberlyManley Fuller, Tallahassee, FLMatt Gaunt, ColumbiaTimothy Gordon, BelgradeBlake Gornick, KirkwoodRichard & Sally Graham, HartsburgJoseph Gray, Saint JosephDebbie Gremmelsbacher, Saint LouisGery Gremmelsbacher, Saint LouisMark & Kathy Haas, JacksonTom & Margaret Hall, Arrow RockChristopher Hamon, KirbyvilleHerman Hanley, Grain ValleyKeith Hannaman, Blue SpringsMilt & Deanna Harper, ColumbiaJack & Pat Harris, Saint LouisMickey Heitmeyer, AdvanceLoring Helfrich, SikestonRandy Herzog, Saint JosephBill Hilgeman, ManchesterJames Hill, MexicoC.W. & Delores Hook, HigginsvilleAllan Hoover †John Hoskins, FremontLarry & Joan Hummel, GlencoePatricia Hurster, Saint LouisJim Jacobi, Saint CharlesAaron Jeffries, Jefferson CityDon Johnson, FestusMalcolm “Mac” Johnson, HartsburgRoger Johnson, Humansville

Pat Jones, WilliamsburgTom Karl, FarmingtonCosette Kelly, Kansas CityDuane Kelly, Kansas CityMarty King, University CityJudd Kirkham, Climax SpringsElizabeth Knight, Charlotte, NCJeff Kolb, Weldon SpringChris Koster, Jefferson CityCarl Kurz, Leawood, KSAnn Kutscher, Jefferson CityLarry Lackamp, Bates CityKyle Lairmore, OwensvilleJay Law †Gerald Lee, Kansas CityJoel LeMaster, FultonNorman Leppo, Saint LouisJohn Lewis, ColumbiaLeroy Logan, ArnoldChristine Logan-Hollis, BlackwellBob Lorance, StoverIke Lovan, SteelvilleWayne Lovelace, ElsberryChip McGeehan, MarshfieldTeresa McGeehan, MarshfieldRichard Mendenhall, ColumbiaTom Mendenhall, ColumbiaCynthia Metcalfe, ClaytonWalter Metcalfe, ClaytonDavis Minton, DexterLowell Mohler, Jefferson CityJohn Moore, Jr., GelenaJohnny Morris, SpringfieldJohn & Patricia Mort, SmithvilleDavid Murphy, ColumbiaDean Murphy, Jefferson CityFirst Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon, Jefferson CityGovernor Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Charlie & Mary Beth O’Reilly, NixaLarry & Nancy O’Reilly, SpringfieldAustin Owens, LebanonJeff Owens, MarshfieldSara Pauley, HartsburgScott Pauley, HartsburgRandy Persons, Poplar BluffAbe Phillips, Saint LouisJan Phillips, Saint LouisGlenn & Ilayana Pickett, ColumbiaJessica Plaggenberg, FlorissantBecky Plattner, Grand PassJerry Presley, CentertownAlbert Price, ColumbiaNick Prough, Blue SpringsKirk Rahm, WarrensburgKurtis Reeg, Saint LouisDavid & Janice Reynolds, SpringfieldGerald Ross, Jefferson CityTyler Ruoff, SavannahBruce & Jan Sassmann, BlandFred Saylor, IndependenceEvelyn Schallon, BallwinMike Schallon, WentzvilleMossie Schallon, WentzvillePamela Schnebelen, LaBarque CreekRonald Schwartzmeyer, ArnoldTimothy Schwent, JacksonTravis Scott, ColumbiaGeorge Seek, MeadvilleE. “Sy” Seidler, Saint LouisSara Seidler, Saint LouisAnita Siegmund, Saint LouisGary & Susanna Smith, NeoshoM. W. Sorenson, ColumbiaEd Stegner, Pilot GroveCharles & Winnie Stribling, MexicoMary Stuppy, JoplinMark Sullivan †

Jacob Swafford, Portales, NMJim Talbert, Jefferson CityNorman Tanner, Cape GirardeauTravis Taylor, LawsonTim Thompson, Lake Saint LouisJeff “J. T.” Tillman †Robert Tompson, MoberlyAlex Uskokovich, GlendaleGary Van De Velde, Jefferson CityBarbara vanBenschoten, Kansas CityLee Vogel, Kansas CityAl Vogt, ColumbiaJulius Wall, ClintonGinny Wallace, Jefferson CityRandy Washburn, VersaillesHenry J. Waters, III, ColumbiaMary Waters, ColumbiaRobert O. Werges, ArnoldMark Williams, LawsonMichael Wilson, Saint LouisStephen Wilson, HartsburgAddie Witter, Annville, PABrenda Witter, Holts SummitDaniel Witter, Holts SummitOwen Witter, ColumbiaDick Wood, Saint LouisHoward Wood, Bonne TerreJoyce Wood, Bonne TerreNicole Wood, Bonne TerreDavid Young, WindsorDan Zerr, O’FallonJim Zieger, Blue SpringsEmily Ziehmer, CaliforniaLauren Ziehmer, CaliforniaRobert Ziehmer, CaliforniaEthan Zuck, StraffordGuy Zuck, Strafford† Deceased

cFm conservationists For life($1,000 contribution)


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 i a t e sAnglers of Missouri, Inc.Association of Missouri Electric CooperativesBass-Hole Bassmasters of Missouri, Inc.Big Game Hunters, Inc.bobwhite Quail restoration AssociationBridlespur Hunt ClubCapital City Fly FishersCentral Missouri Chapter safari Club InternationalChesterfield Citizens Committee for the EnvironmentDeer Creek sportsman Club, Inc.Festus-Crystal City Conservation ClubForest and Woodland Association of MissouriFriends of rock bridge Memorial state ParkGreenway Network, Inc.Heaven’s AnglersHowardville Community BettermentJefferson County Coon Hunters, Inc.Meramec Area sportsman AssociationMid Missouri Outdoor DreamMid Missouri Trout UnlimitedMidwest Diving CouncilMississippi Valley Duck Hunters AssociationMissouri Association of Meat ProcessorsMissouri Atlatl AssociationMissouri bAss Federation Nation

Missouri bird Conservation InitiativeMissouri Bow Hunters AssociationMissouri Chapter of the American Fisheries societyMissouri Chapter of the Wildlife societyMissouri Chapter soil & Water Conservation societyMissouri Conservation Agents AssociationMissouri Conservation PioneersMissouri Consulting Foresters AssociationMissouri Ducks Unlimited state CouncilMissouri Forest Products AssociationMissouri Grouse Chapter of QUWFMissouri Hunter Education Instructors AssociationMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.Missouri National Wild Turkey FederationMissouri Native seed AssociationMissouri Parks & recreation AssociationMissouri Parks AssociationMissouri Prairie FoundationMissouri river bird ObservatoryMissouri smallmouth AllianceMissouri society of American ForestersMissouri sport shooting AssociationMissouri state Campers AssociationMissouri state Chapter of the Quality Deer Management AssociationMissouri state University bull shoals Field station

Missouri Taxidermist AssociationMissouri Trappers AssociationMissouri Trout Fishermen’s AssociationMissouri Whitetails UnlimitedMule Deer FoundationNorth side Division Conservation FederationOpen space Council of the saint Louis regionOzark Fly Fishers, Inc.Ozark Wilderness Waterways ClubPerry County sportsman ClubPomme de Terre Chapter Muskies, Inc.Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.Quail Forever & Pheasants Foreverriver bluffs Audubon societyriver relief, Inc.rocky Mountain Elk Foundationsouth side Division Conservation Federationsouthwest Missouri Fly FishersTipton Farmers & sportsman’s ClubUnited Bow Hunters of MissouriWalnut Council & Other Fine HardwoodsWecomo sportsman’s ClubWild Elk Institute of MissouriWindsor Lake rod & Gun Club

2 2 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

agency news - department of conservation

The Missouri Depart-ment of Conserva-tion (MDC) added 20 adult cow elk,

16 yearling cow elk, three yearling bull elk and one newborn male calf to its elk restoration project in the Ozarks Tuesday morning.

Transported via livestock trailer from Kentucky, where they spent the past four months quarantined in a holding pen, the elk arrived at temporary holding pens on MDC’s Peck Ranch Con-servation Area at first light. MDC staff quickly ushered the hoofed cargo into spa-cious holding pens, and within an hour Missouri’s newest four-legged residents were resting in the shade and grazing on lush clover.

Thirty-nine elk started the journey west, which ended with 40. MDC’s Jake Rieken, who made the trip west with the elk after spending the past four months caring for them in Kentucky, got a wonderful surprise when the convoy stopped so staff could check on the animals. He discovered that one of the pregnant cows had delivered a male calf. To avoid injury to the newborn, Rieken and other MDC staff removed it through a side door in the trailer. They placed it in a large animal crate in the bed of a pickup truck, secured the blanket-covered crate, and continued the trip. The newborn calf, nicknamed “Plus-1,” was reunited with

its mother in a holding pen at Peck Ranch.

“He is doing very well,” said MDC State Wildlife Vet-erinarian Kelly Straka. “He looks good and his heartbeat sounded fantastic.”

Dr. Straka added that all of the elk underwent exten-sive health and disease testing in Kentucky before being brought to Missouri.

The elk will remain in the holding pens at Peck Ranch for up to several weeks as they acclimate to the area and MDC staff continue to monitor them. Some cows will begin dropping calves while in the holding pens.

“We’ve divided the pregnant cows into small groups in various pens to give them privacy and reduce their stress,” said Dr. Straka. “Those that do not calve before being released from the holding pens will seek out secluded spots to give birth. Most calves should be born by mid-June. This year’s group of 40 elk will add to the approximately 70 already living in the restoration zone. We expect several dozen new calves this spring from estab-lished elk, plus more calves from this year’s group.”

The Missouri restoration of this once-native species began with MDC bringing elk from Kentucky in May 2011 and again in May 2012 to the Department’s elk restoration zone covering 221,000 acres in parts of Shannon, Carter, and Reynolds counties.

This year, MDC again worked with Kentucky and Virginia state wildlife agencies to trap elk in Janu-ary from the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky. The effort resulted in 51 elk being trapped with Missouri getting 39, plus the newborn calf. Virginia will receive the remaining elk for its restoration effort.

As done in the previ-

ous two years of trapping, Missouri-bound elk received radio collars right before their trip west as part of a research project between MDC and the University of Missouri. The collars help track movement patterns and preferred habitat. The research project is funded by Federal Aid from the Wildlife Restoration Program admin-istered through the U.S. Fish

MDC Adds 39 “Plus-1” to Missouri Elk Restoration Effort

Meet newborn bull calf nicknamed Plus-1. He was born in the trailer May 21 on the way from Kentucky to Missouri for 2013 elk restoration efforts.

MDC’s Jake rieken, who made the trip west with the elk after spending the past four months caring for them in Kentucky, holds the newborn bull calf nicknamed Plus-1, which was born in the trailer on the way to Missouri. MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Kelly Straka checks his heartbeat. “He looks good and his heartbeat sounded fantastic,” she said. Photo credit: MDC.


and Wildlife Service.The Rocky Mountain Elk

Foundation helped fund the 2013 capture and care of the elk in Kentucky. RMEF also donated materials and volunteer help at both Ken-tucky and Missouri holding facilities.

“This restoration effort is another conservation legacy,

for us and for future genera-tions, that could not have been possible without the enormous help and support from our staff and many conservation partners includ-ing The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service, LADD Foundation and Forest Service,” said MDC Deputy Director Tom Draper.

“On behalf of MDC lead-ership,” Draper continued, “we continue to be impressed with the passion, talent and dedication of MDC staff, and thankful for their ongoing hard work on this project. We are also grateful to the states of Kentucky and Vir-ginia for their partnerships in elk restoration. We also thank the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Big Game Hunters Foundation and Bass Pro Shops for their gen-erous funding and support of this project. We are grateful to the many local landowners who have shown their sup-port by creating elk habitat on their nearby properties, and to the communities of Eminence, Winona, Ellington

and Van Buren, which have embraced the effort. We are also appreciative of The Uni-versity of Missouri and the University of Kentucky for providing research support for the project.”

As in the past two years of elk restoration efforts, the 12,000-acre Refuge Area at Peck Ranch, where elk tend to congregate, is closed into July as new elk acclimate and cows give birth. MDC will open the area to elk driving tours later this summer.

For more information on elk restoration in Missouri, visit www.mdc.mo.gov.

Joe JerekNews Services Coordinator,

MDC


These were among 40 elk from Kentucky released into holding pens at MDC’s Peck ranch Conservation area in May 2013. Photo credit: MDC.

2 4 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

The Missouri De-partment of Con-servation (MDC) and the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service (US-FWS) recently wrapped up a major special investigation involving 46 individuals that began in 2008. Opera-tion “Pulling Wool” came to a close on April 25 with a final conviction in Federal Court. The last defendant charged in the op-eration was found guilty by a United States Magistrate in Cape Girardeau.

All 46 defen-dants were found guilty by trial or plea in Federal Court for hunting deer with the aid of dogs on U.S. For-est Service property. The defendants paid a total of $67,425 in fines to the fed-eral court for their actions. Another six defendants were charged with nine total violations in state court in Ripley County. These defen-dants paid a total of $1,909 in fines and court costs. The combined fines and costs paid by the defendants was $69,334. Additionally, hunting privileges of all the defendants were revoked for periods of one to three years.

“These convictions are a direct result of our mission to protect the fish, forests and wildlife of Missouri,” said Gary Cravens, MDC Protection Regional Supervi-

sor for Ozark Region. “Mis-souri citizens have asked us to take on this mission, and putting a stop to illegal poaching activities, like deer dogging, helps to ensure Missouri remains a great place to hunt ethically.”

The investigation began in the fall of 2008, when the MDC’s special investiga-

tion unit set up an operation target-ing illegal poach-ing activity that was occurring on the Mark Twain National Forest in Ripley County. MDC joined

with the USFWS and the US Attorney’s office in St. Louis on operation “Pulling Wool” to stop the deer dog-ging activity. Deer dogging is illegal and is commonly found in Missouri’s Ozark country in the south-central part of the state. The prac-tice includes using dogs to run deer toward shooters strategically set up at known deer crossings.

These shooters, also known as poachers, use marine band and CB radios to communicate with each other concerning the where-abouts of the dogs and any deer they are chasing. Coupled with the use of automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, deer dogging is an effective and extremely dangerous activity during Missouri’s fall firearms deer hunting seasons.

“Using dogs to hunt whitetails is an illegal and dangerous activity, which works against the major-ity of Missourians’ efforts to continue traditions of ethical hunting that are celebrated in our state,” said Cravens.

Cravens said most hunters in Missouri are ethical, law abiding citizens, who care deeply about conserving the state’s wildlife resources. One effective way citizens can assist MDC in stopping poaching activities is by

reporting poaching activi-ties to the state’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) hot-line. The toll-free number is 1-800-392-1111 and is staffed 24-hours a day. Call-ers may remain anonymous, and may ask to be consid-ered for a reward, ranging from $50 to $1,000. More information about OGT can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov.

Candice DavisMedia Specialist, MDC

(Southeast and Ozark Regions)

Five Year Missouri Poaching Case Against 46 Ends in Federal Court

In memory of Rose Swadley

Evelyn Schallon ~ Ballwin

In honor of Becky Plattner’s performance as an MDC Commissioner – connecting

conservation and agriculture.

Dave Murphy ~ Columbia

In honor of Don Johnson’s exemplary service as an MDC Commissioner

Dave Murphy ~ Columbia

&Honorariums

memorials



Get Your Hunter Ed Certification EarlyRevised curriculum enhances convenience and emphasizes mentorship and hands-on training

If you are a new hunter, or if you plan to men-tor a novice hunter this fall, now is the

time to take care of your hunter-education certifica-tion requirements. Hunters who were born on or after Jan. 31, 1967, and are 16 or older must success-fully complete an approved hunter education course to qualify to buy firearms hunting permits. Some mentors also are required to be hunter-education certified. Details about this and other exceptions to the mandatory hunter-education rule are listed on page 2 of the 2013 Sum-mary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, also available from permit vendors or at www.mdc.mo.gov/node/11416.

Hunter education classes fill up quickly as hunting seasons approach. Enroll-

ing early will ensure against the disappointment of not getting into a class and not getting to hunt.

Hunter education class participants can look for-ward to a new experience this year. The curriculum has been revised to enhance student convenience and emphasize mentorship and hands-on training. Unlike the old, 10-hour classroom program, the new, more flexible version is divided into two parts.

Step 1 – Acquire the necessary knowledge about hunting equipment, safety, and ethics. Participants can do this any of three ways:

• A convenient and fun online course that provides information in written form, augmented with il-lustrations, graphs, audio, videos, and interactive animation, or

• By calling or visiting

one of the Conservation Department regional offic-es, and complete the course at your own pace, or

• Register and attend a 4-hour instructor-led class-room session.

Step 2 – After complet-ing Step 1, obtain your certification by attending a four-hour skills session that fits your schedule. These

sessions consist of instruc-

tor-led, hands-on exercises designed to help students put their knowledge into practice. After the session, students take a 35-question multiple-choice exam.

Don’t wait. Hunting season is closer than you think!



2 6 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

Union Pacific Railroad reminds drivers to use caution at railroad

crossings while traveling in their vehicles this summer.

“It can take a mile or more for a train to stop, and, by the time a locomo-tive engineer sees a vehicle on a crossing, it is too late to stop,” said Dale Bray, Union Pacific director – public safety.

Union Pacific’s UP CARES (Union Pacific Crossing Ac-cident Reduction Education

and Safety) initiative pro-motes railroad grade cross-ing, pedestrian and driver safety through a variety of outreach channels:

Grade crossing education and enforcement, during which motorists violating rail crossing signage and laws are educated about the dangers of such actions.

Related “positive enforce-ment” initiatives reward drivers who operate safely at grade crossings.

Safety trains, hosting local law enforcement, media and public officials and provid-ing them the opportunity to ride in the locomotive cab and see traffic violations from a locomotive engi-

neer’s point of view. This also allows Union Pacific to connect with community leaders and help them better understand the railroad’s safety focus.

Communication blitzes, which educate the public via community events, media outreach and paid advertis-ing. Media outreach coin-cides with safety trains in UP communities.

For more information visit UnionPacificCares.com.

Union Pacific Railroad Asks Drivers to Use Caution at Railroad Crossings While Traveling

Union Pacific Railroad urges hunters to resist the temptation to

hunt on railroad property this season. Wildlife will migrate and feed along the edges of freshly harvested fields, making these areas prime hunting spots. With many fields adjacent to Union Pacific tracks, hunters find it very tempting to hunt on or near the tracks.

“Too many people have been injured or killed tres-passing on railroad property over the years. As part of our UP CARES initiative, we want to remind hunters that walking on or near railroad tracks is extremely danger-ous because you never know when a train will come

along,” said Robert Mor-rison, Union Pacific Chief of Police.

“It can take a mile or more to stop a train, and, by the time a locomotive engi-neer sees you on the track, it is too late to stop,” said Dale Bray, Union Pacific director – public safety.

“Locomotives and rail cars overhang the tracks by at least three feet on either side of the rail. If you are too close to the tracks, you can be hit by the locomotive or a rail car,” added Bray.

Union Pacific is committed to public safety through var-ious outreach channels such as community events, media, Union Pacific Railroad police, employee resource groups and Operation

Lifesaver. The UP CARES (Union Pacific Crossing Ac-cident Reduction Education and Safety) public safety ini-tiative brings together com-munities in a collaborative and caring effort to promote railroad grade crossing and pedestrian safety.

UP CARES activities include:

• Grade crossing enforce-ment with local, county and state law enforcement agencies;

• Safety trains that pro-vide local officials a first-hand look at what locomo-tive engineers see daily while they operate trains through a community and

• Communication blitzes that educate the community at events or media outreach.

Hunters are not the only ones drawn to railroad tracks – hikers, bikers, fishermen and snowmobilers are, as well.

Anyone choosing to walk on or near railroad tracks could face a tragic con-sequence. Last year, 411 people died and 361 were injured while trespassing on railroad property through-out the United States accord-ing to the Federal Railroad Administration.

People who enter railroad property can be arrested for violating trespassing laws. They could serve jail time and/or have to pay a fine. Do not become a statistic; stay away from railroad tracks during this hunting season.

Union Pacific Railroad Reminds Hunters Not To Be Drawn To Railroad Property


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2 8 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region an affiliate of the

Conservation Federation of Missouri honored three

parties at its 48th Annual Meeting held on May 31st at the Hilton Frontenac for their land and water conservation work.

Lifetime Open Space Honor:

Leo and Kay Drey

Throughout their lives, Leo and Kay Drey have followed their principles and have made the world a better, safer place as a result. Leo has spent decades protecting trees, endangered species and rivers. He established individual-tree selection as a sustainable forestry management practice that has been adopted nation-ally. He and Kay have preserved parks, wetlands and natural areas. Kay has worked relentlessly to force the nuclear power industry to be more responsible and safer. Their legacy will live on not just through their work and contributions but also through the conserva-tion and environmental organizations they have helped form and support including the Open Space Council. They are truly a living legacy!

The Open Space Council Land Conservancy Award

2013 Recipient: Great Rivers Greenway

Each year The Open Space Council (OSC) rec-ognizes an individual or or-ganization for outstanding contributions to enhancing, conserving or sustaining our region’s open space. This year, OSC was pleased to honor Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) for their contribution to the region’s open space legacy. Great Rivers Greenway’s mission to create a clean, green and connected region has continued to make the St. Louis Region a better place to live. Through this work, Great Rivers Green-way strives to build a vi-

brant open space legacy for future generations. Todd Antoine, Deputy Director

of Planning accepted the award for GRG.

Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region Honors Conservation Leaders

Left to right: Open space Council’s Founders, Kay and Leo Drey, with ron Coleman, Open space Council’s Executive Director. Photo credit: Open space Council.

The 2013 Land Conservancy award was presented to Todd Antoine of the Great rivers Greenway by steve Nagle (Vice President). Photo credit: Open space Council.


The 2013 William C. Schock award was presented by Bruce Litzsinger (Board Member) to Doug Ladd of The Nature Conservancy. Photo credit: Open space Council.

The William C. Schock Clean Water Conservancy Award 2013 Recipient: The Nature Conservancy

The annual Clean Water Conservancy Award is named after the late William C. Schock, who was a prominent St. Louis attorney and member of the board of directors of The Open Space Council. Schock is well known for his work in founding Operation Clean Stream, a project created 46 years ago to reverse the degradation of the Lower Meramec River. We are pleased to honor The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for their dedicated water conservation, environmen-tal initiatives and sound science associated with keeping our rivers and streams healthy. Doug Ladd, Senior Scientist accepted the award for TNC.

Conserve Life:Slow Down More than 1,100 people die on Missouri highways each year.

Don’t become a statistic. Conserve life by slowing down and by always making sure your seatbelt is buckled. BUCKLE UP

3 0 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

The Tiger Hotel holds a special place in the hearts of Conservation

Federation of Missouri members. Seventy-eight years ago this September, CFM was formed in this downtown Columbia landmark, and a new era in our state’s conservation leadership dawned. Since then, CFM has witnessed the formation of Missouri’s Conservation Commission, the creation of designated funding for both the De-partment of Conservation and for our state’s parks and has been involved in these and nearly every other major outdoor initia-tive impacting our state and its citizens.

On May 2, 2013, Con-servation Federation mem-bers once again packed into the Tiger Hotel to celebrate yet another milestone for our organization as we gathered to bid farewell to (and roast) CFM Executive Director, Dave Murphy. The roast was emceed by Bass Pro Shops’ Director

of Conservation, Martin MacDonald, and could not have been more special as Governor Jay Nixon, John-ny Morris, a handful of other close friends and even his own daughters partici-pated in a friendly telling of tales at Dave’s expense. True to his altruistic com-mitment to CFM’s mission, Dave’s wishes were that all proceeds from this roast be

reserved for the benefit of CFM in lieu of retirement gifts for him personally. Therefore, an endowment initiative was established to help ensure the secure fi-nancial future of CFM and provide a lasting tribute in honor of Dave’s efforts and of so many previous CFM staff and volunteer lead-ers. In addition to a truly special evening of fellow-

ship for many in the CFM family, initial contributions and pledges raised were tre-mendous, including a hand-written note from Johnny Morris on the back of the event program offering a multi-year pledge totaling $100,000 in honor of Dave and the work of CFM!

Dave’s vision for CFM’s role as “The Voice For Missouri Outdoors”

A Legacy of Conservation

Photo credits: Debra Lee.


remains unchanged — the perpetuation of excellence in conservation. His desire to preserve the rich his-tory of Missouri’s outdoor heritage and conservation legacy, maintain its rel-evancy amid the challenges facing our states natural resources today and to set the stage for the future of resource protection for all Missourians lives on. The David W. Murphy “Tenth Legion” Endowment is dedicated to the health and

viability of the Conserva-tion Federation of Missouri and its programs and was created with this in mind.

So why, you might ask, the Tenth Legion Endow-ment? Just as the Roman Tenth Legion’s unrelenting drive for sustained excel-lence transformed much of the known world for centuries, the Conservation Federation of Missouri has been blessed with many remarkable and driven leaders who, over the past

three-quarters of a century have helped to set in place a number of vital statewide programs with a real and positive impact on Mis-souri’s citizens, its natural resources and those who manage them.

For those who would like more information regarding the Tenth Legion Endow-ment or who wish to con-tribute to this important new initiative and its focus on the vitality of CFM, please contact the CFM

office at (800) 575-2322 or visit our website at www.confedmo.org.

“What can we do today to prepare for tomorrow? What is our part? What will be our legacy? The good news is, it is not too late to make a difference. The great news is, we get to choose what is right for each of us!”

— Dave Murphy

3 2 J U L Y 2 0 1 3

Don’t miss this year’s pre-shoot dinner on Friday, August 9 at Columbia Bass Pro Shops.

Join us for the 7th Annual Pull For Conservation Classic!Saturday, August 10, 2013

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

Vol74 no4 2013

Documents

missouri heritage foundation

missouri outdoors

legacy of conservation

year missouri poaching

national wildlife federation

union pacific railroad

outdoor heritage

railroad crossings