The Federation Report
August 14, 2015
In This Issue
Legislative Report
  

We are so proud of the work the Conservation Federation of Missouri, our affiliate partners and so many individual Missouri citizens are collectively accomplishing. The legislative session has ended and great strides were made this year. This article touches on the direction we are heading.
From Our Blog:
 
"Shooting" Like a Pro

Guest Blog By:
Scott Bauer

 
I have said you don't always have to harvest an animal while hunting; you can 'shoot' it with your camera and appreciate its existence for years to come. Capturing the moment with the perfect camera 'shot' allows my friends, family and social media followers to see the beauty of Missouri.

I have an incredible passion for the outdoors, but I have always wanted to share the experiences I encounter with the people around me. I constantly found myself returning home to my family after a weekend of bow hunting or fishing, telling vivid stories of what I saw and experienced, but I never had anything to illustrate my encounters. Finally, I decided to capture some images and videos so family and friends who couldn't join me could experience it just as I did. I thought what better way than to bring the woods home with me, through images... 
Missouri Dove Hunt
The Missouri Department of Conservation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever, Missouri Friends of NRA and private landowners have joined forces to offer several introductory dove hunting workshops and mentored hunts all across Missouri.

This opportunity is being provided in an effort to recruit new hunters. Most hunts are intended for first time hunters 11 years of age or older. Hunters 11-15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Family participation is encouraged.

Print a registration form HERE.
Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) Conference

August 21-22, 2015
Peachtree Catering & Banquet Center
Columbia, MO
MoBCI logo
Conference theme: "To Kill a Mockingbird" - A look at the variety of threats and challenges facing bird management in Missouri and elsewhere.
Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri
- A Model of Collaboration
Discover the unique history of the "Missouri Model" of wetland and waterfowl management in this large format and richly illustrated book. This is a must have for all serious migratory bird hunters.

All net proceeds will be dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation that benefits Missouri.
National Wildlife Federation Seeks
Monarch Outreach Specialist

The National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) South Central Regional office, located in Austin, TX seeks an energetic, focused and motivated individual to assist with the implementation of their Monarch Urban Outreach Program, which will build capacity within targeted cities in the monarch butterfly central flyway to take appropriate, effective action on behalf of monarch butterfly recovery.
CFM Store
   

Clean Water = Great Beer T-shirt

~ $15.00 ~

 
Other items are available for purchase on the

Affiliate Summit
September 17-18, 2015
Attention Affiliate Leaders,
 

We hope you will be available to attend the Second Annual CFM Affiliate Summit on September 17-18 at the Inn at Grand Glaize in Lake Ozark, MO. Your attendance, along with additional leaders of your affiliations, will benefit other attendees, and will help ensure this Summit is as productive as possible.

 

This year's Affiliate Summit will once again feature impressive speakers and cover important topics. The Summit begins with lunch at noon on Thursday and ends at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Dinner is provided Thursday evening followed by a hospitality suite. Lunch is also provided on Friday. There is no cost for up to two representatives from affiliate organizations that are current on their dues. Additional representatives are welcome to attend for $50 each.

 

Registration is required by September 1, 2015.

 

The Inn at Grand Glaize has provided a special discount to attendees at a nightly rate of $75. To receive this rate reservations must be made by August 17. Please call (800) 348-4731 to reserve your room today. Use promo code: CONFED15.
Explore the Outdoors - Saint Louis
October 24, 2015
St. Louis is the second stop of CFM's regional event series in 2015. Taking place on October 24, 2015 at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center and The Lodge at Des Peres, the event familiarizes St. Louis residents with the outdoor opportunities in the area while they learn more about the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
  
The event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Powder Valley Nature Center with multiple interactive sessions on hunting, fishing, birding, outdoor photography and other outdoor opportunities in the St. Louis area. Following the seminars at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, the event moves to The Lodge at Des Peres for a celebration of conservation featuring dinner, live entertainment, auctions, raffles and a panel discussion.

CFM is hosting Dr. Peter Raven, President Emeritus of Missouri Botanical Gardens; Andy Buchsbaum, Vice President of Conservation Action for the National Wildlife Federation; and Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, for a discussion on world, national and state conservation issues.
  
There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses. Sponsors receive ten tickets and an Iron Business Alliance membership with their purchase.

For more information, please contact Rehan Nana at RNana@confedmo.org or 573-634-2322.
New Interactive Advocacy Portal
Has Been Launched

The Conservation Federation of Missouri has launched a new Interactive Advocacy Portal. Once signed up, the system will allow residents to see who their representatives are and send already written emails directly to them with the click of a button.

 

Conservation in Missouri is experiencing attacks like never before. Legislative bills are threatening our successful Department of Conservation by eliminating funding sources and altering conservation authority. This new advocacy portal allows Missourians to have a greater voice in these policy issues that affect conservation and our precious natural resources.By working together, our voices will be heard by decision makers before they act on your behalf.

 

Sign up TODAY for FREE

 

Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter Clinic
Join the staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation for this premier wingshooting workshop. This is a free workshop that will help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills with non-toxic shot.

Topics include: how to select the best ammunition and choke combination for hunting, how to improve your shooting skills, general information on the latest non-toxic shotgun ammunition, how to improve your range and distance estimation skills, and how to properly pattern your shotgun.

Participants should bring their hunting shotgun and choke tubes if applicable, non-toxic shotgun ammunition they wish to pattern, eye/ear protection, and a stool or chair. Clay targets and 12 and 20 gauge non--toxic practice ammunition will be provided. For specific workshop details, call the listed contact number.

Workshop Schedule:
  • August 22: Jay Henges Range, Saint Louis - (636) 938-9548
  • August 22: Andy Dalton Range, Springfield - (417) 742-4361
  • August 25 & 26: Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph - (816) 271-3111, ext. 1443
  • September 12: Ted Shanks Conservation Area, Ashburn - (660) 785-2424, ext. 6507
  • September 19: Jay Henges Range, Saint Louis - (636) 938-9548
  • September 19: White Ranch Conservation Area, West Plains - (417) 255-9561, ext. 230
  • September 19: University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg - (660) 530-5500
  • October 2 & 3: Lake City Range, Kansas City - (816) 249-3194
  • October 3: Lake Show Me, Memphis - (660) 785-2424, ext. 6507
  • October 17: Duck Creek Conservation Area - (573) 290-5730

Discover Nature programs are designed to help Missourians explore nature and master outdoor skills together. This program is open to ages 14 and over.

 

Bass Fishing Fundraiser
Tomorrow ~ August 15, 2015

Feral Hogs ~ The Danger They Pose to Wildlife and Land in Missouri