Letters

No Pain No...

I just finished reading Gainful Gobbling by David Urich [March], and wanted to tell you I found myself laughing out loud in spots! The story was both touching and humorous, and quite honest and real in its content. Having reached an “advancing” age myself, I quite understand what Mr. Urich was talking about. I appreciated his integrity and self-deprecating humor very much. And the pictures that David Stonner took perfectly complimented the story. Looking forward to locating an “arrogant” turkey myself... .

Scott Brown, Rolla

I thought the Gainful Gobbling article was absolutely hilarious! While I would never in my wildest dreams think of getting up at 4 a.m. to gobble at a turkey, I had a wonderful time riding “shotgun” in David Urich’s hunt. Having burned a few scones in my time, I can sympathize with his wife, and I especially appreciated Mr. Urich’s mathematical formula, as I have discovered several “applied mathematics” formulas of my own over time (the size and expense of the wedding is in inverse proportion to the length and happiness of the marriage, for example). I wish him many more years of turkey hunting, and his wife many more years sleeping right past 4 a.m.

Carolyn Erickson, Dixon

Go Fish

I really enjoyed the article Gone Fishing in the recent Conservationist [March]. The pictures and story line were wonderful. I do need you to clear something up, though. The article centered on a Blue Ribbon area on the North Fork of the White River. I understand from reading the article that no plastic baits are allowed in such areas, yet on Page 21 it appears a trout has been caught on just such a lure. Could you please explain?

Lance Burbridge, Branson

Photographer’s note: The lure is a “Near Nuff Sculpin.” It has lead eyes, (which is legal) and the rest is dubbing and feathers.—David Stonner, nature photographer

Fitting Thanks

An outstanding story [February]. It is wonderful that the author remembered his father and his longtime friend by taking them on a fishing trip like they took him years before. Most people don’t think of doing things for their elders like Mark does. It was a great tribute to the family. Three ponds in one day is quite an accomplishment for anyone, young or old. I enjoy all your stories, but I think this is the best one yet.

Robert Keisker, High Ridge

I just finished reading the fishing story by Mark Goodwin; If more young people would do this for older people, there would be a lot more happiness in the world.

Joy Barton, Black

Outdoor Dads

I appreciated the article by Rex Martensen on coon hunting with his family [A Good Night to Go Out; December]. His perspective that coon hunting is a family outdoor activity is one I share. Likewise the article by Jeff Kitchen [First Year Fur Trapper; January] on trapping and sharing the lessons he has learned with his family. The upcoming generation is able to continue our heritage to trap and hunt, fish and respect the outdoors. Fathers spending time with their children in the outdoors. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Doren Miller, president, Missouri Trapper’s Association

Correction

On the March Letters Page [A Real Gem], a reader thanked David Stonner for his assistance with his daughter’s research paper on Lake of the Ozarks. This information was actually provided by fisheries management biologist Greg Stoner.

Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity.