Letters

Wild For U.S.

I am French and my management gave me a position to work in Missouri/Kansas City in early 2005. During these six previous years, I hunted, I fished, and I trapped in Missouri (and, in the other states, of course). I really enjoyed this experience in the United States of America.

Because I already hunted in many countries (Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia), I want to inform you that the American wildlife management is the BEST in the world. No doubt about this statement. Congratulations for your hard and smart work. Keep going! Again, thank you very much, I really enjoyed my six years in North America, basically because of your good job.

Frederic Bauchet, Liberty

Early Trapping

I enjoyed December’s Trapping—Education Over Extinction feature very much. I am, however, curious about when the beaver pictured on Page 12 was trapped. The picture looks more summerlike rather than from a fall day in November or December. Was it a nuisance-trapped beaver?

John Frederick, Rolla

Art director’s note: That picture was taken at a youth trapping clinic in early October. According to the conservation agent in charge of the event, the area manager issued a special use permit that accomplished two goals. One: it allowed for a complete experience for the youth participating in the clinic, and two: it allowed the area manager to take care of some nuisance animals. The animals used in the skinning portion of the clinic were either nuisance animals trapped in other locations, or donated animals.—Cliff White

Giving On All Fronts

Thank you for the article on the Blue Star Memorial at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery [November]. It is wonderful to read of the collaboration between several organizations that made it happen.

Upon reading the article I immediately thought of my grandfather A. George Morris. He was working at the Chesapeake Hatchery in Lawrence County when he was drafted for service in the Army during World War II. Inducted just a day before his 38th birthday, he may have been the oldest draftee on record.

I have no doubt the outdoor skills George learned as a child growing up in Dade County helped him survive his time in the South Pacific in the battles at Anguar and Peleliu. In letters he mentions imagining himself on an Ozarks river as he tries to sleep.

George came home at the end of the war, happy to resume his position with the Missouri Department of Conservation, and worked another 20 years. As the superintendent of hatcheries, most of those 20 years he was at the forefront in innovative fish culture and made sure Missourians were provided fish to catch.

The building of the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery was during his tenure, so as his granddaughter I view the memorial there in a personal way.

Pam Morris Jones, Springfield

MO Elk Dreams

I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed and was excited to read the elk story in the current issue [December]. I always look forward to the Conservationist, but this issue is one of the finest I’ve ever read. Great history, pictures and information. My wife and I just returned from Yellowstone, where we saw many elk and bison.

Robert Singer, Warrenton