Inbox

Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Email Magazine@mdc.mo.gov or write to us:

Missouri Conservationist
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Annual Review

Learned so much reading the January 2018 issue of Missouri Conservationist.

Cheryl Whatley via Facebook

The January issue literally had me happy crying. Elk herds are recovering, and 91 percent of adult elk cows were found to be pregnant. More than half of the yearling cows were also pregnant. Black bears are making a comeback. Our wetlands are recovering and aiding in the recovery of marsh birds. Prairie chickens are making a comeback. Feral hog numbers are down, and chronic wasting disease in deer is being held at bay. Not to mention, we are feeding people in need through Share the Harvest, where hunters donate meat from their hunts. This is what I’m hoping to see nationwide. To anyone who cares about conservation, this is great, joyous news. Great job, Missouri Department of Conservation!

Myrna Elise Fridley via Facebook

I just read the January issue with the annual report. Do not let anyone or any state say or think that Missourians do not care enough or are not willing to commit the resources for wildlife conservation. In comparison, Missouri is light years ahead of other states in this regard, and Missourians are entitled to the credit and the respect for our efforts and accomplishments.

Joseph B. Gibbs, PE Columbia

Mighty Monarch

For several years, I have let volunteer milkweeds grow. This year, we had a great hatching. It was a great sight to see the small monarchs flying around in my flower garden. What a thrill!

Wanda Teter Fayette

Gigging

Many thanks to Mr. Blake Stephens and Mr. Jim Wiggs and family for what they are doing for our youth. We, too, have introduced numerous youth to gigging.

Junior McSwain Ava

Screech-Owls

I enjoyed February’s Missouri Conservationist, especially the article about owls. Went on a fishing trip to Canada years ago. We hired a guide, who mimicked a barred owl in broad daylight and got a reply back. I started calling after dark. After the third or fourth call, we heard a fast flapping of wings as the owl landed in the tree right above our cottage. Enjoy your great magazine!

Gary and Gina DeHaven via email

One glance at the cover of the February issue brought back memories when I was a research biologist with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. I was involved in research using a large colony of captive eastern screech-owls on the effects of environmental contaminants. I recall occasionally receiving slight wounds to the back of my head from their needle sharp talons. I greatly enjoy your excellent magazine. Keep up the good work.

Stanley Wiemeyer St. Joseph

Praise for the Conservationist

Every time I receive a copy of your magazine, I read it from start to finish, particularly the photos. Well done! In my youth, I hunted and fished, but after my service in the Army, I stopped hunting and only “catch and release,” taking great care to return the fish in pristine condition so someone else can have the thrill and pleasure of the catch. Thank you again for all your efforts. Man needs the balance between the city and nature, and your efforts go a long way in keeping that balance.

Harry McClure via email

Connect With Us!

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• @moconservation
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Conservation Headquarters

573-751-4115 | PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

Regional Offices

• Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730
• Central/Columbia: 573-815-7900
• Kansas City: 816-622-0900
• Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420
• Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880
• Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100
• St. Louis: 636-441-4554
• Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161

Have a Question for a Commissioner?

Send a note using our online contact form at mdc.mo.gov/ commissioners.

Want to see your photos in the Missouri Conservationist?

Share your photos on Flickr at flickr.com/groups/mdcreaderphotos-2018, email Readerphoto@mdc.mo.gov, or include the hashtag #mdcdiscovernature on your Instagram photos.