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Letters to the Editor

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

April Issue

My husband says the April issue is the best he has ever read. He has been reading the Conservationist for more than 40 years. We’ve been married 35 years and have received a monthly copy of it since.

Barbara Wholey, Kansas City

Hooray for Arbor Day

I want to thank the Missouri Department of Conservation for the trees my daughter received. The first thing she said to me after school was that she had received “two free trees.” During our very excited conversation, she told me everything she knew about her new red oak trees, and I learned that the department was responsible for donating the trees to her class.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of conversation these two little trees have inspired between me and my daughter. Who would’ve thought two little trees would mean that much to a young girl and inspire her like they have.

On a side note, my 6-year-old daughter recently accompanied me on a paddlefish snagging trip. She was able to aid me in reeling in a 48 lb. paddlefish. Another wonderful experience for a Missouri youth.

Thank you not only for the two trees, but for all the opportunities the department helps to create for my family.

Jeff Berendzen via email

Hunting for Huckleberries

Your article on Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area [April] brought back 80-year-old childhood memories of going to that area, then locally known as Huckleberry Special, to pick the delicious berries that grew not far off the old gravel road. We would come from the neighboring town of Jane with our lard buckets to gather a supply to enjoy eating in grandmother’s huckleberry cobbler. The berries were plentiful. It’s a shame they are so scarce today.

Gerald Nichols Houston, Texas

Though huckleberries may be scarce, they have not disappeared from the landscape at Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area. Several patches have been found already this season in the area. —the editors

Snake Thieves

I was interested in your article regarding illegal snake trade in Missouri [Snake Thieves, April]. I was unaware of the problem. I am, however, very aware of the killing of snakes by people that consider them to be a nuisance or even a threat.

As a child growing up near Forest Park in St. Louis in the 50s, I enjoyed seeing garter snakes in the park. Probably the neatest snake I have seen in the wild in Missouri was a speckled kingsnake.

Ken Piper via email

I really enjoyed reading your article about snakes.I have been playing with snakes since I was a kid. I always try to tell people, please don’t kill them! Snakes are good. Leave them alone. Thanks again. Edward Hanrahan Florissant

Talking Turkey

My grandson and I attended a Youth Turkey Clinic in Clinton. Neither of us have ever been turkey hunting. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of the staff and instructors. We had a great time and learned a lot. Thank you for the opportunity to explore a new hobby with such knowledgeable people.

Steve Epstein and Ethan Perrin via email

Correction

Duck Creek Conservation Area is located southwest of Cape Girardeau, not southwest of Joplin as was stated in the May issue of the Missouri
Conservationist.In addition, the fishing
lake is 1,800 acres, not 18,000.

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