Up Front

By Jason Sumners |
From Missouri Conservationist: November 2024
Body

In early September, thanks to a generous offer from a private landowner, I had the opportunity to take my son on his first dove hunt. We were successful in harvesting a few doves, but for me, this would have been a successful hunt regardless of the outcome. By simply sharing time with him, sitting on a bucket on the edge of a sunflower field talking about nature, we made lasting memories. One remarkable thing happened after the hunt. My son asked, “Dad, can we share the doves with my friends?” It was certainly a proud dad moment.

Over the next few weeks, nearly 475,000 individuals will go afield in pursuit of white-tailed deer. Many of us will share our harvest with neighbors, friends, family, and those in our communities who are less fortunate. We estimate nearly 14 million pounds of high-quality venison is harvested each fall, accounting for more than 36 million meals. Add that venison to the millions of pounds of fish and other game harvested each year and you see the critical role fish and wildlife play in providing protein for many Missourians.

It’s important that we continue the challenging work of responsibly managing the state’s fish and wildlife and protecting the habitats on which they depend. By doing so, we are ensuring a high-quality food source that benefits so many people. I plan to do my part this fall, enjoying the benefits of an abundant deer herd that allows us to put venison in the freezer and sharing the bounty of success with others.

Jason Sumners, Director

JASON.SUMNERS@MDC.MO.GOV

This Issue's Staff

Magazine Manager - Stephanie Thurber
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Designer – Lyndsey Yarger
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale