Last fall, I watched my son take his first deer. A few months later, I helped him take his first turkey, just 100 yards from where he’d taken that first deer. These were two proud dad moments that will stay with me forever. The photos that capture those special days tell a story — one that is repeated annually across Missouri amongst families carrying on the tradition of hunting.
From the early conservationists to the hunters and landowners that were critical to the restoration of deer and turkey populations, these traditions are part of who we are as Missourians. Today, hunters and landowners fund conservation, support habitat restoration, and champion wildlife management.
As another deer hunting season begins, I’m grateful to the hunters, landowners, and other dedicated individuals that make conservation possible. Given the challenges facing our deer and turkey populations — from disease to habitat loss and a shifting landscape — this is at the forefront of my mind. By remaining true to our legacy of stewardship with the same spirit of partnership and commitment from which Missouri’s conservation movement began, we can work together to ensure these iconic species remain healthy and abundant for generations to come.
Jason Sumners, Director
And More...
This Issue's Staff
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 – Kate Morrow
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale