Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
Book reveals Missouri's rich waterfowl and wetland history
Kansas City, Mo. – Thousands of ducks and geese will cup wings and glide into splashy landings this autumn at wetlands and lakes throughout western Missouri. This is possible because the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with hunters, groups and public agencies worked over the decades ensure healthy waterfowl populations.
A book released this fall, Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri – A Model of Collaboration, chronicles past, present and future.
The 480-page coffee-table book was written by veteran waterfowl biologists and wetland managers. Missouri's science-based waterfowl management includes working with private landowners and managing public wetlands to boost waterfowl and provide public hunting opportunities.
One of the book's authors, Jeff Churan of Chillicothe, will do a book signing 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at MDC's Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. in Kansas City. Churan is an avid hunter, conservationist and former member of the Missouri Conservation Commission.
Western Missouri has a rich waterfowl hunting history thanks to major rivers, wetlands, lakes and public conservation lands. Private hunting clubs have played a role in conservation and are included in the book. Interesting tales include the history behind Misty Morning Low Acres club in northwest Missouri. Stultz Lake Hunting and Fishing Club in Vernon County in west central Missouri was chartered in 1904 and is still active today. Many other duck hunting clubs are also featured.
Also of interest to many waterfowl hunters will be the history behind MDC's public conservation areas with wetlands, such as the Bob Brown Conservation Area in northwest Missouri or the Four Rivers Conservation Area in west central Missouri.
The book charters history of waterfowl management in Missouri and beyond. Many wonderful photographs are included as well as waterfowl art created by the legendary Charles W. Schwartz, a longtime MDC employee and artist.
Waterfowl Hunting and Wetland Conservation in Missouri is a cooperative effort between MDC, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Conservation Federation of Missouri, Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops and other conservation and hunting organizations.
The $40 book can be ordered by visiting mdcnatureshop.com/.