Show-Me Gobbler a Tri-Annual Publication of the George C

Show-Me Gobbler A Tri-Annual Publication of the George C. Clark Missouri Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

Volume 36 Number 3 • December 2017

Making New Hunters Through Hunter Education Programs One of the Missouri State Chapters goals outlined in the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. 10 year plan is to recruit, retain, or reactivate (R3) 20,000 hunters by the year 2023. Two of the primary strategies to achieve this goal is to provide mentored hunting opportunities and assist with hunter education program delivery. This past summer your super fund dollars helped support the Discover Nature Girls Camps that occurred in all 8 MDC regions. Annually, these camps are designed to provide 20-50 girls ages 11-15 with a weekend of outdoor education, exposure to a variety of outdoor related activities, and their hunter education training and certification. This past summer, 250 girls attended 30 young ladies, their chaperones, and MDC Conservation Agent Brian Bartlett are pictured at one of the 8 Discover Nature Girls Camps hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the Missouri these 8 camps, received their hunter education Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) and a host of other supporters. certification, and were a part of the R3 effort here in Missouri. For more information about similar events go to: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/

conservation sales tax that provides 60% of the Missouri Saving the Hunt Department of Conservations operating revenue to provide the services we depend upon. However, the ma- The NWTF is one of many conservation based nongov- jority of the remaining funding necessary is still hunter ernmental organizations (NGO’s) here in Missouri that dependent and most other states don’t have this source all do great work in “Saving the Habitat.” Missouri also and are even more dependent upon hunter numbers for probably does a better job than most anywhere else in their funding. working collaboratively with one another to maximize our effectiveness in moving the needle for conservation. Of equal importance in keeping hunter numbers grow- At the halfway point of our 10 year strategic plan, we ing is the strength of our collective voice. The North are on track to accomplish our goal of conserving and American Model of Wildlife Conservation is founda- enhancing 300,000 acres towards the national goal of tional to why we have the wildlife resources that prob- achieving 4 million acres. This is great news and your ably most of us take for granted. Because even many hard work and commitment at the local level has made hunters cannot explain what the model is and how the 7 this happen. basic principles function, some of the key elements are increasingly being challenged. As our numbers shrink Although all of our goals both nationally and at the state our ability to effectively stand up to these challenges is level have been aggressive, what has turned out to be the weakened. most challenging are our recruitment, retention, and reactivation goals (R3). At the national level, we set 1.5 Although Missouri leads the country in R3, being million hunters created as the 10 year goal with 20,000 one of only a few states that actually gains more hunt- being Missouri’s portion. ers than we lose, even Missouri is just slightly ahead of even. Agency directors from across the country are Hunter creation goals were part of the 10 year plan be- very concerned about what the next 10 years will bring. cause of the important link between hunters and conser- The current trend indicates that as the years tick by and vation. Although most folks are at least somewhat aware more baby boomers cycle out, we are rapidly approach- of how hunters provide an important revenue stream for ing a threshold, below which, this system will no longer conservation, most are probably not aware of the impor- function effectively. tant details. In addition to the license fees themselves, the excise taxes placed on their sporting arms, ammuni- Our efforts have us in the top 10 states in the country in tion, and archery equipment are portioned back to the R3. However, we have consistently fallen short of achiev- Saving the hunt is a multigenerational effort. states based upon a formula that includes the size of the ing our annual goals. Missouri chapters do a great job of state as well as the number of hunters the state sells li- executing our outreach programs (JAKES, WITO, and censes to. We are blessed in Missouri with the design for Wheel’n) and this will always be an important part of continued on next page 2 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 President’s Report As I sit to write It’s been a horrific year for loss of our natu- this report this ral resources due to terrible wildfires here in the beautiful Thanks- United States. Not only the amount of wildfires giving Day, I has increased but also the amount of damage reflect on things from those fires. Research on the cause of such that I am thankful catastrophic fires, has pointed to hotter and drier for. Our families weather conditions, longer fire seasons, a lack of of course and active forest management, underfunding of the wonderful friends U.S. Forest Service’s forest health and restoration that’s always there programs, as well as legal battles. for us. To live in SHOW-ME this great country, Our State Chapter Presidents from all over the where we can nation, sent letters to our congress encouraging worship as we choose, bear arms, hunt, fish and all them to support the Resilient Federal Forest Act of 2017, along with many of our members calling their GOBBLER the things we each enjoy on a regular basis. All of R.L. Bennett, President Regional Biologist this is because of our Veterans, past and present. representatives. It was amazing that the passage of this very important legislation was not one sided, P. O. Box 1186 John Burk THANK YOU VETERANS. Nixa, MO 65714 573-676-5994 but hard work across the party lines. As we say in H: 417-725-1973 [email protected] It has been an exciting and eventful year at the the NWTF, when we work hard together for a com- C: 417-840-3949 NWTF. Our National Board hired a new CEO, mon goal, it’s amazing what we can accomplish. We Regional Director [email protected] Tim Besancenez Becky Humphrey. They asked Becky to take a good thank congress for their hard work and encourage Chairman of the Board 2710 Eagles Drive look at our expenditures and projected income, to them to continue to work across party lines to solve Tim Brooks Pacific, MO 63069 see if we need to make changes, in order to make problems all across this great Nation. Working 1809 Michael Dr. 636-257-7121 us stronger as a organization. After much consid- alone we accomplish little, but working together we Louisiana, MO 63353 [email protected] eration, it was determined to cut several jobs at our can accomplish much. 573-754-6692 Regional Director headquarters in Edgefield, South Carolina. As we [email protected] Larry Neal at the NWTF, continue working to streamline our In this issue there is bio’s of our members run- Dan Zerr V. President 2780 Hwy. V expenditures, in order to use more of every dollar ning for election to our NWTF State Board of 8522 Orf Rd Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 our volunteers raise to further our mission and our Directors, along with a ballot. I would encourage Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 573-334-8881 latest initiative SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE each of you to vote and mail your ballots in. (636) 625-1608 [email protected] [email protected] HUNT. I have the utmost confidence in our Na- Regional Director I would like to wish each of you a very Merry Brian Duckett, Secretary Mike Allen tional Board and CEO to make the NWTF stronger Christmas and the greatest of New Year. than ever before. 120 Foxtree Dr. 20240 State Highway J. Hazelwood, MO 63042 Brashear, MO 63533 R. L. Bennett, President (314) 574-9213 660-323-5531 George Clark MO State NWTF Chapter [email protected] [email protected] Bernard R. (Bernie) Grice, Jr. Regional Director 1213 Marcassin Drive Derek Payne Saving the Hunt continued from page 1. Columbia, MO 65201-7224 (East KS-West MO) H: 573-445-6967 714 E 16th St who we are. However, we need to focus more attention Mentored hunts: Fax 573-445-8515 Kearney, MO 64060 on taking these introductory programs to the next C: 573-268-0453 Cell: 573-999-4574 level and provide more mentored hunting experiences - Name [email protected] Editor/Designer in an effort to seriously work on bringing new folks - Chapter affiliation [email protected] Joe Pendergrass into the hunting community. - Date of hunt (can be approximate i.e. Show Me More Outdoors 2017 deer rifle season, etc.) 573-368-1402 An additional challenge that we have faced nationally - Number of new hunters created [email protected] in delivering our 10 year plan has been getting the results of the events and mentored hunting experiences STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Show-Me Gobbler is published three times recorded. Please help us do a better job of tracking the per year by the George C. Clark Missouri State Chapter of the National Wild Needed for hunter education info is: Turkey Federation and is circulated statewide to its membership as well as other great things that you are accomplishing. interested parties. As the official publication of the George C. Clark Missouri - Name State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Show-Me Gobbler We have just finished a few hunting seasons and are serves to inform, educate and entertain wild turkey enthusiasts throughout in the middle of a few others so the memories of these - Chapter affiliation Missouri and is committed to supporting conservation through sound wildlife management, and sport hunting through safety and ethics education. wonderful experiences should be fresh in everyone’s - Number of students attending minds. If you took a new hunter afield (as defined - Hunter Education instructor ID number below) or are a hunter education instructor please take - Remember the metrics for counting hunters: ARTICLE SUBMISSION NOTE: The staff of the Show-Me Gobbler thank you for your contributions the minute or two to contact me and let me know so 1. Someone that you take hunting that has never to the publication. Please feel free to submit future articles with that I can record this information. Call me at 573-676- hunted previously. photos to the contact information listed on the back page of this issue. 5994 or send an e-mail to [email protected] The infor- Submission requirements: Digital copy submitted in Microsoft Word. mation I will need is listed to the right: 2. Someone that you take hunting that has lapsed (please contact us if you can only send hard copy) Digital photo- graphs are preferred but will be accepted as snapshots if supplied to at least one season. the editor. When scanning your own photos, please use at least 225 resolution (dpi) but no more than 400 dpi, saved as a .jpg, .tiff or .eps. 3. Someone that you take hunting that has never Photos submitted outside of these guidelines may not be suitable for Thanks in advance with your assistance in helping the hunted the species you are pursuing (example: printing. Please include photo captions and credits for each photo NWTF make a difference! someone that may be a turkey hunter but has submitted. Photos will not be returned. Thanks again for your contri- never hunted deer or small game) butions and we look forward to your participation in the future. Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 3

Missouri Hunting Heritage Banquets

Missouri State Banquet Nemo Black Mountain Longbeards South Grand River Gobblers 01/06/2018 · 5:00 PM 01/27/2018 · 5:30 PM 02/03/2018 · 4:30 PM 02/24/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Tim Besancenez (636) 262-0815 Contact: Melissa Sharkey (573) 769-3476 Contact: Jason Wengler (573) 783-9988 Contact: Joshua Stafford (816) 289-8921 Location: Tan Tara Resort - Lake Of The Ozarks Location: Admiral Coontz Recreation Center [email protected] [email protected] 494 Tan Tara Rd, Osage Beach, MO 65065 401 Warren Barrett Dr., Hannibal, MO 63401 Location: St Michaels Catholic School Location: Cass County Elk’s Lodge Main, Fredericktown, MO 63645 2402 N Hwy 291, Harrisonville, MO 64701 Honey Creek Strutters Ray County Shortspurs 01/13/2018 · 5:30 PM 01/27/2018 · 5:30 PM Delta Bootheel Gobblers Lead Belt Longbeards Contact: Chad Foreman (816) 632-2017 Contact: Mark Mccorkendale (816) 217-7496 02/03/2018 · 5:00 PM 02/25/2018 · 5:00 PM [email protected] [email protected] Contact: Lynn Smith (573) 888-0054 Contact: Kathryn Wolff (573) 701-2050 Location: Cameron Community Center Location: Ray County Veterans Mem. Bldg Location: Kennett VFW [email protected] 915 N. Ashland Dr., Cameron, MO 64429 312 Clark St., Richmond, MO 64085 1101 Veterans St., Rt 412 S Bypass Location: Knights Of Columbus Bonne Terre Kennett, MO 63857 7897 Berry Rd, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Springtown Wattlenecks Hickory County Jakes And Jennies 01/19/2018 · 6:00 PM 01/27/2018 · 5:30 PM Upper Meramec Longspurs Current River Longbeards Contact: Troy O’dell (816) 506-9422 Contact: Tim Pratt (417) 298-5690 02/09/2018 · 6:00 PM 03/01/2018 · 5:30 PM [email protected] Location: Hickory County Senior Center Contact: Shane Staples (573) 259-7405 Contact: Delbert Dewolf (573) 660-1114 Location: Annunciation Community Center Highway 54, Wheatland, MO 65779 [email protected] [email protected] 705 North Jefferson Street Location: Recklein Auditorium Location: So Mo Baptist Assembly Kearney, MO 64060 Southern Ozark Longbeards 304 North Smith Street, Cuba, MO 65453 Hc 1 Box 200, Van Buren, MO 63965 01/27/2018 · 5:00 PM Union Covered Bridge Gobblers Contact: Sam Griffin Fabius River Fantails Stealth Gobblers 01/20/2018 · 5:30 PM [email protected] 02/10/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/02/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: Bruce Mills (573) 721-2268 Location: His Place Contact: Jeremy Holman (660) 341-8823 Contact: David Mccannon (667) 747-8260 [email protected] #4 Wright Park Drive, Hwy 160 [email protected] [email protected] Location: Madison Community Building Doniphan, MO 63935 Location: Community Center Location: Elks Lodge 115 South Main St., Madison, MO 65263 207 N. 4th St., Edina, MO 63537 822 E. Young St., Warrensburg, MO 64093 Swampeast Strutters Dent County Thundering Toms 02/01/2018 · 5:30 PM Lincoln Hills Osage Prairie Thunderin’ Toms 01/20/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Kevin Miller (573) 683-3203 02/10/2018 · 5:00 PM 03/02/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: John Steelman (573) 247-9217 [email protected] Contact: R.Jay Herring (314) 486-8581 Contact: Adam Dean (417) 448-7380 [email protected] Location: United Methodist Church [email protected] [email protected] Location: Indian Trail Archery 1700 E. Marshall Location: Sacred Heart Parrish Location: Eagles Lodge Highway 19 N, Salem, MO 65560 Charleston, MO 63834 714 Lincoln Street, Elsberry, MO 63343 East Austin Blvd, Nevada, MO 64772

Current River Callers Walt Beumer Memorial Chapter Bootheel Boss Gobblers Marshfield Full Strutters 01/20/2018 · 5:00 PM 02/02/2018 · 6:00 PM 02/10/2018 · 4:00 PM 03/02/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: Troy Mcafee (573) 325-4930 Contact: Brian Duckett (314) 574-9213 Contact: Bronson Senn Contact: Kenny Grunlien (417) 859-7744 [email protected] [email protected] Location: Bavarian Hall Location: Marshfield Buildings Location: Winona School Location: The Boeing Machinist Building Jct I-55 And Us Hwy 61 N @ Fruitland 1049 School View Dr, Marshfield, MO 65706 Hwy 19 North, Winona, MO 65588 212 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, MO 63042 Jackson, MO 63755 Rocky Top Limbhangers Indian Creek Chapter Rogersville Strutters Kingdom Of Callaway Limbhangers 03/02/2018 · 5:30 PM 01/20/2018 · 5:30 PM 02/02/2018 · 5:30 PM 02/23/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: Larry Lindeman (417) 256-0980 Contact: Matt Friend (417) 389-5443 Contact: Cody Wilson (417) 838-2451 Contact: John Burk (573) 808-1159 Location: Howell County Rural Fire Station #1 [email protected] Location: First Baptist Church [email protected] K Highway, West Plains, MO 65775 Location: Someplace Nice Llc 101 West Center St., Rogersville, MO 65742 Location: 54 Country 9131 Wallaby Rd., Pierce City, MO 65723 400 Gaylord Drive, Fulton, MO 65251 Cooper County Limbhangers Tick Ridge 03/03/2018 · 5:30 PM Salt River Sharp Spurs 02/03/2018 · 5:00 PM Sand Burr Strutters Contact: Vaughn Sell (660) 882-5175 01/26/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Dan Coons (660) 415-6842 02/23/2018 · 5:30 PM [email protected] Contact: Jason Pollard (573) 248-4976 Location: Macon Co Expo Center Contact: Shane Washburn (573) 380-2923 Location: Knight’s Of Columbus Hall [email protected] Hwy 63 S, Macon, MO 63552 Location: VFW 1515 Radio Hill Roadm Boonville, MO 65233 Location: Father Buhman Center 709 Smith Street, Sikeston, MO 63801 103 S. 4th, Shelbina, MO 63469 Chariton River Full Strutters Mark Twain Forest Longspurs 02/03/2018 · 5:30 PM Grand River Gobblers 03/03/2018 · 5:30 PM Heartland Longbeards Contact: Jordan Harmon (660) 247-5306 02/24/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: Tony Hollinsworth (573) 854-0497 01/26/2018 · 6:00 PM [email protected] Contact: Bryan Gray Location: Potosi Lions Club Contact: Kevin Clark (816) 678-5019 Location: Knight & Rucker Building [email protected] Highway 185, Potosi, MO 63664 Location: Elks Lodge Lower Level Broadway, Brunswick, MO 65236 Location: American Legion Post 216 100 Nw Brizendine Rd 32932 W State Hwy 13, Bethany, MO 64424 Clearwater Longbeards Blue Springs, MO 64014 Gateway Long Spurs 03/03/2018 · 5:00 PM (CST) 02/03/2018 · 5:00 PM Moniteau Monarchs Contact: Richard Ayers (573) 223-2356 Willard Thunderin Gobblers Contact: Dan Zerr (636) 699-7000 02/24/2018 · 5:30 PM Location: Trinity Methodist Church 01/26/2018 · 6:00 PM [email protected] Contact: Brian Hill (573) 796-3885 Hwy 34, Piedmont, MO 63957 Contact: Carrie Bussard (417) 827-0782 Location: St. Theodore Catholic Church Gym [email protected] [email protected] 5051 Hwy P, Flint Hill, MO 63385 Location: Knights Of Columbus Location: The Round Barn At Clear Creek Highway 50, Tipton, MO 65081 10731 West Us 160, Walnut Grove, MO 65770 Continued on next page. 4 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017

Heartland Gobblers North Central Local Carroll County Longbeards Missouri Hunting 03/10/2018 · 5:00 PM 03/24/2018 · 5:30 PM 04/14/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Chuck Stewart (573) 421-1257 Contact: Bill Wehrle (660) 646-4362 Contact: Robert Peetoom (660) 593-3475 Heritage Banquets [email protected] [email protected] Location: Goppert Community Center Location: American Legion Location: Chillicothe Elks Lodge 201 S. Pine St, Norborne, MO 64668 Continued 2320 Kanell Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 401 Harvester Road, Chillicothe, MO 64601 Truman Lake Chapter Turkey Creek Longbeards St. Louis Longbeards Platte Cty Longspurs 04/14/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/03/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/10/2018 · 5:30 PM (CST) 03/24/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Christopher Tucker (660) 885-4486 Contact: Ron Gilbert (417) 434-0869 Contact: Russ Ode (314) 644-4228 Contact: Doug Yeager (816) 807-4277 [email protected] [email protected] Location: Affton Elks Lodge Location: Platte County Fairgrounds Location: Benson Convention Center Location: Joplin Elks Lodge 6330 Heege Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 414 M92 Spur Hwy, Tracy, MO 64079 1008 E. Sedalia St, Clinton, MO 64735 1802 W. 26th St, Joplin, MO 64804 Bayou Strutters Saline County Strutters St. Louis Granders Event Sho-me 03/13/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/24/2018 · 5:30 PM 04/16/2018 · 6:00 PM 03/03/2018 · 5:00 PM Contact: Larry Neal (314) 334-4942 Contact: E.W. Browning (660) 886-3295 Contact: Jim Mraz (316) 220-0594 Contact: Matthew Kramer (417) 839-6366 Location: Cedars Banquet And Gatherings Location: Martin Community Center Location: Anheuser Busch Brewery [email protected] 401 East Washington, East Prairie, MO 63845 1985 S. Odell Ave, Marshall, MO 65340 12 & Lynch Street, St. Louis, MO 63118 Location: White River Conference Center 600 West Sunshine, Springield, MO 65806 Putnam County Chapter Big River Gobblers Spring River Toms 03/16/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/24/2018 · 5:00 PM 04/20/2018 · 6:00 PM Platte Purchase Contact: Joe Ream (660) 341-0895 Contact: Rich Christopher (314) 546-2668 Contact: Jerry Hartman 03/03/2018 · 5:00 PM [email protected] Location: Knights Of Columbus Hall [email protected] Contact: Bryan Lukehart (816) 244-6858 Location: Putnam County High School 6800 Kc Lane, House Springs, MO 63051 Location: Carthage Memorial Hall [email protected] 801 S. 20th, Unionville, MO 63565 407 S Garrison Ave Location: No Place Hocomo Big Beards Carthage, MO 648361749 3414 S 22nd St, St. Joseph, MO 64503 Reynolds County 03/31/2018 · 5:30 PM 03/16/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: David Glaskey (573) 631-5533 Gentry County Gobblers Lake Show-me Longbeards Contact: Gary Black (573) 637-9344 [email protected] 04/21/2018 · 6:00 PM 03/09/2018 · 5:30 PM Location: Reynolds County Fairgrounds Location: St Joseph’s Church Hall Contact: Mitch Holtman (816) 273-6774 Contact: Chris Comstock (660) 216-0634 Hwy O, Redford, MO 63665 300 N. Cleveland, Fayette, MO 65248 [email protected] [email protected] Location: Tri Meadows Location: VFW Post 4958 Kirksville Ridge Runners Lewis County Strutters 34499 St Hwy VV 123 W. Monroe, Memphis, MO 63555 03/17/2018 · 5:30 PM 04/06/2018 · 5:30 PM Conception Juct., MO 64434 Contact: Ron Darr (660) 341-6936 Contact: Ron Richardson (660) 341-9398 Parkville Gobblers [email protected] [email protected] Mid-state 03/09/2018 · 6:00 PM Location: Nemo Fairgrounds Location: Queen Of Peace Parish 04/26/2018 · 5:00 PM Contact: John Shene (816) 365-2856 Hwy 11 East, Kirksville, MO 63501 Ewing, MO 63440 Contact: Jody Martin (573) 999-9024 Location: Parkville Athletic Complex Location: Stoney Creek Inn 6014 N. 9 Hwy, Parkville, MO 64152 King City Strutters Summit Ridge Longbeards 2601 S. Providence Road, 03/17/2018 · 5:30 PM 04/06/2018 · 6:00 PM Columbia, MO 65203 Lake Of The Ozarks Nwtf Chapter Contact: Justin Washburn (660) 853-2377 Contact: Glenn Farris (573) 690-6425 03/09/2018 · 6:00 PM Location: Tri County Alternative Energy [email protected] Osage Gobblers Contact: Kurt Heisler (573) 378-0763 604 North Grand, King City, MO 64463 Location: St Andrews Catholic Church Gym 04/27/2018 · 5:30 PM [email protected] 400 St. Andrews Drive, Contact: Steve Brune (573) 897-2211 Location: Stover Community Center River Hills Thunderin’ Longbeards Holts Summit, MO 65043 Location: Osage County Community Center 600 Legion Drive, Stover, MO 65078 03/17/2018 · 5:00 PM Highway 50 East, Linn, MO 65051 Contact: Butch Stephens (573) 543-2165 State Fair Strutters Carman Springs Longbeards [email protected] 04/07/2018 · 5:30 PM Southern Boone Strutters 03/09/2018 · 5:30 PM Location: Bloomsdale K Of C Hall Contact: Charles Mattingly (660) 827-0758 05/05/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Terry Newton (417) 469-2881 175 Jersey Lane, Bloomsdale, MO 63627 [email protected] Contact: James Creel (573) 356-4924 [email protected] Location: Mec Building MO State Fair Grounds [email protected] Location: Willow Springs R-4 Lake Area Longbeards Sedalia, MO 65301 Location: Ashland Optimist Club Elementary Cafateria, 215 4th St 03/17/2018 · 6:00 PM 511 N. Optimist Drive, Ashland, MO 65010 Willow Springs, MO 65793 Contact: Charles Mcelyea (573) 376-7231 Green Hills Location: The Exchange Venue 04/13/2018 · 5:30 PM Four Rivers Yellow Creek Gobblers 57 Court Circle S.W., Camdenton, MO 65020 Contact: Robin Chambers 05/11/2018 · 5:00 PM 03/10/2018 · 5:30 PM [email protected] Contact: Mark Burns (636) 584-4046 Contact: Dennis Paalhar (660) 537-3459 Pike Co Twin River (660) 654-1192 [email protected] [email protected] 03/23/2018 · 6:00 PM Location: National Guard Armory Location: Knights Of Columbus Hall Location: Walsworth Community Building Contact: Timothy Brooks (573) 754-6692 900 Industrial Drive, Trenton, MO 64683 110 Pottery Road, Washington, MO 63090 122 E. Ritchie, Marceline, MO 64658 [email protected] Location: Elk’s Lodge Meramec Valley Strutters Branson Tri-lakes Randolph County Longbeards 120 N 5th, Louisiana, MO 63353 04/13/2018 · 6:00 PM 06/02/2018 · 5:00 PM 03/10/2018 · 5:30 PM Contact: Dennis Twyman Contact: Charles J Livingston (417) 699-3481 Contact: Larry Terry (660) 651-8636 Muddy Creek Gobblers [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 03/23/2018 · 6:00 PM (573) 468-5010 Location: Radisson Hotel Location: St. Pius X Gymnasium Contact: Jared Chestnut (417) 682-3767 Location: Knights Of Columbus Hall 120 Wildwood Drive South, 210 S. Williams St., Moberly, MO 65270 Location: Thiebaud Auditorium 231 South Highway 185 Branson, MO 65616 11th And Poplar, Lamar, MO 64759 Sullivan, MO 63080 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 5

wild turkeys, deer, songbirds, and as recreational document to apply for incentive funds from NRCS In the Woods areas for the public. As time passed, many of those (through EQIP) that can help offset the costs of im- areas became overgrown with wood shrubs and small plementing management activities. In my first year, In June of 2016, I started my position as a Project trees. This change in condition altered how animals I wrote four FMPs for owners throughout Southeast Forester with NWTF. My position was created by and people used these old fields. Now, we will be Missouri. Activities in those plans included wood- partnerships with the US Forest Service (USFS) and masticating the woody vegetation in these areas so land restorations, prescribed burning, reclaiming the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). that grasses and forbs can once again flourish. And logging trails and landings, and integrating grazing Most of my first year has been spent learning about with those grasses and forbs, the wildlife and recre- operations into woodland management. Through NWTF, potential USFS projects, and NRCS’ En- ational opportunities should return. This project has this partnership with NRCS, NWTF is help Mis- vironmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP, recently been approved and will begin in the spring souri’s citizens manage their properties for healthier a landowner incentives program designed to help of 2018. The next year should also bring the develop- trees, better wildlife habitat, and more functional landowners plan and fund natural and agricultural ment of at least two more projects on the Mark Twain landscapes. resource enhancements). Now, after a year and half, National Forest. we are beginning to make strides with our partner- NWTF’s partnerships are helping Save the Habitat. ship projects. I also work with NRCS (and their other partners) Save the Hunt. across the country. As our relation- to provide landowners with technical and financial ships with the USFS, NRCS, and Missouri’s land- I have spent a good deal of time with USFS Forester support for managing their forest and woodlands. owners continues to grow, our partnerships in this on the Mark Twain’s Eleven Point Ranger District. My primary responsibility is to work directly with state will continue to become more productive and Together, we spent a year pulling together the details landowners to write Forest Management Plans impactful. We are off to a good start, and there’s lots for conducting an open land restoration project. (FMP). A FMP is document that provide an owner more to come. The Eleven Point Ranger District is home to several with guidelines and specifications for managing old agricultural fields. In the past, those field were woodlands and timber production on their land. See you in the woods, allowed to become grasslands that were utilized by Once a landowner has a FMP, they can use that Chad Doolen, NWTF Forester

New Hunter Recruitment Dove Field Initiative As part of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Save the Habitat. Save information about getting involved with this program by providing a field, the Hunt. Missouri initiated a hunter recruitment program in 2014 in partnership being a mentor, or signing up new hunters to participate in the 2018 dove with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF), the Missouri Department of hunts please contact John Burk at 573-676-5994 or e-mail me at jburk@ Conservation (MDC), Friends of the NRA, the USFS, Missouri Prairie Foundation and nwtf.net. private landowners throughout the state. The 2017 season marked the fourth year that this program has been offered and the state chapter will continue to work with its’ partners to expand the program in the future.

This project, from start to finish, has been an excellent example of the true value of a cooperative effort in that all partner agencies and organizations gave equally of their resources to make it a success. The state chapter, Friends of the NRA, and MDC paid for the seed, herbicide, fertilizer and contracted installation costs of establishing the fields. All partners helped promote the opportunity and MDC conducted workshops to educate the new hunters. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever was very instrumental in locating landowners that provided about half of the access and also planted the fields that they provided.

Table 1 reveals numbers associated with the 4 year program. The total cost of the program was $54,404 with $25,966 spent on seed and herbicide, $11,227 for contracting some of the fields, and $17,212 for fertilizer. Therefore, providing this opportunity cost $50.05/hunter and $126.82/hunter created.

Counties Fields Total Acres Total Hunts Total Experienced Hunters Total New Hunters Total Hunters 19 41 397 75 658 429 1087

Table 1. Counties where dove fields were planted, acres planted, number of hunts, number of mentors/experienced hunters, number of new hunters, and total number of hunters for the 4 year effort.

We plan to offer this program again during the 2018 dove season. As a reminder; although many of our hunters are youth, this opportunity is not restricted to youth. This program is intended to recruit new hunters regardless of age. Therefore, qualifications for participation, in priority order, regardless of age, include: 1) anyone that is hunting for the first time, 2) anyone that has not hunt anything the previous hunting season, 3) anyone that has never hunted migratory birds, 4) any youth 11 years or older. If you have participated in the hunt as a new hunter previously, your access to the program in 2018 will depend upon you bringing a first priority participant with you. For more 6 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017

The George C. Clark Missouri State Chapter Member Harvest Page Share your outdoor experiences with your NWTF peers, PLEASE submit them to John Burk at [email protected] with a brief photo description and they will be considered for the harvest page section of your Show Me Gobbler newsletter.

Kurt Heisler from the lake of the ozarks with his Eldo Meyers granddaughter, Ahna Rasmussen, archery deer harvest. with her rifle season deer.

Rilan Farmer is pictured with Kelley Lairmore Denton Coffee with his first deer, taken at the Big Missouri State Chapter Chair, Tim Brooks, with a Chris Comstock, Lake Show Me Chapter Presi- (mom), and Jerry Lairmore (grandpa), and his River Gobblers youth deer hunt. dandy 2017 rifle buck. dent, with his 2017 giant bow buck. 2017 whitetail.

Dent County Thundering Toms chapter hunt with first time deer hunters and their deer. Walker Smith Liam Rasmussen (grandson of 4 Rivers Chapter Quin Allen, son of NWTF RD Mike with his 2017 (left) and Addi Bass. Leader Eldo Meyer) with his first deer taken dur- wall hanger. ing the 2017 youth season.

Eldo Meyer, son-and-law Brad Rasmussen, and grandson Liam Eldo Meyer and his 2017 crossbow buck. Then Eldo also took his show on the road to WY on an antelope hunt, and to SD for some muley action. with the spoils of a productive morning afield. Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 7

Committee member of the Walt Beumer Memorial Chapter and Kevin Hess, Sho Me Chapter and state board member with his Nick Sanders of Sibley with his first bird. daughter of the chapters namesake, Lisa Beumer with her first 2017 rifle buck. crossbow deer.

Brandt Martin (son of Midstate Chapter President Jody) with a Don Masek of the Kingdom of Callaway Limbhangers with a mas- Lake of the ozarks NWTF chapter Kurt Heisler with his nice missouri drop tined 2017 youth season bruiser! sive 2017 rifle buck. buck Harvest.

Don Dettmann (left) and his brother-in-law, Angel Castro, with a Regional Director, Larry Neal, with a coyote taken with his bow this fall. Morgyn Hubbard with dad Jody of the Ray County Short Spurs pair of bucks they took on Don’s farm in Callaway County. Don is with a youth season harvest. a committee member of the Kingdom of Callaway Limbhangers chapter and hosts mentored hunts for the Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt, and provides one of our dove fields at his farm. 8 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017

Local NWTF Chapter Sponsors 2018 NWTF Grand 2017 Youth Deer Hunt National Calling LEBANON, MO – Members of the National Wild Turkey Federation Bunt Cumbea Chapter Championships Schedule: served as mentors during the youth deer season on Oct. 28-29. Stan and Carolyn O’Daniel, owners of the Lone Wolf Ranch located in Lynchburg, Mo., hosted five youth hunters, Haven Hicks, Ethan Henley, Cooper Berry, Brianna Conyers and Tacori Coble. Haven Hicks and Ethan Henley were Thursday, February 15, 2018 successful harvesting their first deer, both does. Those mentors participating in the hunt included NWTF GN Gobbling & Owl Hooting Competition Stan O’Daniel, Matt Smith, Todd Lewis, and Ed Tostenrud. Walt Hutton another member of the Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X Bunt Cumbea Chapter mentored Wyatt Cook which was successful killing a 15 point buck. Both Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom hunters and mentors are looking forward to future hunts. Competition Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

NWTF Grand National Friction Division Preliminaries Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom Competition Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday, February 16, 2018 NWTF Grand National Head to Head Championships Sponsored by: Cabela’s Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom Competition Time: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

NWTF GN Senior Division Preliminaries Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom Haven Hicks Ethan Henley Wyatt Cook Competition Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bunt Cumbea Chapter Participates NWTF Grand National Team Challenge Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X in Local Chamber Expo Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom LEBANON, MO – The Competition Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Bunt Cumbea Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation Saturday, February 17, 2018 participated in the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce NWTF Grand National Poults Calling Championships Business Expo on Saturday, Sponsored by: Mossy Oak Sept. 16, 2017. This was our first NWTF Grand National Junior Calling Championships year participating. The Expo Sponsored by: Mossy Oak allowed community members NWTF Grand National Intermediate Calling Championships to check out area businesses and Sponsored by: Mossy Oak organizations and gain a better understanding of their mission. Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom Competition Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pictured from L to R are members Ed Tostenrud, Karen Ray, Gary Pace, Benny Williams, and Stan O’Daniel. NWTF GN Friction Division Championships Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X NWTF GN Senior Open Division Championships Sponsored by: Zink Calls & Avian-X Competition Room: Governor’s Ballroom Competition Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Friction Division Finals Competition Time: 1 p.m. For a complete listing of NWTF events, Sr. Division Competition Time: Immediately following the visit: www.nwtf.org/events Friction Finals Competition Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 9 Wild Turkey Production and

Fall Firearms Turkey Harvest Report poor hatch, but also by above-average acorn production and a decline in By Jason L. Isabelle previous five-year average. This year’s statewide average brood size was 3.5, hunter participation. Record-low Resource Scientist PHR was 39% less than the 10-year which is the same as in 2016 and 13% production resulted in far fewer Missouri Department of Conservation average and 50% less than the 20- less than the five-year average. The young birds for hunters to pursue year average. Poult-to-hen ratios this average brood size ranged from 3.2 The Missouri Department of year ranged from 0.6 in the Ozarks this fall. White oak acorn production in the Lindley Breaks to 4.1 in the was above-average this year, which Conservation (MDC) has conducted West and West Prairie to 1.3 in the Mississippi Lowlands. a wild turkey brood survey annually Northwest. Compared to the five- typically results in reduced fall turkey since 1959. During the survey, MDC year averages, PHRs were lower in Hunters harvested 2,899 turkeys harvest. When acorns are abundant, staff and citizen volunteers record all regions, ranging from 11% below during Missouri’s 2017 fall firearms turkeys spend more time in forested turkey observations during June, July, the average in the Northwest to 57% turkey season, which ran from Oct. areas and do not have to range far to and August to determine the success below the average in the Ozarks West. 1–31. Last year’s fall firearms turkey locate food, both of which typically of the hatch. Data are collected at the harvest total was 3,698. Top harvest result in reduced turkey harvest. With county level and reported statewide During this year’s survey, 27% of counties during the 2017 season were less than 11,000 hunters purchasing a and by Turkey Productivity Region hens were observed with a brood, Greene (100), Texas (95), and Dent permit, this year’s fall firearms turkey which are counties grouped by similar which was down from 29% in 2016, (94). Compared to the 2016 season, permit sales total was the lowest on land cover composition. and 33% less than the five-year harvest was down in all MDC regions record since the season started in average. Regionally, the percentage of of the state, ranging from 1–36% 1978. Interest in the fall firearms This year’s statewide poult-to-hen hens observed with a brood ranged below last year’s harvest totals. turkey season has been declining since ratio (PHR) from the turkey brood from 20% in the Ozarks West to 40% the mid-to-late 1980s in Missouri survey was 0.8, which was the same as in the Mississippi Lowlands. For hens This year’s fall firearms turkey when nearly 53,000 permits were the 2016 ratio and 43% less than the that were observed with a brood, the harvest was impacted primarily by the purchased. Missouri Wheelin’ Sportsman Events Perry County Gun Blast Ws Bootheel Bossgobblers Clay Bird Shoot Sho-me Gun Bash 01/18/2018 · 6:00 PM 06/10/2018 · 8:30 AM 08/30/2018 · 6:00 PM Contact: Al Huber (573) 517-1936 Contact: Bronson Senn Contact: Kevin Hess (417) 521-7447 Location: Perryville K Of C Hall Location: Cracraft Farms [email protected] Perryville, MO 63775 Co Rd 316, Jackson, MO 63755 Location: Shrine Mosque Ws Bootheel Boss Gobblers Platte Purchase Sportsmans Night Out 601 East St Louis St., Springfield, MO 65802 06/09/2018 · 5:00 PM 08/09/2018 · 6:00 PM (CST) Bootheel Boss Gobblers Gun Blast Contact: Timothy Schwent Contact: Edward Helsel (816) 596-0513 10/04/2018 · 6:00 PM (573) 225-3740 [email protected] Contact: Timothy Schwent (573) 225-3740 Location: Jackson KC Lower Hall Location: Pony Expres Museum Location: Jackson K Of C Hall, Hwy 61 North Hwy 61 North, Jackson, MO 63755 914 Penn St, St. Joseph, MO 64503 Jackson, MO 63755

Order Your Spring Seed Here! The seed will be Roundup Ready corn, soybeans, milo, and Clearfield sunflowers. Things to know about our seed program: Same rules apply, you MUST be a member to purchase the seed, it CANNOT be harvested, and the limit on corn is 5 bags per person. The year-old or older seed that makes our program possible has a germination rate of greater than 60% (most is greater than 80%) or we wouldn’t offer it. If you are interested in ordering some seed, please fill out the information below and return it to John Burk, 7152 Tomahawk Lane, Steedman MO 65077 or e-mail This is a national program so how much seed we get is dependent upon name the same information to [email protected]. tional supply and demand. Therefore, placing an order only guarantees that you will get the seed IF it becomes available. Name: ______

I order based upon past demand and although we MAY have seed available Address: ______for walk-ins, we will NOT release any seed to folks that have not placed an order until those that did have been served. City: ______State: ______Zip: ______We do not control when the seed gets here but it has always been well within Phone Number: (______) ______the planting window. Number of bags of RR corn (5 bag limit) ______($35.00/50lb. bag) The delivery locations will be Cape Girardeau, Kirksville, St. Joseph, and St. Peters. Number of bags of sunflower) ______($35.00/40lb. bag)

Seed location coordinators will contact everyone on the list associated with Number of bags of RR soybeans) ______($10.00/50lb. bag) their site once the seed arrives. Number of bags of milo) ______($10.00/50lb. bag) There will be seed days for the Cape Girardeau and St. Joseph sites that will be determined by the coordinators of those sites once the seed arrives. You will be Please check your preferred pick up location: notified of these dates by the coordinators of those sites. Cape Girardeau o Kirksville o St. Joseph o St. Peters o 10 Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 State Board Elections Candidate Bios Kevin Hess Missouri continues to be a leader for NWTF. Kyle Lairmore As you, I want to be sure that our children and I began hunting and fishing as a young child grandchildren have an opportunity to enjoy an Kyle Lairmore, has been an NWTF mem- with my dad on the family farm in the Lebanon, outdoor and hunting way of life. ber since 2003 and is currently president of Missouri area. I harvested my first turkey when the Gasconade River Gobblers Chapter. He is I was 10 and first deer when I was 12. I was employed with brought up the Missouri with a strong David Howlett Department of work ethic and Conservation Hello… My name is David Howlett from passion for the as the statewide Richland, MO. I have been serving on the MO outdoors and Hunter Educa- NWTF Board of Directors for the past three the wild turkey tion and Shoot- years, and I am excited to say that I am re-apply- especially ing Range ing for the job. We have been doing a lot of great (there is noth- Coordinator; work for the Missouri NWTF and our greater ing I look more he started his mission of “Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt”, as forward to in career with the well as increasing hunter numbers and hunting the outdoors department opportunities in Missouri. than spring in 2005 as a turkey season). I have a Private Land I have a degree B.S. in Wildlife Conservation- in Wildlife Biology and a ist. He lives Biology with M.S. in Aquatic in Owensville, a minor in Ecology and MO on the family farm which is managed exten- Agronomy from Missouri State University. I Fisheries sively for fish, forest and wildlife. In his free time currently live in the Strafford area with my lovely Management. he enjoys hunting, fishing, supporting wildlife wife, Sheri (who I have been married to for 25 Currently, I am organizations and sharing his outdoor experi- years), my son Zach, who is a sophomore at sales manager ences with others through programs and mentor Missouri S&T in Rolla and my daughter Han- for the Pulaski hunts. He is the Founder and Executive Director nah, who is a freshman at Strafford High School. county radio of Mid-Missouri Outdoor Dream, a not-for- I am the Water Pollution Section Chief for the stations of profit organization with a mission to provide Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Alpha Media individuals the opportunity to experience the Southwest Regional Office in Springfield. I have LLC. Also, I outdoors, give them life long memories, educa- worked for the department for a little over 26 am an Environ- tion and the tools needed to adopt a lifestyle that years. mental Science includes hunting, fishing, shooting and love for instructor for Columbia College on Fort Leonard the outdoors. The organization won the 2008 I have been on the NWTF Missouri State Wood. I work close with the area representatives Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt of the Year. Board (George Clark Chapter) for the past 2 ½ of the Department of Conservation, and I am years and I have been involved with the Sho- the President and longtime member of the Clay Me Chapter in Springfield for 22 years and was Howlett Memorial Chapter of NWTF. chapter president for 12 years. I have also been NWTF Volunteer District Director for the last I am very proud to be part of the NWTF and several years in the southwest part of Missouri. the great work we are doing. The MO NWTF Our local chapter participates in several NWTF Board of Directors needs highly motivated and programs including Wheelin’ Sportsman Events dedicated members to continue the mission of and hunts (deer and turkey), JAKES events and Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt, and ensure we WITO events so I have been able to see how the have quality habitat in Missouri that benifits all NWTF touches all aspects of the outdoors and wildlife, as well as intruduce people of all walks the diversity of people who enjoy it. of life to the outdoors and hunting. I would appreciate your consideration for a second term One of the reasons I became involved with the on the Missouri State Board of Directors of the NWTF is their commitment to preserving and NWTF. protecting our hunting heritage, like the Save the Habitat-Save the Hunt initiative we currently have and putting the money raised from our banquets back into the field as where it should be as a grass roots organization. As a state board member, I have and will continue if re-elected, to strive to preserve our hunting heritage and continue working to ensure the Save the Habitat- Save the Hunt initiative is reached and that Show-Me Gobbler — 2017 11

Stan O’Daniel Timothy J. Schwent, CPA turkey program has drawn me back to service on the board. I have a good working relationship An NWTF member since the inception of I respectively ask again for your vote as a direc- with many other chapters in southern Missouri. I Bunt Cumbea chapter in Lebanon, Stan O’Daniel tor of the George Clark Mis- am also a charter member of the has served as the chapter’s president for the past souri State Chapter National Ste. Genevieve, Bollinger County sixteen years. Wild Turkey Federation. and Charleston Chapters and I joined the Federation in usually attend 15 to 20 banquets A lifelong 1984 as a charter member of per year, most of the time as- hunter, Stan the Bootheel Boss Gobblers sisting the local committee on credits his in Cape Girardeau County. I banquet night. I also actively uncle for teach- served that chapter as Presi- participated in starting ten chap- ing him what dent one term, Treasurer for ters across the region. I bring a hunting and 12 years and Banquet Chair- unique perspective to the board conservation man for 13 of our 33 years. as I know personally hundreds were all about I have chaired our Wheelin of our grass roots volunteers when he was Sportsman banquet for all in many different chapters. I just a teenager. 14 years and our gun blast have working relationships with Stan became for all 7 years. I have actively several state and national legisla- hooked on participated in our JAKES tors. If re-elected I guarantee the turkey hunt- and WITO programs, in fact, voices of our chapter volunteers ing and has the first BBG WITO event was held at my house. will continue to be heard on the state and nation- worked hard to I believe the BBG Chapter is one of the best local al NWTF and political levels. make his 2000– committees anywhere in the country. That has acre farm a haven for hunting. Stan’s property been proven in 2015 and 2016 when our chapter I have attended at least 15 NWTF National has been involved in the mentored dove hunts was recognized as the 3rd best chapter in the Conventions and plan to continue to attend. since being offered in the Save the Habitat, Save NWTF and in 2017 as the second place chapter. Conventions are a great place to bring new ideas the Hunt. I am proud to be associated with such a great home and to share successes of our state. Mis- souri ideals are prevalent throughout the NWTF Before his retirement, Stan worked as a cattle group of people. I know I speak for them when because of the great members we boast at home. rancher and has continued to strive to establish I say we are always willing to share our success Our state is recognized as one of the best and a delicate balance between wildlife and farming. story just as we are always willing to bring good rightfully so. I pledge to continue that tradi- Stan also volunteers his time as a hunter educa- ideas back home with us. tion. I have received awards for my prior service tion instructor. I have nearly completed my first three year including our local chapter’s highest awards the “I have enjoyed the past twelve years on the term on my second period of state board mem- “Golden Gobbler” and the “Rusby Crites”. I was State Board of Directors and would appreciate bership. During that time my most visible job presented the Missouri Chapter’s “George Clark the opportunity to serve NWTF members for was collection of the money and notification of Award” in 1992 and the NWTF “Roger Latham another term,” O’Daniel said. winners for the calendar project and member of Award” in 2007. The best award I have ever the 3-R (recruit, retain and reactivate) commit- “won” occurred during the 2016 and 2017 spring Stan and his wife, Carolyn, have been married tee. I was privileged to be elected treasurer of the turkey seasons when I was privileged to help my 53 years. They have twin sons and five grandchil- state board in 1987 where I served until 1997. grandsons harvest their first wild turkeys. Both dren, who all hunt alongside him. I truly enjoyed my previous term on the board. of those birds scored better than any Missouri One memorable period of my service included bird I have taken myself. I am totally commit- membership on the “Blue Ribbon Panel” which ted to preserving the hunting heritage for all our studied the Conservation Department’s turkey grandchildren and their grandchildren. Thank program and made recommendations for the you for your consideration of my candidacy and future. Many of those dreams in the early 1990’s thank you for all the work you do to support have now come to pass. Success like Missouri’s Missouri’s wild turkey resource.

Official Election Ballot Send your ballot to: R.L Bennett - Election, P.O. Box 1186, Nixa, MO 65714 George Clark Missouri State Board of Directors o Kevin Hess This is the only ballot that can be used for this election. o David Howlett - NO PHOTOCOPIES -

You can vote for up to FOUR (4) people. o Kyle Lairmore

Any ballot with more than 4 votes will NOT be counted. o Stan O’Daniel

All ballots must be sent in a postmarked envelope by Feb. 1, 2018. o Tim Schwent The National Wild Turkey Federation Show-Me Gobbler Find us on Facebook! c/o Bernard R. (Bernie) Grice, Jr. 1213 Marcassin Dr Stay up to date on NWTF state and Columbia, MO 65201-7224 national news, and announcements.

Reach out to regional directors for information on events in your area! — ATTENTION — New Copy Deadlines for the Show Me Gobbler March 29, July 15 & November 30