Dad, if I shoot a duck, can I play with the decoys?

“Dad, if I shoot a duck, can I play with the decoys?”

12 year-old Alyssa has no interest in shooting ducks. According to her older sister, she’s had a thing for ducks all of her life. But sitting home while dad and sis were spending the weekend participating in the fourth annual Henry County Waterfowl Clinic was unacceptable. So she sat through the class, jacket hood pulled up as far over her face as she could get it, and responded to instructors in a tiny voice.

Despite her shyness, she passed the exam and shot at clay birds Saturday afternoon. She suffered getting up before sunrise, and endured the ATV ride in driving rain to the duck blind. Though scores of ducks flew all around, she spent most of the next three hours asleep.

When it was time to close down, she got to experience walking in waders, knee-deep in muddy water to pick up colorful plastic life-size duck decoys from in front of the blind. Although her mentors encouraged her to stay under cover from the rain, they couldn’t suppress her enthusiasm for participating in a way that was most meaningful to her.

I told her, truth be known, that playing with the decoys was the real reason we old guys duck hunt, but we harvest a few real ones so that people won’t make fun of us. She impressed me as being pretty sharp.  I don’t think she bought it.

The motivation to volunteer hours for a not-for-profit does not come from spending time in meetings, creating budgets or developing strategic plans. The motivation comes from sharing something personally meaningful with someone eager to learn. When someone who is not eager to learn finds something they like, it’s equally fun.

Participating as a member of a clinic team really charges me up. It’s like being a kid again, planning and executing the big campout. Everyone gets excited, pitches-in to do their part. In many ways, this whole year has been like that for the Federation. Whether it’s the mentor that runs out to buy six camo masks for the kids in the clinic or the family trust that sends a generous donation, these acts of thoughtful support kindles feelings of overwhelming appreciation.

I don’t know that Alyssa will become a hunter but I’m sure she will not forget that day in the duck blind with dad and big sis, the two mentors, the driving rain, the hundreds of ducks all around and wading in the water to play with the decoys.

After the holidays, I’m going to enjoy going outside in my waders to set out a nice pattern of decoys. And just so nobody makes fun of me playing in the water with my decoys I guess I’d better take my shotgun, too!

Wishing you all a warm, comfortable and happy holiday!

First duck hunt excites newcomer

Article by Brandon Butler, Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri from his experience of being a mentor at the Henry County Waterfowl Clinic 12/11/15-12/13/15

"First duck hunt excites newcomer"

Lee’s Slow Cooker Venison Chili

I can’t believe I’m sharing this with the world! It is only because of my heartfelt appreciation to the members and friends of MHHF that I divulge it now.  My secret to making this recipe “died-and-gone-to-heaven” good is using two types of meat, the vinegar and brown sugar. Since the venison has almost no fat, the flavors come through better than beef. It is very rich, which is why the potatoes are included. Another variation would be to leave the potatoes out and serve it over rice.

This recipe is for the large (6-quart) slow cooker.

1.5 lbs.             Ground Venison browned and drained

1.0 lb.              Venison Roast cubed (3/4 to ½ inch) browned and drained

2                      Yellow Onions chopped

2                      Green Peppers diced

2                      White Potatoes diced

2 cans (14 oz) Stewed Tomatoes cut up (or buy “chopped” if you can find)

2 cans (6 oz)   Tomato Paste

4 whole            Jalapeno Peppers finely minced (remove the seeds if you’re a tenderfoot)

                        Red Kidney Beans

6    Tblsp         Cider Vinegar

4    Tblsp         Chili Powder

4    Tblsp         Brown Sugar

1    Tblsp         Oregano

1    Tblsp         Black Pepper

1.5 teasp         Ground Cumin

1    teasp         Salt

Put everything except the beans in the slow cooker and cook on low for 12 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Add the beans (drained) just in time to warm up before serving.

Usually, I serve half and freeze the rest in 24 oz. (cottage cheese) containers. 

If you’re going to serve all at once I would suggest four cans of beans, otherwise one can of beans per 24 oz container of chili.

Add additional onions or shredded cheese at your discretion.

IF you are looking for suggested beverage accompaniment, I offer the following…

-wine: a medium-priced Cabernet

-beer: Stout (or as Steve Rulo would say: “that dreaded Brown Beer”)

-spirits: Bourbon

Nature Wars: The Incredible Story of How Wildlife Comebacks Turned Backyards into Battlegrounds

For four hundred years, explorers, traders, and settlers plundered North American wildlife in an escalating rampage, but in the twentieth century an incredible turnaround took place. Conservationists created wildlife sanctuaries, restored habitats, and imposed regulations on hunters and trappers. Over decades, they nursed many wild populations back to health.

   Then, after World War II, something happened that conservationists hadn’t foreseen: sprawl. People moved into suburbs, and then kept moving outward. All the while, well-meaning efforts to protect animals allowed wild populations to burgeon out of control, causing damage costing billions, degrading ecosystems, and touching off disputes that polarized communities. The result is a mix of people and wildlife that should be an animal-lover’s dream, but often turns into a sprawl-dweller’s nightmare. 

   Deeply researched, eloquently written, and perceptively humorous, Nature Wars expresses the need for organic reconnection with our natural ecosystem by offering a provocative look at how Americans created an inadvertent mess.

Herb Crusted Venison Loin Recipe -- Martin Heuser, Owner and Executive Chef at Affare

Courtesy of Martin Heuser, Owner and Executive Chef, Affare KC.

Wine Pairing Suggestion by Katrin Heuser, Owner and Sommelier:  Northern Rhone Syrah, such as Jean Louis Chave's "Farconnet"

 Affarekc.com

Herb Crusted Venison Loin

Herb crust:

250 g butter (soft-room temperature)

1 egg

1 yolk

100 g mie de pain (bread crumbs from white bread without crust)

1 tablespoon each of finely chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley and chives

whip butter in mixer to pomade stage (white and fluffy), add eggs, herbs and mie de pain, season with salt and pepper to taste

Venison:

Season venison with salt and pepper

sear venison loin in hot frying pan with oil for about 3 minutes

on both sides

Remove meat and cover with the herb crust, about 3/8 inch thick

bake at 400F until crust is golden brown (about 5-8 minutes)

let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it

this meat goes well with a wild mushroom medley

or a

blueberry gastrique:

3,5 oz sugar

2 oz red wine vinegar

1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

caramelize sugar, deglaze with vinegar

add blueberries

let it cook until blueberries are broken down to a slightly syrupy consistency. 

From Lee's Desk, November, 2015

Our busiest time of year continues. We wrapped up this year’s Cass County Trapping clinic last weekend with 33 of participants. That means 363 families have been introduced to Missouri’s outdoor way of life through the efforts of MHHF members, volunteers and supporters.

Looking ahead, preparation is underway for the fourth annual Henry County Waterfowl Clinic. This clinic is the second weekend in December. Space is still available. Visit our website to get a copy of the clinic flyer.

Our directors continue to demonstrate their commitment to the long-term goals of the organization and helping us execute our Strategic Plan. A few highlights:

-          Mike Huffman and Steve Rulo are preparing a proposal for MHHF’s first service awards to spotlight member contributions.

-          Mike Borgerding is working with Executive Director Susan Williams to prepare the 2016 budget.

-          Susan, Dir. Emeritus Sam Goller and I are preparing an enhanced communications plan for 2016.

-          Scott Strickland’s “Business Strategy and Competition” MBA class at Webster University is making a study of MHHF to develop a promotional/marketing plan as a class project. It will be presented at semester-end next month.

-          Stacie Hubler has obtained a commitment from Lake Lotawana Sportsman’s Club to host our Annual Spring Fling Trap & Turkey Shoot again in 2016. Please mark Saturday, March 12th on your calendars.

Finally, I would like to thank Susan Williams, Sean Flanagan, Scott Strickland and outside supporters, Jennifer Furla, Jennifer Clemente, Laura McCray and Susan’s additional helpers for a tremendous first MHHF Gentleman’s Wild Game Dinner, November 5th.  In addition to a great venue, yummy food & beverage, novel auction items and an assortment of amusements, the fine gentlemen (55 plus!) who attended to support MHHF were great, great fun. We are making many new friends who are enthusiastically getting behind our efforts.

As we look towards 2016, we plan to continue many of the fun and social activities we’ve established over the years. Your participation at these events, and donations throughout the year, help fund MHHF and allow us to continue to bring Missouri’s hunting heritage to youth across the state and region. Whether through your gifts of time as a volunteer or support financially, every contribution you make to MHHF is appreciated. THANK YOU!

Wishing you the best for the Holiday Season!

Lee

2015 Volunteer of the Year and Allan Hoover Award Nominations

Award:  Volunteer of the Year

Nominee:  Steve Rulo

I nominate Steve Rulo for the 2015 MHHF Volunteer of the Year award for his consistent service and outstanding support of MHHF. 

 Steve became a member of MHHF in March of 2011 and immediately began mentoring clinics.  In 2012, Steve became a part of the fundraising committee and was instrumental in generating sponsors for fundraisers.  In 2012, Steve was appointed to a 1 year term as a Director, and was subsequently voted in to a 3-year term as Director-At-Large. 

 In early 2013, Steve stepped up to the plate to take the lead on organizing our signature MHHF hunter education clinics and established an amazing team that we now refer to as the “Cass County Clinic Team”.

 In the 2014-2015 MHHF clinic season, Steve logged 53 volunteer hours.  Although this is the highest amount of volunteer hours logged in that season, this doesn’t count the many hours and miles it takes to plan, prepare and coordinate the clinics.

 Member, Mentor, Fundraising Promoter, Board Member, Sponsor, Clinic Coordinator:

Steve, THANK YOU for the many many contributions you have made to make this organization what it is today.  Many youth participants and their families have been introduced to hunting and the outdoor shooting sports because of you.

 Submitted By Stacie Hubler

Award:  Allan Hoover Award

Nominee:  Dan Hertzog

I nominate Dan Hertzog, Hedge Hollow Ranch, for the Allan Hoover Award for his many years of generosity to, and promotion of, MHHF. 

 From 2008 to 2015, Dan has hosted multiple clinics at Hedge Hollow Ranch and has provided classroom space and facilities, land, game, bird dogs, manpower and his personal time and knowledge. 

 Dan introduced MHHF to other organizations and individuals who not only have donated to, but have also sponsored MHHF activities.  Dan has also personally donated to and sponsored MHHF activities.

 Dan, THANK YOU for your many years of promoting MHHF and moving us closer to the intended vision of the Federation.

 Submitted By Stacie Hubler

2015 Sportsmen's Gala & Shoot for the Future Recap

SPORTSMEN’S GALA

The 2015 MHHF Sportsmen’s Gala was held on October 2nd at the beautiful Stonehaus Farms Winery in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  Bret Brown Professional Auction Company led the live auction and there was great food, fun items to bid on and our signature clinic video presented for attendants to learn about our cause.  Sporting clays tournament sponsors who attended the Gala were presented with Stonehaus Farms most popular wine of the season.  Congratulations to Director Steve Rulo, the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, and congratulations to Dan Hertzog, the recipient of the Allan Hoover Award.  A special thanks goes out to Bret Brown, Katie Wingard and Karen Hoover for all of their help in this event!

By Secretary Stacie Hubler

5TH ANNUAL MHHF “SHOOT FOR THE FUTURE”

Gorgeous weather greeted sporting clays participants at our 5th Annual sporting clays tournament on October 3rd at Powder Creek Shooting Park.  Once again, our friend from CZ-USA, David Miller, put on quite a show with his trick-shooting demonstration (some of you may still be trying to get the cabbage and shaving cream out of your eye lashes!)  Prizes were given to the top scorers in each age group which included gift cards to Bass Pro and Academy Sports.  Door prizes were also given to the lucky winners in the right seat!   I would like to thank everyone who came out and supported our sporting clays tournament and thank our tournament sponsors:  Missouri Department of Conservation, CZ-USA, Pooches Paradise Daycare & Resort, Kansas City Safari Club International, Haddad Financial Services, Reece & Nichols, Harriet Darling, Pyramid Roofing, Whittington Graphix and CR Sales Firearms.  I would also like to send another special thank you to Karen Hoover, Katie Wingard, Steve Rulo and Anthony Meyer for volunteering their time that day to make the event fun for everyone!

By Secretary Stacie Hubler

From Lee's Desk, October 2015

The Midwest is, by far, the absolute best place to be this time of year. This morning I took my coffee and granola bar and made a tour of the creek bottom to figure out what else needs to be done in preparation for duck season.  Besides having work to be done, it just felt good to “be out” under the robin’s egg blue sky, with light north breeze and low-50’s temperature.

I thought about the first time MHHF Co-founder and good friend, the late Allan Hoover, took me deer hunting. A duck-hunter all my life, Allan insisted, “Lee, you gotta try this.” As it happens with many of us, my first deer hunting experience was peppered with screw-ups on my part, the first of which was over-sleeping. Then the mistake of thinking my insulated work boots would keep me warm sitting perfectly still, up in a tree on a cold, cloudy November morning.  It had been decades since I experienced being so cold my teeth chattered.

At some point a bird caught my eye that I could not identify. It was small and dull-colored, a pointed beak suited to pecking into trees in pursuit of bugs. It wasn’t as big as a woodpecker but it could “skip” up the tree trunks and (I kid you not) continue this movement along the underside of branches. Soon I noticed another and another until I counted a half dozen. It was like sitting in the middle of a three-ring circus, 20 feet up in the trees. They kept me amused for the rest of the morning providing a distraction from my discomfort.

On the one hand I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I didn’t learn what a nuthatch was until I was well past fifty. On the other hand, I think one of the many benefits of spending time in the outdoors is that you continue to learn new things, learn and appreciate.

We gave up the trees. The clouds cleared away and the afternoon was warm and beautiful. I loaned Allan my step-dad’s semi-auto and we went duck hunting in a flooded cornfield. He didn’t have waders so I had to drive him out to the floating blind in an ATV and retrieve his ducks for him.  He loved to tell people that duck hunting with me was a pretty plush experience since in addition to hosting; I performed as chauffeur and retriever.

The strongest desire Allan and I had in common was that we wanted every young person, at least once in their life, to experience being in the wild as the sun rises. That was and is the driving force behind the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation.  Once again I thank you for your support of the Sportsman’s Gala and Shoot for the Future events. Whether you volunteered, sponsored or participated, your dollars help us stage our hunter education clinics and introduce youth to hunting.

Though we did not reach our financial target we exceeded last year’s donations by $1,500, movement in the right direction.

Our Henry County Waterfowl Clinic is scheduled for the second weekend of December. We have one youngster signed up and want five more.  Cass County’s Trapping Clinic is November 7th. Trapping clinics are not limited to six so there is plenty of room left for that event. Let’s get these kids out from behind the screen and into the great outdoors! 

-Lee

MHHF Board President and Co-Founder