FROM LEE'S DESK - SEPTEMBER 2018

The fall hunting season is beginning. This is the time of year where we relive the stories with our friends and family about our prior experiences and make plans for what we hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. Just as you enjoy talking about getting outdoors with them, this is also a perfect time to talk to them and other people you know about Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation.

Why is this important?

Last month, MHHF gained three new member mentors. How did these new members come our way? Was it advertising? Was it through a booth at Bass Pro? No. All three were introduced to the work of MHHF by talking with a current member.

I recently attended the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s Affiliate Summit. One of the most talked about topics among more than one hundred affiliate organizations was volunteer recruitment. Fortunately, the goals of MHHF to introduce youth to hunting, the shooting sports and an outdoor way of life are applauded by most people. I’ve never had anyone tell me they thought what we are doing is wrong. Whether someone’s a hunter or just a person interested in the well-being of the next generation, the activities of MHHF resonate well with just about everyone.

Admittedly, not everyone can share in our mission in the same way. Some have time and experience, some have dollars, some have land and others enjoy teaching hunter safety. Regardless of how a person supports MHHF, the first key to getting them involved is to make them aware of what we do.

As we head into this wonderful time of year when we prepare to get back outside, I have one simple thing to ask you – tell the MHHF story. Ask those you know if they would be willing to spend a day or two this year to introduce a young person to the shooting sports or teach a couple of hunter safety chapters in a class. If they show interest, encourage them to visit our website (mhhf.us) to learn more and to become a member. Finally, bring them to our Shoot for the Future Sporting Clays Tournament, September 29th, so they can meet other like-minded people and see their passion for assuring the future of our hunting tradition.

As always, thank you!

FROM LEE'S DESK - AUGUST 2018

Our MHHF Hunter Education Clinic model continues to receive strong praise from our participant families as well as other youth education and outdoor organizations. To assure that we continue to provide the best possible experience and increase involvement, MHHF recently introduced another event that is enjoying a high degree of success – it’s our New Mentor Orientation. This casual get together provides potential volunteers an in-depth understanding of how our clinics work and the thinking behind its design.

This year’s orientation will be on Thursday, August 22, 5:30 p.m. at Brewbakers in Belton, MO. Our New Mentor Orientation has been especially beneficial in helping prospective mentors and other volunteers learn enough about our clinics to make a decision to become an MHHF member. At 5:30 participants will have the opportunity to order food and beverage. At 6:00, Director of Clinic Operations Steve Rulo will present an outline of our clinic process. This includes a step-by-step walkthrough that demonstrates how easy it is to be a clinic volunteer.

For those new to MHHF, and even our seasoned veterans, these evenings prove to be thought provoking and enjoyable while raising awareness and goodwill for MHHF. If you, or someone you know, might consider becoming an MHHF member, or wants to become more involved as a mentor for our fall clinics, please consider joining us for our third New Mentor Orientation on August 22. RSVP by emailing execdir@mhhf.us.

FROM LEE'S DESK - JULY 2018

A new wild flower appeared on the west facing hillside at our hunting lodge this April. Red Indian Paintbrush is the first of what I’d hoped would be many native wildflowers I planted almost two years ago. Then last month Black-Eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot and Gray Headed Coneflower appeared.

Obviously, this has nothing to do with attracting mallards in the fall but there is a connection.

Two years ago, our creek bottom stayed too wet to plant milo for the waterfowl season to follow. Frustrated and looking for something to do, I worked with a private lands conservationist from the Missouri Department of Conservation to develop a plot of native wildflowers. It’s a long process taking anywhere from 18 months to two years. First, you have to kill off the cool season grasses by mowing, spraying and burning. Then you purchase the seed (available only certain months of the year), broadcast it between September and April with the intention of placing it on the ground with 60% soil contact. Yes, 60% is what the biologist advise. No more. No less. Then it’s up to the winter weather to freeze and thaw the ground, expanding, contracting. Depending on weather and water they will hopefully germinate and start to bloom in April through the fall.  

In addition to looking pretty, native wildflowers support pollinators, which have been in decline. Pollinators, like butterflies and bees, play an important role in private and commercial food production.

My stepfather passed away fourteen years ago. Neither he nor I could have anticipated the random chain of events that happened when he introduced me to duck hunting when I was 11. That simple gesture has turned into a lifetime passion for hunting and conservation, that now includes me growing native wildflowers in my 60s.

When our MHHF members take a weekend to introduce a half dozen young people and their families to hunting, conservation and getting outdoors, we have no idea what interests, passions, hobbies or potentially, careers will germinate from that first experience.

Thank you for your support.

FROM LEE'S DESK - MAY 2018

Between hunting seasons, the MHHF Board and volunteers take time to evaluate what we’re doing and work on other projects that support our long-term goals. The list below highlights a few of the things we’re working on. If you see something you’re interested in, please let me or Stacie Hubler know. We’re always looking for new ideas and appreciate the extra support.

Clinic Manual: The committee has completed revisions to our Clinic Manual. Over the years, both regulations change as do our processes. The Board of Directors will review for approval at the next quarterly board meeting in July. Copies will be available for all members.

MHHF Annual Report: Is in production and the mailing date to all members and supporters is scheduled for the beginning of July. If you would like extra copies to share with others who might be interested in the mission of MHHF, please let me know at president@mhhf.us

Expansion/New Clinics: Director, Sean Flanagan is coordinating a new clinic this fall in Henry County during the special Youth Waterfowl Season October 19-21.  If you would like to volunteer, contact Sean at Sean.t.Flanagan@gmail.com . If you know of a youth who would be interested in signing up, direct them to http://www.mhhf.us/clinics

Director, Rehan Nana and I will be meeting with a landowner near Urich, MO later this month to discuss a new Henry County Upland Game clinic for 2019.

Marketing: Conservation Federation of Missouri’s (CFM) Explore the Outdoors-Kansas City is being held Thursday evening, May 31st at Boulevard Brewing. Former Missouri Conservation Commissioner Anita Gorman is speaking. Please consider attending. Enjoy a fun evening and support CFM! More information is available at www.confedmo.org.

Gentlemen’s Wild Game Dinner, Banquet & Benefit for MHHF is set for Thursday, November 8 at Affäre. Do you know someone who should be invited? Please contact Director, Steve Bramlett at (816) 214-8095.

Member Development: The Annual Hunter/Mentor Rendezvous will be held Saturday, June 16 at Baiers Den Kennels and Hunting Preserve, 25219 S Baiers Den Rd, Peculiar, Missouri 64078. This meeting provides our mentors and volunteers the opportunity to discuss the prior year’s Clinics and share best practices. All active members who volunteer in any way at our clinics are encouraged to attend.

New Mentor Orientation, Wednesday, August 15th, Brewbakers in Belton. Do you know someone who’d be a great mentor, instructor or clinic volunteer? This event is a terrific opportunity to learn about our clinics and what we do. Please put this on your calendar and bring someone to this orientation. The folks who join will be our ‘new people’ for the fall Clinics.

Member Recruitment:

We are looking for a dedicated individual who can help organize our Annual Sporting Clays Benefit, Shoot for the Future. Do you have a knack for detail, relationship building and organizing a fund raiser, or know someone who does? If so, please contact President-Elect, Stacie Hubler at stacie@dhrestoration.com.

I know I speak on behalf of the entire MHHF Board when I say, thank you for all that you do! It is through your support of both time and money that MHHF is able to continue to introduce youth to Missouri’s outdoor way of life.

Have a great holiday weekend,

Lee

FROM LEE'S DESK - APRIL 2018

Last month, two MHHF members received formal recognition at our annual meeting.

David Wyatt received the Keith McCanse award, recognizing pioneers in modern day conservation and defenders of our hunting heritage. David has been involved with MHHF since before our formal beginning in 2007. Working with Allan Hoover, and others, he helped define the concept of the Federation. From 2011 thru 2014, he served on the Board of Directors. From those early days to now, he continues to be an active volunteer and support our clinics and events.

The MHHF President’s Award was presented for the first time. This recognition is determined by (and only by) the Federation President to recognize any individual or entity for whatever criteria he or she chooses. During the last five years, Stacie Hubler has contributed more hours to MHHF than anyone. In addition to being our Events Chair since 2013, Stacie has been an at-large Board Director, Board Secretary, and President-Elect. Additionally, on three different occasions Stacie has taken over the duties of Executive Director handling the day-to-day business of the Federation (which she is still doing today). She is the first recipient of this award Recognizing Extraordinary Support of the Mission.

Congratulations David and Stacie. Thank you for your support and helping MHHF achieve our goal. And thank you to all of you who attended the meeting. We had a record turnout!

To date, MHHF members, sponsors and volunteers have completed 78 Clinics and introduced 465 families to Missouri’s hunting tradition.

Please take a look at the photos from our last clinic in this Update. At any given clinic you have no idea how much you may impact a young person’s perception of the outdoor world or know how that impact may be paid forward in the future.

Now is the time of year to turn our focus on growth for the future. Take time to consider hunters, landowners, or others who would enjoy helping the next generation to learn about Missouri’s outdoor way of life and hunting tradition. If you know someone who can help, please contact me, Stacie Hubler or any of our Directors to share their name and make an introduction. To show our appreciation, we’ll send you an MHHF decal for your car.

Thanks again for all YOU do!

FROM LEE'S DESK - MARCH 2018

This past weekend, the 82nd Annual Convention of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) was in Jefferson City. It may go down in history as one of the most significant for Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation.

Years ago, when Allan Hoover and I were just trying to ‘get the word out,’ we set up an exhibitor table at this event. We wanted to educate Missouri’s stakeholders and influencers of MHHF’s intentions to take youth beyond simply receiving their hunter education certification. With MHHF, youth get hands-on training in firearms and the experience of a mentored hunt. Through CFM we hoped to gain support, potential members and create awareness for our commitment to ensuring Missouri’s hunting heritage.

Friday night, I had the great honor to be presented with CFM’s 2017 Hunter Educator of the Year award. I’m the third MHHF founding member to receive this recognition after David Rush and Allan Hoover. MHHF was well represented at this event. Thank you Stacie Hubler, Karen Hoover, Steve Bramlett, Steve Rulo and his dad, Mark Rulo, Bryan Flanagan, my wife Allison, Jerri Lynn Keith and Bruce Keith for your commitment to MHHF and your participation at the Convention.

CFM members represent every individual and group who holds a stake in the health and wellbeing of Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife - from the governor, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to local bird watchers, and sportsman’s club. It’s this type of commitment that makes Missouri a model for conservation.

At the Affiliate Luncheon on Saturday, MHHF was announced as one of the 11 recipients of a grant from the new David Risberg Memorial Affiliate Grant Program. John and Mary Risberg created this memorial for their son, David, an avid outdoorsman who was lost in an automobile accident last year. Stacie and I had the honor of meeting them and learning more about their son. It did not take long to see the Risbergs are very gracious and noble people. It was a truly moving experience, not only to have the efforts of MHHF recognized and encouraged in this way, but to be a part of this inaugural grant giving event. 

Hal Herring, contributing editor to Field & Stream, was the keynote speaker at the Saturday banquet. He also took the opportunity to say a few words at the Affiliate Luncheon. As a reporter and writer, he has traveled the world, covered wars and “…written hundreds of articles about conservation and the environment.” He is a very interesting individual. Originally from Alabama, a major theme in his remarks is the lack of knowledge by the general public of the significant strides the concerned citizens of America have made toward restoring and preserving the quality of our soil, water and air and how this is a contrast to much of the rest of the world, or to put it more succinctly:  “Too many folks don’t know how they got what we have.”

During his address, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Deputy Director, Dru Buntin, announced preliminary investigation into the creation of a second state trail corridor utilizing 144 miles of the old Rock Island Rail line. He also mentioned properties recently acquired for four new state parks; Bryant Creek, Eleven Point, Jay Nixon and Ozark Mountain. These projects will be years in development, but when complete, will provide additional recreation and outdoor opportunities for Missouri residents and visitors.

In her remarks, MDC Director, Sarah Parker Pauley, mentioned Missouri HB 1873 regarding  poaching penalty provisions and H.R. 4647 Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

Don’t forget, CFM Executive Director, Brandon Butler will be joining us at our annual Business Meeting and Spring Fling Trap Shoot Benefit on Sunday, March 18. In addition to Federation business, we’ll share more details from the convention at the meeting. If you haven’t already, please click here to register.

See you there!!!!!

FROM LEE'S DESK - FEBRUARY 2018

I often take the opportunity in February to reflect upon the bigger picture. My step-daughter, Amanda, recently shared a story with me and, once again, I’m inspired to reflect on how fortunate we are to be citizens of this great country.

Amanda spent the holidays in Europe, visiting her cousin in France and some girlfriends in Germany. While in Germany, she stayed with a host family, which provided her a great opportunity to visit casually and get to know the people and their culture.

One evening the conversation touched on holiday traditions and celebrating the incoming New Year with fireworks. Apparently, this is common in Germany. Fireworks are available for a short time in in many stores and folks can set them off anywhere. When asked if this occurred in the U.S., Amanda reported that the sale of fireworks was highly regulated, could only be purchased and ignited in restricted areas and tolerated over a limited period of time during our celebration of Independence Day.

Later, Amanda’s hosts asked about her parents. She told of my involvement with MHHF and how we introduce youth to hunting. They thought this very strange. “You mean, your country strictly regulates the use of fireworks, but you teach children how to hunt animals with guns?!” Amanda had to laugh but acknowledged, “Yeah, that pretty well describes it.”

Two things come to my mind immediately. First, the number of burns treated at hospital emergency rooms during any given Fourth of July is numerous and (thanks in great part to hunter education) cases involving treatment for hunting related firearms injuries is very few over the course of an entire year. Statistically, you are much safer in the field during season than you are igniting a roman candle.

Secondly, I’m reminded that there are aspects of our culture and laws that are not common in other parts of the world. Early immigrants landing on the shores of this continent and later the frontier families settling this country had to learn to hunt game in order to eat. This tradition has been handed down through generations and is part of American culture. Not so in all other cultures.

In many places, outside the U.S., there aren’t public hunting spaces. Wildlife is generally considered part of the land and therefore the property of the landowner. Historically, landowners were wealthy (often “royalty”). The commoner needed permission from the landowner to harvest game. If game was harvested without permission there could be consequences, potentially deadly.

When our nation was very young, it was determined that the wildlife was the property of the people and was managed in trust for the people by the state (to learn more, do a search for Marten v Waddell 1842 or North American Model of Wildlife Conservation).

Today, Missouri residents can go online, purchase a $17 deer tag and head out to the family farm or State public land and bring home dinner. Folks from most other lands have never been able to do this. For them, the idea of us teaching our youth woodsmanship, sportsmanship and marksmanship must appear very strange indeed.

Perhaps a little bit of the spirit of the Frontier; the self-reliance, the connection to the wild, is still with us. I like that. We are fortunate.

As always, to our sponsors, members, volunteers and participant families, thank you for your support of MHHF and for all you do to keep our great hunting traditions alive for future generations.

See you at the Business Meeting March 18th!

FROM LEE'S DESK - JANUARY 2018

Happy 2018! And what a year it is going to be!

This can be a tough time of year for those of us who thrive on being outside. The extraordinarily cold temperatures have caused me to pass on the last two weeks of deer season. Our floating duck blind is trapped in four inches of ice delaying my ability to drain the flooded field. Even cutting firewood and burning brush piles has been a challenge with below zero wind chills.

The best way I know how to cope with cabin fever is to throw myself into doing activities I can do from the warmth of indoors while I wait for the weather to turn nice. This includes working on MHHF planning initiatives, going to meetings of other organizations with similar goals as MHHF and participating in conservation conferences.

Please mark your calendars now for our Annual MHHF Membership Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Sunday March 18th at the Lake Lotawana Sportsmen’s Club. Immediately following the meeting MHHF will host our 7th Annual Spring Fling Benefit Trap Shoot.  

During the Membership Meeting we’ll review the progress we’ve made last year, recognize your contributions and visit with the movers and shakers in our Hunter Education and Missouri Conservation community. Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) Executive Director, Brandon Butler, will be sharing remarks about current topics impacting Missouri’s outdoors. Our meeting is a week after the CFM annual convention, so I’m sure there will be much to hear about.

Speaking of which, please check out CFM’s 82nd Annual Convention details below. I have been able to attend many of these events and it is a very rewarding experience.  The CFM non-member registration rate to the conference includes an individual membership at a discounted price. The special rate at the Plaza Capital Hotel is very reasonable, too!

I look forward to seeing you in March and celebrating another successful year of MHHF! Thanks for all you do and stay warm.

FROM LEE'S DESK - DECEMBER 2017

What a month! What a year!!!!

In the first two weeks of December, MHHF staged two clinics:

• Waterfowl in Henry County with seven youth participants, and

• Our first Crossbow Deer/Turkey clinic in Cass County with five youth.

All our participants successfully completed the Missouri Hunter Education Certification course, proved proficiency at the supervised live-fire session and enjoyed a personally mentored hunt. Congratulations and “Thank You!” to our member volunteers.

This brings our total number of clinics to 75 and youth graduates to 451 since we started more than 10 years ago. We are on our way to achieving our goal of 500 “families served” by January 1, 2019.

Turning to the business of doing business - nominations are now open for Board of Director and officer positions. Presently, your Board has two nominations to recommend:

• Mike Borgerding to a re-elected three-year term as Treasurer

• Rehan Nana to an elected three-year term as At-Large Director

Both of their profiles can be found on our website.

All MHHF Members in good standing will receive an e-ballot soon.

The officer position of Secretary, a two-year elected term and two positions of At-Large Director are currently open. The descriptions of responsibilities are stated in our By-Laws which are available for download.

We are also updating our MHHF By-Laws. As soon as the wordsmithing is complete, we will share the changes with the membership for review. Any members wishing to comment prior to the Board vote is encouraged to attend our January Board of Directors Meeting, Thursday January 11th, 6 p.m. at Jess & Jim’s Steak House, Martin City.

Next month we will publish our calendar of events for 2018. Meanwhile, Safe and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

FROM LEE'S DESK - NOVEMBER 2017

The third annual Gentleman’s Wild Game Dinner was quite the success, with no shortage of great food, beverages, cigars and fellowship. This year’s event will be remembered for a very high level of energy. The silent auction included a number of new and unique items including a silver liquor flask from Meierotto’s with an engraved MHHF logo adorning the front. I hope something like that is available next year since I did not have the winning bid.

Dinner committee chair J.D. Selby stepped in as auctioneer for the live auction and demonstrated considerable prowess in keeping the bids and laughter coming. Three beautiful CZ long guns and an elegant dinner for four at Affare were snatched up! Funds from the event will be used to support future MHHF Clinics. Thank you to all who joined us for dinner, participated in the auctions and showed your support for Missouri’s hunting heritage.

While enjoying fine dining and city life with friends is fun, few things this time of year beat sitting in a quiet deer stand in the wooded bottoms of Big Creek. From my perch, I had time to reflect on  Missouri’s hunting tradition and all it encompasses. Those who don’t hunt, can’t imagine how this activity connects individuals with each other and with nature. The active, face-to-face fellowship within the brother and sisterhood of hunters is becoming increasingly important at a time when “connectivity” is so often limited to text, social media, emails and telephone. When we teach hunter education we are reminded of all that goes into the hunt, from planning and preparation to important choices we make in deciding to harvest or “let one pass,” to the responsibility to locate, process and use the gift of game. No matter how much we know, there is always more to learn, right?

Another aspect that I feel has become even more important today is the opportunity to sit in the wild, often for hours at a time reflecting and connecting with the natural world. We know (and the studies back this up) that having that ‘downtime’ is important to maintain mental balance.

As we enjoy this November season of gratitude, thank you for being an active supporter of the efforts of MHHF to preserve this wonderful hunting tradition. And thank you for your friendship.

FROM LEE'S DESK - OCTOBER 2017

The temperatures may be dropping outside, but it’s been a hot time for MHHF members and supporters in the Kansas City area. And, with all that’s on the calendar, it doesn’t look like it’s going to cool down soon.

Thanks to all who joined us at the Sportsman’s Gala and congratulations to our MHHF 2017 Volunteer of the Year, Karen Hoover, and MHHF Allan Hoover award recipient. Wayne Baier. Thanks to all who participated in the silent auction and congratulations to all who had the winning bids. There were some terrific prizes awarded.

More thanks to everyone who joined us for the 7th Annual Shoot for the Future and congratulations to the high scorers who are listed on our website www.mhhf.us/news and Facebook page. Combined, our volunteers drove 1,851 miles and dedicated 125 hours creating these two spectacular events. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who made this event happen.

Kudos to our Cass County chapter for the outstanding chukar clinic noted at the top of this update. This was our 73rd clinic since we were founded and brings the total number of families introduced to Missouri’s hunting tradition through the efforts of our volunteers to 438.

As you can see from our calendar of events, all clinics from now through January are fully booked. It’s great to see that so many families are interested in experiencing the outdoor way of life. However, in order for MHHF to continue to meet this growing demand, we need to grow our chapters. On Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 a.m., I will be a guest of Jeff Leonard on the Roads End Outdoors radio program on KFEQ 680 AM, St. Joseph. I hope this conversation, and extra publicity, will generate enough interest to support the creation of a new MHHF chapter in Northwest Missouri. If you know people who live in that area, please reach out to them an encourage them to listen and help promote MHHF.

We’re looking forward to seeing many of you Thursday, November 9 at this year’s Gentlemen’s Wild Game Dinner – A Hunting Affare Benefit. Invitations are mailing this week. Please come support us at this fun and unique event. Details and tickets are available www.mhhf.us/events.

Again, thanks to all for your support!

FROM LEE'S DESK-SEPTEMBER 2017

For supporters of Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, this time of year is a lot like the holidays for everyone else. There are parties, events and opportunities to have a good time and celebrate the season… as in the upcoming hunting season(s).

September’s calendar of events is packed and includes a little something for everyone:

·        Sept. 9-10: First MHHF Clinic of the season took place at Settle’s Ford Conservation Area.

·        Wednesday, Sept. 20: Our first-ever New Mentor Orientation at 5:30, Brewbaker’s Bar & Grill in Belton. (More about that later.)

·        Thursday, Sept. 28: MHHF Sportsmen’s Gala saluting our 2017 special event sponsors at The Emaline Ballroom.

·        Saturday, Sept. 30: MHHF’s 7th Annual Shoot for the Future Sporting Clays Tournament/Benefit is at Powder Creek Shooting Park.

Looking beyond September, we have our Gentleman’s Wild Game Dinner at Affäre Restaurant on Thursday, November 9. Surrounding that are several more youth hunting clinics.

All this during what many consider to be the most wonderful time of year in Kansas City with mild days, cool nights and spectacular fall colors. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

To help introduce people to our clinic model, we have historically asked prospective members to come to a clinic and observe what we do and how we do it. That practice has served us well. As we focus on growing MHHF, waiting for hunting season to audit a clinic becomes somewhat limiting for folks who would like to actively participate in the four remaining clinics we have scheduled this fall.

If you’re interested in learning more about MHHF or volunteering at one of our upcoming clinics this fall, please join us this Wednesday, 5:30 at Brewbaker’s Bar & Grill in Belton. Clinic organizers, directors and other members will present an introduction to our clinic model and outline our procedures. New members, with a filled application and first year’s dues, will receive a hardcopy of our procedure manual, no downloading and printing necessary!

Whether you are a veteran or prospective member, I hope you will join us. More information about these events and upcoming clinics is on our website and Facebook page.

FROM LEE'S DESK-AUGUST 2017

Passing Along- the Fifth Component

When MHHF first created our clinic model we saw three primary components:

1. the Missouri Department of Conservation hunter education certification class,

2. the supervised live-fire session, and

3. the mentored hunt.

Very soon thereafter, the MHHF founders recognized that the after hunt camp lunch, where the kids told each other their tales of the hunt, was another important part of the traditional hunting experience. At that moment, we considered the camp lunch a fourth component of our clinic.

Several years ago, we stuggled with a concern that introducing youth to hunting was not enough. We felt we needed to do something more to assist our clinic graduates with finding opportunities to connect with like-minded hunters for continuing education and friendship. To that end we welcomed hunting organizations like Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and Pheasants Forever to partner with us.

“How?” you might ask.

First, they provided MHHF a $250 donation to assist in offsetting our hard costs of running our clinics, things like eye and ear protection, shells, targets and hot dogs.. Additionally, we encouraged a representative from one of those organizations to join us the day of the hunt. In some cases, that person was one of our mentors. During the camp lunch, we recognized this individual for their service, and their organization as an association that supports youth and Missouri’s hunting heritage. He or she is given a few minutes to share the value of becoming a member of their organization. Collateral material and contact information is provided.

In this way, MHHF plays the role of the “farm team,” for the partnering organization, providing a flow of new member prospects fresh from their first time afield. We are also providing an important next step for our clinic graduates so, if they choose to continue to pursue hunting and the outdoor way of life, they have somewhere to go.

It is our hope to have a partner with every hunter education clinic and hunt we provide.  If you are a member or on the board of a related organization and would like to learn how to leverage the value of MHHF as your “farm team”, please contact Jerri Keith soccerboys@comcast.net

FROM LEE'S DESK-JULY 2017

I’d like to take a minute to comment about the new Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) all-online hunter-education course , launched this month. Like many new ideas, it’s easy to be against a concept at first blush. My first thought upon hearing about this at the Conservation Federation of Missouri conference in March was “Are they nuts? What are they thinking?” My mind jumped to memories of youngsters, sitting at the back of the hunter ed class, messing around who would later fail the test or be asked to leave. The human component of watchful instructors was critical to making sure those who displayed behavior showing a lack of appreciation for firearm safety should be denied hunter education certification. This human monitoring can’t take place online and who knows who is really filling out the test, right?

My second concern was where does MHHF’s hunter education clinics fit now that people can be certified not only without a supervised live-fire session and mentored first hunt, but without participating in-person in a class?

I spoke with MDC Deputy Director Aaron Jeffries during a visit in April and on the phone last Monday. Some points he made…

-The big objective is to create a variety of opportunities for new hunters to get certified in order to counter the declining number of hunters. That is something on which I think we can all agree.

-Students must be 16 years of age or older. It is designed for a slightly older demographic than most MHHF clinic participants. Aaron said in the first week the majority of online students were over 21, definitely not our target market.

-The department will include verification as to how a shooter was certified in any hunting incident investigation. In other words, the department is watching. If incidents grow with this new means of getting certified, they will not hesitate to make changes.

Although I can’t say I’m totally comfortable with this new certification option, I applaud the Department’s continued, and innovative, efforts to keep the hunting tradition from fading away. As to where MHHF’s efforts fit in, I believe we provide the best and safest way to introduce a young person, who lacks access and opportunity, to Missouri’s hunting heritage.

Once again I’m excited to report how our Directors and members are engaging in MHHF’s Mission the last several weeks. Here are just some of the results of their efforts…

• Treasurer, Mike Borgerding completed and submitted applications for two grants for MHHF.

• The Cass County chapter has added two new clinics to the fall schedule.

• The Board of Directors have added the Joplin/Webb City, MO area to our list for chapter development.

• The board has updated our Purpose/Mission/Vision statements. You can review these statements on our website under ‘what we do’ which is being updated by new member, Bruce Keith.

• Director Emeritus, Sam Goller has been keeping our Facebook page current.

• Director, Steve Rulo and Clinic Coordinator Jerri Lynn Keith represented MHHF at Cabela’s Family Outdoors Day, last month. The event had over 300 attendees.

• The Instructor Mentor Rendezvous will take place Sunday, August 13th from nine to noon at D.H. Restoration in Grandview. This provides an opportunity to review the operations of our clinics, capturing new, best practices and creating solutions for problem areas. We will also introduce some new and improved plans for gathering participant feedback and promotion of future clinics.

• President-Elect and Event Chair, Stacie Hubler has announced this year’s Sportsmen’s Gala September 28th will be at the Emaline Ballroom in Lee’s Summit.

• Director J.D. Selby, and the committee for the Gentlemen’s Wild Game Dinner fundraiser (Thursday, November 9 at Affare Restaurant), announced the ticket price has been reduced to $150, one hundred dollars less than previous years. Invites will be in the mail soon.

Whew! That’s a lot going on during a time of year when we are not even staging clinics!!!  Soon, we will be holding a New Mentor Orientation meeting in preparation for the fall clinics. If you know someone who would be interested in participating in any of the above activities please have them contact me at president@mhhf.us

Thank you for all you do to support and help grow Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation.

FROM LEE'S DESK, JUNE 2017

Summer Reflection

Summer is an important time for MHHF. It’s when we look back on what we’ve done, plan for the upcoming hunting seasons and, of utmost importance, focus on recruiting – both volunteers and sponsors. Without either, MHHF’s opportunities for growth would be limited.

Last month, I shared information about our strategic plan for the future. Part of that plan includes expanding the number and location of MHHF Clinics. In addition to our Annual Henry County Waterfowl Clinic the 2nd weekend in December, we plan to premier a new Annual HC Waterfowl Clinic during the Middle Zone Youth Hunting Season, October 28 and 29. To be successful, we need your help and are looking for volunteers in the Harrisonville, Clinton and surrounding areas.

Recently, the Missouri Department of Conservations has modified the game laws to allow the of use crossbows during regular archery seasons. In the past, providing archery clinics was difficult. Since youngsters vary in size, we would need to have on hand many different traditional bows. In contrast, half dozen youth crossbows can be adjusted to fit youngsters of varying height and size. This change in regulations allows us to offer a new introduction to yet another aspect of history and hunting! So we are also planning a new Archery Deer Clinic using crossbows. To support this effort, we are looking for new volunteers to help us develop this clinic in the Cass, Jackson or Clay County areas.  

Mentors are always a priority and to provide expedited training in the MHHF Clinic model we are developing a New Mentor Orientation event to be held sometime in the late summer or early Fall.   

Additionally, we always appreciate support in the classroom, at the range and around basecamp the day of the hunt. So, even if a person doesn’t have an instructor certification or hunting experience to share, there are plenty of other important ways to help out.

Please give some thought to someone you know who might be interested in joining us. Membership dues are $20 per year or a Life Membership is available for a one-time donation of $250.

Member perks? There’s only one – and it’s a big one – it’s the satisfaction of mentoring youth who find greater ways to appreciate the outdoors and enthusiastically embrace Missouri’s hunting tradition. Every clinic we stage concludes with appreciative parents and happy kids who have made new friends, gained confidence from learning new skills and knowledge. Every time I participate in one of our clinics I come away with renewed enthusiasm, wanting to do more. It’s fun and rewarding. We want to share that experience with you. I hope you will consider supporting MHHF with the gift of time or your membership. For those of you who already give, THANK YOU!

From Lee's Desk, May 2017

500 Families by Jan. 1, 2019

A recent episode of ABC’s 20/20 included several stories about kids who are “addicted” to different aspects of the internet. The symptoms of the addiction often include behavioral issues and eating disorders. In this story, the “treatment” involves spending 10 weeks at a camp in a Utah dessert.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

As an organization, MHHF feels strongly that a connection to the natural world is important to living a balanced life. In Richard Louv’s book, The Last Child in the Woods, there is documented scientific proof that spending time outside has a positive impact on all of us – mentally, physically and emotionally.

As a member, and supporter, of MHHF, you understand the value of being connected to Missouri’s great outdoor heritage. On behalf of the board, I thank you for supporting our Mission to introduce youth to our hunting heritage and helping them connect to the natural world.

While we’ve made great progress in realizing our Mission, our work is just beginning. Your MHHF board of directors met Sunday, May 21, to review progress over the last year and set new goals for the next 19 months. Among those targets was a determination to introduce 86 more families to Missouri’s hunting tradition and to bring our total number of families who have participated in an MHHF clinic to 500 by Jan. 1, 2019, the time Stacie Hubler takes office as the next Federation president. This will be accomplished through expansion of the Henry County Chapter and with the addition of two new chapters in Central and North Central Missouri.

Other targets include new member recruitment and development. And, for the first time since their creation in 2010, the MHHF Vision and Mission Statements are also being revised. Emphasis will be moved from statewide expansion to the quality of our clinic experience.

Thanks to board members Sean Flanagan for hosting the meeting and to J.D. Selby for leading the discussion.

If you’re interested in getting a copy of The Last Child in the Woods, please consider ordering through the Amazon Smile Program which will, in turn, make a contribution to MHHF.

From Lee's Desk April, 2017

The Cass County Turkey Clinic April 8th & 9th completed our schedule of clinics this spring. (See photos elsewhere in this update.)   In addition to the turkey clinic, MHHF also hosted a chukar clinic in April. In total, we had 15 youth participants, 8 girls and 7 boys. All chukar clinic participants harvested a chukar. One (big!) turkey was taken during the turkey clinic. Thank you to all of the MHHF, Cass County volunteers for their efforts to pass along Missouri’s hunting tradition!

Just as the seasons change, MHHF activity now turns from staging clinics to long and short-range planning.  President-Elect Stacie Hubler and I will be traveling to Jefferson City in early May to meet with various Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) leaders. The purpose of these meetings is to assure MHHF efforts are in alignment with, and continue to support, MDC’s hunter education and hunter recruitment goals. The department has announced that as of July first of this year, students 16-years and older will be able to receive the Missouri Hunter Education Certification completely online. We’re not sure how, or if, this will impact our clinics.

Later in May, Federation directors will meet to review MHHF goals and set new ones for the coming year. Fall and 2018 spring clinics will be scheduled. We will also prepare our Annual Review to keep our supporters informed of our progress.

If you haven’t already, mark these dates on your calendar:

·        Sportsman’s Gala – September 28

·        Shoot for the Future Sporting Clays Tournament-September 30

·        Gentleman’s Wild Game Dinner –November 9

Thanks to all who renewed your membership and/or made a donation last month. Your support of our work is always greatly appreciated. 114 families and growing!!

From Lee's Desk March, 2017

Many thanks to all of you who joined us Saturday, March 18th, for the MHHF Annual Business Meeting and the 6th Annual Spring Fling Trap & Turkey Shoot. The weather was superb, the bar-b-que was outstanding and my shooting was… so-so. Thank you to President Elect Stacie Hubler, her event committee and Executive Director Susan Williams for organizing a great day.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the Keith McCanse Award to Phil Needham at the Annual Business Meeting. This MHHF award was created to recognize pioneers in modern day conservation and defenders of our hunting heritage. Phil, conservation agent and a Ducks Unlimited Chapter President has been a constant advocate of MHHF efforts, organizing an annual goose clinic, instructing and mentoring at other clinics and providing year round support as a member.

Members of the McCanse family and outdoor writer Brent Frazee were there to share information about the legacy of Missouri conservation pioneer, Keith McCanse and to present the award. Thank you to George McCanse who traveled from Texas to join us along with three other members of the McCanse family, and to Mr. Frazee for your participation.

On the topic of “Thank You,” on behalf of MHHF, I tip my hat to our Spring Fling Sponsors, Clinic Sponsors, Life Members, Heritage Donors and Sustaining Partners listed elsewhere in this update.

As most of you know, from our beginning, MHHF has been an affiliate member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. At CFM’s affiliate luncheon during their Annual Conference, National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara spoke about the importance of conservation. He noted that in the 1930’s people came together to reform wildlife and natural resource management in Missouri and nationally, that it was unanimously held that the most important step for protecting these resources in the future was to educate the next generation. He stated that opinion holds just as true today as ever. Your support, as contributors and members, enables us to educate the next generation. Through your generosity, MHHF takes youth lacking access and opportunity and provides them a weekend which introduces them to the outdoors firsthand, complete with personal instruction in Missouri’s hunting tradition.

77 Clinics, 417 families to date and growing!

-Lee

Brandon Butler, Conservation Federation of Missouri Address at CFM Annual Convention

1,105 days. That is how long we have been on this journey together. I know that number is miniscule for some of you in this room who have been dedicated to this organization for many decades. Others of you are new to CFM. No matter how long you have been involved, thank you for being here.

For just over three years now, CFM has been so much more than a job to me. Conservation has become my vocation and I want to begin today by thanking all of you for allowing me this incredible opportunity to serve and represent you as the director of Missouri’s largest and most important citizen conservation organization.

Many of you probably don’t know my background. I took a non-traditional path to this role. My diversity of jobs before CFM includes selling auto-parts and pharmaceuticals. Working for a state agency, being the marketing manger of a hunting and shooting manufacturer, and self-syndicating a newspaper column.  I didn’t study wildlife or natural resources in college. But I’ve been an outdoors enthusiast longer than I can remember. I was the guy hauling deer into my college fraternity, scaring the city boys who’d never seen a dead animal before. People come to be conservationist in many ways.

Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Organizational Leadership. I studied leadership for six years, but books and classrooms can no more prepare someone for leadership than practice on a rifle range can prepare solider for the complexities of battle.

Leaders learn through experience. By having to make decisions that you know will please some while upsetting others. You learn to navigate the complexities of both allies and enemies. You learn to humbly accept praise knowing you are always a single decision away from despair, and you learn to deal with the hurt and confusion of those you respect and consider friends sometimes working against you.

You have to learn from the good and the bad, then put it behind you and continue moving forward. Leadership isn’t easy. But you all know that, because each and every one of you in this room is a leader.

Missouri is home to just over 6,000,000 people. Of those, 1.2 million people have a fishing license. Over 500,000 Missourians purchase a deer-hunting license each fall. And our state parks hosted over 20,000,000 visitors in 2016. These numbers prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the outdoors truly matters to Missourians, yet there are only a couple of hundred people in this room today. The fact that you are here, engaging in a process to help set policy and direction for the future of our natural resources makes you a leader and I thank you for that.

Look around this room. CFM is growing and we are changing. In the past three years we have grown by over 1,200 new members. Or Business Alliance has more than doubled. We currently have 89 Business Alliance members supporting CFM. Much of that credit goes to our Director of Corporate Relations, Rehan Nana.

We’ve grown with an additional 13 new affiliated organizations, and yesterday the Coalition for the Environment submitted an application to become the newest. Thank you Heather, for your belief in CFM.

We are becoming more inclusive. Our reach is becoming broader. We are becoming younger. Our continued lack of racial diversity is still disheartening, but we will continue to try new ways to reach demographics of Missourians who are non-traditional supporters of conservation and natural resources.

We are not an organization of democrats or republicans, or rich or poor. We are as diverse of an organization that exists. We are scientists and farmers. Teachers and students. We are hunters and animal lovers. Collectively, we hold dear our natural resources. We all love watching the sunrise over prairie. We all love the sound of a turkey gobbling. We all love seeing a bald eagle soar. No matter what our differences may be, we are bound in this love of the outdoors and we must work together to protect things as basic as clean air, clean water and healthy soil.

Thankfully, Missourians proved to us this past fall that they believe just as we in this room do. The Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax passed with an overwhelming 80.1 percent of the vote. For the first time, it won in every county of our state. That is an unheard of show of support.

When each of you checked yes on 1, you were telling our government to take some of your hard earned money and protect your soil and water, and to keep our state parks open and pristine for all people, Missourians and our visitors.

But voting yes wasn’t the end of the process. It was only the beginning. Now we, as citizens, must engage with our elected leaders and respective agencies to ensure those resources are being used wisely and in ways that we, the taxpayers and their employers feel, best moves our state forward towards a healthier environment and with outstanding state parks.

Serving on the Citizens Committee for the renewal of the Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax was a highlight of my career thus far. If only society to could join together the way that committee did.

The coming together of so many different organizations working towards a shared common goal was refreshing. Many of the organizations working together disagree at times. The Farm Bureau and the Nature Conservancy were instrumental partners working together to pass this tax. The Corn Growers, Soybean Growers, and the Pork Association were working alongside the Missouri Parks Association, Prairie Foundation and Audubon Society. A shared goal made the 80 percent vote possible. And no organization is better at bring people and organization together than CFM.

The collaboration was truly inspiring and affirmed something I have learned. Missourians, including all those across industry and agriculture, want to do right by our natural resources. They want clean air, clean water and healthy soil. That’s why I am proud of the work we are doing at CFM to partner with non-traditional supporters of conservation. To bring these folks to the table and work with them to ensure we are looking for ways to move forward together, while always looking for opportunities to benefit our state while showing a stronger more unified front in the fight to protect our natural resources in the political arena.

Politics is a strange dichotomy. On one hand people are drawn to politics like a moth to flame, but once the heat of the flame is felt, people retreat to watch in comfort from a distance. Very few people want to join the fray in the arena.

And when they do for the first time, and find the sludge unappealing, they certainly don’t want to do it again. Choosing instead the safety of being spectators from the stands allowing the battles to be fought by others. But no one wins wars alone. It takes an army. And if we are going to continue winning battles for conservation and natural resources, then we need a bigger and stronger army.

Engaging in the process isn’t easy. And frankly, we as an organization are not doing nearly as good of a job as we could or should be doing. Too many people remain unaware and un-engaged in state politics.

When I go around the state and talk to various groups, I always ask the same question. Can you name your state senator and state representative? Very, very few people can. So then I follow up with, if you do not know who they are how do you know what they are doing as your representative? I’ll ask you the same question right now, do you know who your state senator and state representative is, and do you know what they are doing to represent you in the legislature? Think about. And if the answer is no, then you must fix that.

So if we are asking you, as members of this organization to stand with us, what are we asking you to stand for?  

First and foremost, CFM believes in the foundation of our organization, which the constitutional authority of the Department of Conservation and the dedicated funding the provided by Conservation Sales Tax.

 We know that what we have here in Missouri is special. We have incredible professionals at the Department working every day to manage the incredible resources we have at our fingertips, including healthy fish and game populations and public land on which to recreate.

 But we also know the department isn’t perfect. And at times we may not fully agree. But like in any strong relationship, there is no line in the sand. No you are either with us or against.

We must work together to help steer the direction of this state and that’s what we are doing here today. We have to be together even when we disagree if we are going carry this amazing conservation story into the future. And we are going to have to take some stands.

One of the big issues of our time is Chronic Wasting disease. And sadly, our legislature has turned its back on the science of this devastating disease. MDC biologists have presented all the facts, supported by leading researchers across the country, to prove the spread of CWD is directly impacted by the movement of captive cervids (deer).

Yet, certain legislators are working, right now, to make the process of moving cervids into our state easier and they are looking for ways to pass laws to bolster and grow the privatized wildlife industry. They ignore science, otherwise, there is no question they would close our state’s borders to the importation of cervids tomorrow, just as Texas, Florida and over 20 other states have done.

So, if our politicians are committed to failing us on CWD, to failing the white-tailed deer, our state’s most sought after wildlife species, then we will take matters into our own hands.

A new group of dedicated conservationists, Missouri Hunters for Fair Chase, is committed to passing an initiative petition that bans the sale of canned hunts and cuts the private wildlife industry off at the knees.

Some are saying CFM shouldn’t support this because it may upset the legislature. Well I'm pretty sure the legislature was upset in 1935 when the people decided to form a new state agency free from politics and political favor.

And I'm pretty sure the legislature was pretty upset again in 1976 when the people voted to send tax dollars free from political control to that agency. But you know what, upsetting the legislature was worth it then and it’s worth it now.

The brave visionaries of those initiatives, including some of you in this room created change that has led our state to the top of the conservation mountain.

The word “best” is thrown around a lot, and it is hard to define, but there's no argument over how incredible our natural resources are in Missouri. We are truly blessed. So when our political process fails us we have to step up and be the change we seek. History tells us we can do it, and today, if we hope to have a wild deer herd for our grandchildren to hunt 50 years from now, we must stop the privatization of deer and the transportation of them, and their potential diseases into our state.

Today is so important. We are about to break up into 10 different committees.

You are the leaders of your community. And leadership demands you make hard choices. It demands you do the heavy lifting. And that is what each and everyone of you in this room must do if we, as the conservation community of Missouri, are to collectively protect the natural resources of this state in a time when others are determined to see them diminished.

No one is in this room because you want to be told what to do. You are here because you want to be part of the discussion. You want to be part of the decision making process. Citizens do not want to be talked at. They want to be talked with and I applaud you for being here and representing that principle.

So now I hope you go to your respective committees. I hope you will offer your insights and I hope you will listen to the insights of others, and that you will work together to create plans of action for this organization to take forward to positively impact your areas of concern. But more than anything, I hope you don’t leave here today thinking the work is over. Today is when the work begins.

Thank you very much.

From Lee's Desk February, 2017

In 2017, MHHF continues to chart a path towards growth. This year our primary focus will be to expand the number of MHHF chapters throughout Missouri. To help do this, we have several initiatives already in the works. These include:

·        A half-dozen people attended an “After Hours FriendRaiser” near Clinton, MO last September. Many of those who attended expressed interest in supporting a second annual MHHF waterfowl clinic. We are looking forward to them joining us for our Spring clinics to gain first-hand experience of our unique clinic model. This summer, we plan to host a mentor orientation with the intention of scheduling a second Henry County Waterfowl clinic this Fall. 

·        Several of our directors are working with the leadership of the Land Learning Federation in the Keytesville, Missouri area. This group stages a number of mentored hunts for youth throughout the year.  February 11th, directors Scott Strickland, JD Selby and Sam MacDonald joined them for a Rabbit Hunt. Some of their members will be joining our April 8th Turkey Clinic. Our hope is to stage a jointly led clinic in late summer of this year.

·        Additionally, we have leads in the Columbia & Jefferson City area. One meeting has already taken place.

·        Susan Williams, Stacie Hubler and I will be attending the Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Conference in March. This represents a great opportunity for us to continue to share the MHHF story and expand our reach throughout Missouri with other like-minded organizations.

Our Executive Director, board members and volunteers are working hard to help MHHF grow. Some of our ongoing activities include: 

·        Expanding awareness of MHHF and our clinics through print articles, expansion of social media, additional radio interviews and press releases.

·        Continuing to connect with local groups with similar missions with whom we can partner. We did this in 2016 with Boy Scouts of America Venture Crews and a private hunting club in Central Missouri.

·        Connecting with local school boards to assist in promoting our clinics to area youth, find local support and prospective MHHF members. New director Sam MacDonald is assisting Susan Williams in this effort.

How can you help? We need instructors, mentors and organizers in Jackson, Cass, Chariton, Henry and Boone Counties!  Are you interested? Do you know someone else who might be interested?  Contact Executive Director Susan Williams (execdir@mhhf.us) and let her know. She’ll take it from there.

Springtime kicks off another year of MHHF clinics and activities. The next event one is our annual Membership Business Meeting and 6th annual Spring Fling, Saturday, March 18th! I’m looking forward to seeing you (and as many friends you want to bring) there. You can purchase tickets and learn more at mhhf.us.

Lee