CAMPFIRE CHAT WITH
MOC PRESIDENT ZACH SMITH
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Greetings, Missouri Outdoor Communicators:
I hope wherever you’re reading this newsletter you’re experiencing some of the same things I am: cooler mornings, changing leaves and walks in the woods that are, mercifully, tick- and mosquito-free. Fall is a fine time in Missouri just about any way you slice it from the fishing to the hunting to the gorgeous scenery, but those little pleasures I’ve found are the ones sticking in my mind as of late.
That and I miss seeing all of you. It’s hard to believe Bunker Hill was more than a year ago, and while outdoor communication continues in spite of COVID we’re all overdue on recharging our MOC batteries as a big group.
That said, I want to acknowledge the efforts of our executive director Kyle Stewart and everyone at The Beenders-Walker Group for keeping the sails full on S.S. MOC. In a year where virtually everything was cancelled, we were probably one of the few groups that has been able to continue doing business (mostly) unaltered. Some of that has to do with our chosen profession — it’s not difficult nor altogether totally unpleasant to socially distance in the great outdoors. But thanks to Kyle and TBWG, gracious hosts and generous supporters, we were able to host two incredible events at Stockton and Doniphan this year. Not only did they give us a chance to get together, hone our craft and find some stories, but in the long run they’ll help generate press for areas and industries that are very much in need. For those of you who helped keep MOC’s hand in the game this year, we simply could not have done it without you.
With the COVID shuffle forcing us — as a country, as a group, as companies and as individuals — to rethink how we do business and live our lives, it’s been a particularly apt time to reflect on our organization, who we are, what we do and where we want to be in the future. My humble request from you, the membership, is this: let us know your thoughts. It doesn’t have to be the day you read this newsletter, but over the fall as you go on those long-overdue, humidity-free hikes, fall floats or leaf-peeping drives and into the winter if you find yourself ruminating in the blind, gazing into the fire or avoiding deadlines, take some time to think about what you want out of your MOC experience and what the organization can do to make it happen. If you have questions, comments, complaints (hopefully not too many) or just plain brainstorms brewing in your head, drop a line to myself or Kyle any time inspiration strikes. I’ve always been a firm believer that organizations such as ours are only as strong as the members want it to be and are willing to make it.
Think on it, and we can talk about it the next time I see you — hopefully soon, and hopefully outside.
- Zach Smith, President 2019-2021
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
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Now that fall and the cooler weather are here, I've been enjoying a fair amount of time in front of a warm fire in the evenings, whether it be a fire ring, wood stove or fireplace. As time in spent in the lambent glow of a fire naturally leads to some introspection, I'd like to share with you something that I was reflecting on last weekend.
I grew up spending most weekends and large chunks of my summers outside on my grandparents' farm in Osage County. There were countless hours whiled away exploring the woods, creek beds, ravines and fallow fields. I shot my first squirrel in those woods and sat in my first deer stand in those woods. Since childhood, I have always loved being outside but I never considered myself an outdoorsman. Despite my father's best efforts to impart a love of fishing and hunting, I simply wasn't that interested. There were other things I'd rather be doing and I didn't have the patience or focus for fishing and I never enjoyed field dressing my kills. So, I became content to be a passive participant, one who goes on a couple hikes and floats per year and if I went fishing every now and again, great. But I didn't seek out outdoor adventures.
All of that changed about 10 years ago when I was first introduced to MOC.
Spending time with all of you and listening to your stories about fishing and hunting trips made me want to have my own adventures. Your first-hand knowledge impressed me to no end and inspired me to undertake my own journey of discovery. Through your work and wisdom I have learned what it means to be a true conservationist and how to apply that knowledge to my own life. Many of you have become my mentors, whether you know it or not, and even more have become good friends.
Since our first interactions, I have learned far more than I ever thought I would about the natural world. I also have since been on many adventures of my own, catching saltwater fish in the Gulf of Mexico; catching brown and rainbow trout on the fly from a drift boat in Wyoming; logging miles on hiking trails in Denali, the Wild Atlantic Way, many national parks and innumerable trails around Missouri; spending hours foraging for mushrooms and other edible plants and spending seven days float camping on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Additionally, I have spent many more hours fishing with my dad within the last several years than I ever did growing up. So, I thank you for helping to change my perspective and inspiring and encouraging me to enjoy the great outdoors. My dad thanks you, too.
Now, I'm trying to do my part by sharing my knowledge and passions with my children and my friends and encouraging them to pursue their own outdoor passions, whatever they may be.
Thank you all for what you do to promote and protect Missouri's great outdoors. And, please remember, there's no telling who you may inspire along the way.
- Kyle Stewart, The Beenders Walker Group
Missouri Outdoor Communicators Executive Director
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GET READY TO BID.
MOC SETS PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION
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Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for the outdoors man or woman on your list?
Be sure to check out the MOC online auction starting in early November.
Guided fishing trips by MOC’s Dennis Whiteside, Brad Wiegmann, Bill Cooper, Brandon Butler and Shags McLeod, and Brent Frazee will highlight our list of items.
MOC supporters Ed Franko, Ryan Walker, Tandem Fly Outfitters and Joe Bragg also will offer guided trips.
Family trips to Lake of the Ozarks and Branson, a gift pack of five books written by MOC members, a large binder full of Z-Man lures, and other fishing equipment will be included.
Kyle Stewart will update us soon on the online site where the auction can be found. Once he does, we would appreciate it if you could share the info on your social media pages.
Thanks again to all who donated. This is truly a MOC team effort.
- Brent Frazee, MOC Supporting Member Liaison
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A note from Kyle: MOC took a significant financial hit hit this year when our conference was cancelled as a result of COVID-19. It is our hope that this auction, which is the first we've had that is open to the public, is able to offset the income that would have been raised from our conference and our conference auction. Proceeds from this auction will go towards the "Buck" Rogers Memorial Scholarship fund as well as MOC's general operating fund. The auction will be live from November 2 through December 2. Any and all help that you can provide in promoting this auction will be greatly appreciated.
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As we now find ourselves in the autumn of the year, it's time to renew your Missouri Outdoor Communicators membership for 2021. We request that you return your completed renewal form by November 27, 2020.
If you have trouble downloading or opening the file or completing the online transaction, please call me at 573-619-3296 or email me at [email protected] and I will gladly assist you.
Your membership and participation are vital for our organization to continue to fulfill its mission. Obviously, our financial resources are necessary in order to operate professionally and effectively.
Over the last 27 years, MOC has become more than a great group of professionals. We also have become a great group of friends. Our organization would not be what it is today without each of you, because everyone brings something unique and special to MOC. Your membership will ensure that our association will continue to grow and expand its reach. Let us keep working toward being the best outdoor writers organization in the country.
Your involvement in MOC is important and very much appreciated.
All of us at TBWG - Marjorie Beenders, Jo Duncan, Steve Walker and myself - look forward to seeing many of you at Mozingo Lake this spring for our conference and hope that everyone is well and in good health.
I look forward to receiving your membership renewal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 573-619-3296.
-Kyle Stewart, Missouri Outdoor Communicators executive director
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FANTASTIC TIMES IN DONIPHAN DURING MOC's FALL FISH, FLOAT 'N FUN MEDIA EVENT |
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Clockwise from upper left: Blue Springs at The Narrows; Keith Whiteside poses with the 25-foot mill wheel at Turner Spring; Bill Smith showing off the bruiser of a smallmouth bass he caught (photo by John Neporadny); Barb Ostmann and Dennis Whiteside at the Current River Heritage Museum; Keith Whiteside and his son, Randall Cooper, at the blacksmith forging demonstration at Tom Kennon Blacksmith Shop. Pictured below: Bill Cooper, Barb Ostmann and Zach Smith on White's Creek Trail in the Irish Wilderness (photo by Bill Cooper). Remaining photos by Kyle Stewart. |
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The folks in Doniphan, Mo. sure know how to show guests a good time. If you love Missouri's beautiful Ozarks, you don't want to skip out on Doniphan, MO. All the things that make Missouri's outdoors so special can be found in the area: Great fishing, natural beauty, cultural history, public lands and friendly people waiting to share their experiences and stories.
From September 22 through September 24, a handful of MOC members came together in Doniphan in southern Missouri for three days of outdoor adventures and story gathering opportunities.
Attendees enjoyed a blacksmith forging demonstration at the Tom Kennon Blacksmith Shop at the Heritage Homestead featuring Chris Miller and Keith Whiteside followed by a guided tour of the Current River Heritage Museum. That night a few of us took part in a Ozarks tradition - gigging for sucker fish on the Current River with Rob Godsy and Harlow Cook. The next day, part of our group ventured into Oregon County to take a guided hike with Keith Whiteside around three highlights of the Eleven Point District of the Mark Twain National Forest - The Narrows, Boze Mill Spring Float Camp and Turner Mill - while others spent the day targeting smallmouth bass on the Current River with Bill Smith's Scenic Rivers Guide Service. On the last day of our visit, part of our group enjoyed a guided hike with Mark Twain National Forest rangers through a small part of the Irish Wilderness while John and Bill Smith caught more smallmouth.
This MOC event was attended by Bill Cooper, John Neporadny, Barb Ostmann, Zach Smith, Dennis Whiteside and Kyle Stewart.
Many thanks to our wonderful host, Teresa Friend, at Current Situation at Southern Comfort Cabins for having us. We also appreciated the hospitality and contributions of Bill Smith's Scenic Rivers Guide Service, Rob Godsy, Harlow Cook, Randy and Rocky Whiteside, Chris Miller, the Current River Heritage Museum, Patsy's Journeyman Restaurant, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, Current River One Stop and the fine folks at Mark Twain National Forest's Eleven Point District. Our visit wouldn't have been nearly as special without the time, expertise and guidance of soon-to-be Ripley County Commissioner Keith Whiteside.
We look forward to seeing all the great stories and coverage for the Doniphan area that will result from this media event.
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"MISSOURI MAFIA" WINS BIG DURING 2020 AGLOW AWARDS CEREMONY |
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Many MOC members were recognized among the "Best of the Best" in outdoor communications during the 2020 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Association's virtual Awards in Craft Ceremony on September 16. Missouri Outdoor Communicator members took home 14 awards this year, proving once again that our "Missouri Mafia" remains at the top of their game.
Congratulations to all of you. Keep up the outstanding work!
Best of Magazine - Fishing
- Brent Frazee - 3rd Place, "Sherwood"
Best of Magazine - Boat, Travel & Camping
- Barb Ostmann - 1st Place, "Ice Water"
Best of Newspaper - Fishing
- Kenny Kieser - 2nd Place, "Fishing with my Grandson"
Best of Newspaper - Open
- Kenny Kieser - 1st Place, "Duck Decoys Are an Ancient Tradition"
Best of Radio/Podcast - Hunting
- Brandon Butler - 1st Place, "Missouri's First-Ever Elk Season"
Best of Radio/Podcast - Open
- Brandon Butler - 1st Place, "Former Missouri State Parks Director: Bill Bryan"
- Larry Whiteley - 2nd Place, "An Age-Old Mysterious Performance"
Best of Electronic Blog - Fishing
- Brent Frazee - 1st Place, "Fishing Was The Bond That Brought Dad And Me Together"
Best Book
- Tim Huffman - 1st Place, "300+ Crappie Fishing Tips"
Best of Electronic Blog - Fishing
- Brent Frazee - 1st Place, "Fishing Was The Bond That Brought Dad And Me Together"
Best of Website
- Brandon Butler - 3rd Place, www.DriftwoodOutdoors.com
Best of Public Speaking
- Brandon Butler - 2nd Place, "Conservation Federation Wins Golden Glow"
Best of Photography - Hunting
- Brandon Butler - 3rd Place, "Osceola"
Best of Photography - Recreation
- Barbara Ostmann - 3rd Place, "Kayak Caves"
Once again, congratulations to all of our winners. MOC is very proud of the great work you do.
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HOSTING YOUR OWN RADIO SHOW
By Bill Cooper
Starting your own outdoor radio show may not be as difficult as you might think. Entire radio stations are housed in very small spaces including one’s own home. In today’s world of modern electronics, you don’t need much to start your own show. The days of needing high end equipment like mixers and DJ decks are virtually gone. All you really need to get started are a reliable Internet connection, a decent microphone, an all-in-one broadcasting platform, and possibly a radio license.
Sure the big radio stations have the latest and greatest top of the line equipment that is far too expensive for the newby just starting up. Like most other businesses, it is wise to begin slowly and build as you go. All you need to get started is basic equipment.
A good condenser microphone will be one of your biggest expenses. I have used Rode microphones for decades. They are great for sound quality, are easy to set up, and are very affordable.
Many people getting into radio today utilize the services of an all-in-one broadcasting platform such as radio.co. They take your shows, package them up, and deliver them to your listeners worldwide.
Licensing is required for traditional radio stations broadcasting via FM/AM. For online broadcasts, it depends on where you are broadcasting from, what you are broadcasting, and to whom you are broadcasting.
Today’s broadcasting software can literally have you up and running and broadcasting in a matter of minutes. Mixxx is an advanced open-source DJ software for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Ubuntu. It’s perfect if you want more control over how you use music as you can mix together 4 decks, control; EQ, and input multiple microphones.
BUTT is a simple broadcasting tool that is quick and easy to set up for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Best of all it’s free and easy to work with.
Getting people to listen to your show is far easier than in the old days. Now there are several ways to encourage people to tune in. You can actually embed a player on your website, which will send listeners directly to your stream. You can also list your station on internet radio directories, like TuneIn, Streema, and others, where there are thousands of listeners.
For those of us in outdoor communications, there is no problem deciding on a general topic. Your imagination is your limiting factor when it comes to giving your show a catchy name. I currently host a show for Living the Dream Outdoor Properties, which specializes in large tracts of land for purposes of outdoor recreation. The radio show title Living the Dream Outdoors, strikes a cord with everyone who dreams of having their own place to enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and a host of other outdoor activities. We discuss grand properties for a few minutes, but spend the better part of the show discussing outdoor topics ranging from A to Z.
Outdoorsmen enjoy a wide variety of subjects. We dedicate much of our time to outdoor recreation opportunities in the Ozarks. We do at times expand to coverage of hunting and fishing destinations and experiences in far away places such as Mexico and Canada. Variety certainly adds to the appeal of the show.
Information is also an important element of Living the Dream Outdoors Radio. Keeping up with what is current is as easy as subscribing to wires and other information services, such as natural resource and park agencies.
Regular interviews with well-known names in the outdoor industry is key entertainment on an outdoor radio show. Sources are abundant. The professional outdoor communication groups, such as MOC, are full of talented outdoor types who are willing to share stories and experiences. Trade shows are an infinite source of people who are willing to tell the stories of their products and services. Conservation resource agencies, such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and many others are good sources of information.
Outdoor celebrities are without a doubt the favorites of listeners. How do you gain access to the biggest name in the outdoors? Sell yourself to them. I began decades ago by traveling to Bass Pro Shops when the Springfield location was the only store. I attended the Spring Fishing Classic and the Fall Hunting Classic. All the major names in the outdoor industry were there. Bass Pro provided an office for me to work out of and often lined me with celebrities. I produced twenty-five to thirty 30-minute radio shows in one weekend. In the process I met and became acquainted with hunting greats like Bill Jordan, owner of RealTree, Cuz Strickland of Mossy Oak, Brad Harris, Will Primos, and fishing greats including Rowland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Lefty Krey, and Shaw Grigsby.
Despite the hundreds of individuals I’ve met through outdoor radio over the decades, my favorite people to interview are local outdoor heroes who consistently catch big fish, or take big deer and wild turkeys. At Living the Dream Outdoors Radio we produce a show on a local ESPN network, which is then turned into a Podcast that can be heard anytime on ESPN1073.com.
I still love going to the studio each week to pre-record shows. Of course, such shows require sponsors. Selling radio spots is a job in and of itself, but that’s another topic.
At the beginning of 2021, I will be delving into another Podcast that will most likely be recorded in my home office utilizing my old Rode microphone, recorder and my Mac. Anyone want to become a sponsor?
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For future issues for MOC TALK, please send story submissions, photographs, inquiries and upcoming events to Kyle Stewart of The Beenders Walker Group at [email protected].
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MISSOURI OUTDOOR COMMUNICATORS
125 E. HIGH STREET, SUITE 200
JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101
OFFICE: 573-636-8282
CELL: 573-619-3296
WWW.MISSOURIOUTDOORCOMMUNICATORS.ORG
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