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REGISTRATION

IS OPEN!!!

2026 MOC CONFERENCE

AT MONTAUK STATE PARK

MAY 29-31, 2026

REGISTER TODAY for the 2026 Missouri Outdoor Conference at Montauk State Park,

May 29-31!

As with every MOC conference, our goal is to make this year's conference interesting, enjoyable and productive for our members by providing a variety of activities, experiences and programming that is unique to our conference destination.

Registration is $75 per person and that includes all meals and conference activities.

Register for the 2026 MOC Conference here.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1

While the schedule is subject to minor changes, below is what attendees can expect during the 2026 Missouri Outdoor Communicators conference at Montauk State Park:

Friday, May 29

Saturday, May 30

Sunday, May 31

Register for the 2026 MOC Conference here.



CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES, ADVENTURES & STORY STARTERS

Below is a highlight of some of the activities that will be offered for the upcoming MOC conference Montauk State Park. As with past MOC conferences, attendees will be able to select which activities they'd like to participate in based on their interests and audience.

Sixth Annual Thayne Smith Memorial Service Day Project

1:30 p.m.-3:30 pm on Friday

Registration required

Missouri is widely recognized for the natural beauty of their state parks; therefore, MOC is committed to helping Montauk State Park maintain their high standards. To support this mission, MOC's Volunteer Clean-Up Crew will be conducting a coordinated clean-up effort throughout the park on Friday, May 29 from 1:30 p.m.to 3:30 p.m.

Those who VOLUNTEER to be part of the MOC clean-up crew will receive a free commemorative t-shirt. When you register, please make sure to include your shirt size! (Pictured above is the Cape Girardeau Clean-Up Crew from the 2024 conference.)

Please meet in the Searcy Room (same room as registration) at Montauk Lodge at 1:25 p.m. on Friday, May 29.

Entomology Course

with Mark Van Patten

Entomology is simply the study of insects. This presentation focuses on typical aquatic insects, their life cycles, and behaviors to "match the hatch," allowing anglers to select flies that accurately imitate a fish's natural diet. The key, year-round food sources for trout include mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges, along with terrestrial insects and baitfish.

Mark Van Patten is a longtime MOC member and was the host, writer and co-producer of the nationally syndicated weekly PBS show, “The Tying Bench.” Mark is nationally known as a master fly tier and fly fisherman. He has a lengthy list of recognition and awards. 

Fly-Casting Lessons

with Mark Van Patten

Join MOC member Mark Van Patten to learn the basic techniques of fly fishing, including a variety of casts such as the single- and double-haul, roll cast, and line control.

Mark is a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the author of Fly Fishing A-Z, among other titles, and has taught fly fishing workshops for decades.

Wilderness First Aid Course

with Tisha Holden

Prepare for the unexpected with an engaging introduction to Wilderness First Aid (WFA) taught by MOC member Tisha Holden. Tisha is a certified WFA instructor for Missouri State Parks and she'll be teaching how to recognize medical emergencies, familiarity with basic life saving skills, patient assessment, and basic field care for common injuries.

Float the Upper Current River

The Upper Current River is one of America’s clearest and most beautiful spring-fed rivers and makes up half of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR), the first national park area to protect a wild river system (the 44-mile Jacks Fork River makes up the second half of the ONSR). The floatable portion of the Current begins just two miles outside the boundaries of Montauk State Park at the Baptist Camp Access and winds 138 miles through a landscape of rugged hills and towering bluffs, showcasing the astounding natural beauty of Missouri’s Ozarks before it flows into Arkansas roughly six miles south of Doniphan.

For this 8-mile float trip (from Baptist Camp to Cedar Grove or Cedar Grove to Akers Ferry), MOC members will be shuttled by Jadwin Canoe Rental in Jadwin, MO.

Trout Fishing at Montauk State Park



Generations of Missourians have been visiting Montauk State Park to enjoy some of the best trout fishing in the state. The fast flowing, clear spring-fed headwaters of the Current River make Montauk State Park a haven for rainbow and brown trout. Anglers of all levels are afforded some of the finest trout fishing in the Midwest.

Fly-Tying Workshop

with Ryan Miloshewski

Learn to tie your own flies with MOC's Ryan Miloshewski. A lifelong angler, Ryan has been tying his own flies for years, both for personal use and retail. One of Ryan's commercial customers is Lilley's Landing in Branson, MO.

Ryan will be teaching how to tie a couple simple patterns: a hopper and a midge or small streamer. Afterward, test out your newly tied fly on the water at Montauk!

Tour the Historic Grist Mill

at Montauk State Park

Montauk Mill, a gristmill built in 1896, still stands today as a testament to the once-thriving community of Montauk. The mill was the last of four mills built to make use of the ideal waters of Montauk Spring. Much of the original machinery used to grind the grain is still intact. This historic grist mill is enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Tour the Montauk Fish Hatchery

Montauk is one of three state parks with an active fish hatchery, operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Walk through the hatchery building and learn about the life cycle of the rainbow and brown trout that will eventually swim in the waters of the park and beyond. You can also feed the fish in the raceways.

Hike the Trails at Montauk



Take a hike! Montauk offers two hiking trails, Montauk Lake Trail (0.8 miles) and Pine Ridge Trail (1.4 miles).

Montauk Lake Trail is popular with hikers, bicyclists and even walkers with strollers for small children because of its level surface. The walk begins with crossing the bridge over the spring branch, followed by the catch-and-release fly fishing area and the trout rearing pools.

Pine Ridge Trail follows a "C" shape with trailheads on either end. The trail begins near the stone picnic shelter, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail then crosses the stone and concrete footbridge before traveling uphill into the 25-acre Montauk Upland Forest

Natural Area.

SPEAKER'S CORNER

Conference attendees can look forward to hearing from the following speakers:

Friday Evening

"Welcome to the 2026 MOC Conference"

Lucas Bond, MOC President



MOC is honored to have Lucas Bond as our President. Lucas brings invaluable knowledge and expertise about Missouri's outdoors to MOC's membership.

Lucas was born and raised in the Jefferson City area and earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Missouri State University. He and his wife just welcomed a new baby daughter last year which now makes them a happy family of five!

Lucas is also a member of Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) and the Association of Conservation Information (ACI).

Friday Evening Keynote Speaker

"These Are Our Parks"

Laura Hendrickson, Director

Missouri State Parks



Laura brings almost 30 years of Missouri state park experience to her role as Director. Prior to being named the Director of State Parks in January 2025, Laura served as Deputy Director of Operations, overseeing the Business Services Program, MSP Regional Offices and Visitor Services Program. She served as Director of the Missouri State Parks Ozarks Region for eight years, where she managed 25 state parks and historic sites, eight concession operations and the South Construction unit. During her career with state parks, she also served as a Park Superintendent for 17 years at Prairie, Capital Complex, Pomme de Terre and the South Central Management unit.

Saturday Morning Welcome

"That's My M-O"

Alicia Wieberg, Communications Director

Missouri Division of Tourism



Alicia Wieberg is the Communications Manager for the Missouri Division of Tourism in Jefferson City, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting the state’s vibrant tourism

industry. Alicia also holds 15 years of state experience, most notably as the first social media coordinator for Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks. Passionate about connecting people with the unique experiences Missouri has to offer, Alicia is dedicated to shaping and sharing the stories that highlight Missouri’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Saturday Evening

Community Generosity Award

"Experience the wonder,

protect the legacy"

Ozark Riverways Foundation



Discover the heart of America's first national park area dedicated to river conservation, where the pristine beauty of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers flow. The Ozark Riverways Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, is a beacon for those drawn to the splendor of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. From the adventurous people canoeing its clear, spring-fed waters to the families enjoying the tranquility of its lush landscapes, this place calls to all who seek to preserve its beauty.

At the core of its mission is the commitment to protect and promote the unique ecological, historical, and recreational values of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Through a broad spectrum of programs and initiatives—from educational activities that deepen our understanding of this precious ecosystem to hands-on conservation efforts—the Ozark Riverways Foundation strives to ensure these rivers continue to enchant visitors for generations to come.

Saturday Evening Keynote Address

“Protecting Our Natural Resources"

Jason Sumners, Director

Missouri Department of Conservation

Jason Sumners serves as the 10th Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

During his tenure at MDC, Jason has been instrumental in developing the agency’s strategic and operational direction, served as Deputy Director, Chief of Wildlife and Science Branches, led the state’s white-tailed deer management program, took part in Missouri’s elk reintroduction efforts, developed a private lands deer management program, and led the Department’s effort to develop and implement a chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and surveillance strategy.

Jason received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and a Master of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University. He is a fellow of the National Conservation Leadership Institute, professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club, active member of several regional and national conservation related committees and has been recognized by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for his leadership in science-based approaches to wildlife conservation. 

Register here for the 2026 MOC Conference

MAKE YOUR LODGING

RESERVATIONS TODAY!!

Montauk State Park offers year-round lodging with immediate access to great fishing on the Current River.

MOC members and their guests will have the option of choosing from staying in a motel room, rustic camper cabin, or spacious duplex or four-plex.

Additionally, there are 31 non-electric and 115 electric campsites for those that would like to bring their RV or "rough" it in their trusty tent.

• Motel rooms and one-bedroom cabins will cost $107 per night.
• Two-bedroom cabins will cost $214 per night.
• Three-bedroom cabins will cost $299 per night.
• Taxes are not included in the above prices.

Reservations can be made by calling the front desk at Montauk State Park at 573-548-2434. Be sure to mention you are making a reservation for the MOC conference to receive our group rate.

IMPORTANT!

In order to receive the MOC conference rate you MUST book your lodging

on or before March 31.

We'll see you at

Montauk!

May 29-31, 2026

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE HOSTS AT MONTAUK STATE PARK!

AND, MUCH GRATITUDE TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

MISSOURI OUTDOOR COMMUNICATORS

913 FAIRMOUNT BLVD.

JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101

OFFICE: 573-636-8282

WWW.MISSOURIOUTDOORCOMMUNICATORS.ORG