DON'T MISS OUT ON THE 2024 MOC CONFERENCE

The 2024 Missouri Outdoor Communicators Conference will be held in beautiful Cape Girardeau, Mo. the weekend of May 17-19, 2024.

If you have not already registered for the conference, there is still time!!

As with every Missouri Outdoor Communicators conference, this one is packed with outdoor adventures, learning opportunities and great speakers. It promises to be a wonderful time.

For complete details on the upcoming conference, including a conference itinerary and descriptions of the available activities, please CLICK HERE.

To register for the 2024 MOC conference, please CLICK HERE.

Some highlights MOC members can experience while in Cape Girardeau include:

• Road trip to tour the famed "Snake Road" in Shawnee National Forest in nearby Illinois
• Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
• Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
• Trail of Tears State Park
• Fishing at Tywappity Community Lake, Lake Boutin, Lake Girardeau and other local bodies of water
• Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail
• Cape River Heritage Museum
• Fort D Civil War Historic Site
• Old Saint Vincent Church
• Port Cape Girardeau
• Heritage Day at the Red House Interpretive Center (commemorating Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery)
• Discover the "Beermuda Triangle" of Cape breweries: Ebb & Flow, Many Good Things & Minglewood
• Murals throughout the city (pictured immediately above)
• Historic Old Town Cape shopping and entertainment district (pictured at the top)

2024 MOC CONFERENCE LODGING

While in Cape Girardeau, MOC conference attendees will be staying at the Auburn Place Hotel & Suites.

To make your lodging reservation, please call the front desk at 573-651-4486 to make your reservations.

We will plan to hold the majority of our seminars and hospitality gatherings at the hotel with most meals and activities taking place off-campus.

The Auburn Place features a selection of newly-renovated guests rooms along with free Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, indoor swimming pool and other convenient amenities.



Learn more about Cape Girardeau at www.VisitCape.com.

Thank you to Visit Cape for sponsoring and hosting our 2024 conference.



MOC MEMBER NEWS

Members of Missouri Outdoor Communicators continue to be recognized for their craft as well as their contributions to the outdoor industry.

Take a look at some of the awards and accolades our members have received as well as other recent member news:

Tim Huffman Inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

MOC member and past president, Tim Huffman, was inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame on February 3, 2024, at the Grizzly Jig Company in Caruthersville, Missouri, during the company’s annual show and sale. It is the largest crappie fishing store in the country, where 9,000 people attended the four-day show.

Fishing legend Jimmy Houston presented the award. He said, “This is a big honor. It’s a national award from the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, located in Wisconsin. It’s the premier organization for recognizing records and people in fresh water fishing. Tim is a new 2024 inductee.”

After detailing Huffman’s credentials, Houston said, “I’ve known Tim for many years. Outdoor writers are very dear to my heart. I never turn down an interview with media. It’s well documented that Bill Dance, Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston never won a classic, but we did win several Angler of the Year titles. I wanted to win a classic, but back then we qualified 25 fishermen and only the winner received money. My odds of getting money were not good, so I concentrated on the 30 to 40 writers and media at the classic. I worked to promote myself. The media loved it because most bass fishermen wouldn’t talk to them. Writers have really helped me, including Tim.

“Last night I was looking at the Hall of Fame members and reading about them. A common thread I noticed is these famous people have one thing in common and that is to teach people how to fish. Tim shares that common thread, so I’m proud to present this 2024 Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame award to Tim Huffman.”

Huffman says, “I chose to be inducted here at the Grizzly Jig Show for three reasons. First, I wanted to be with crappie fishermen, my people. I’ve written for you for 36 years, so it’s important that you are a part of this induction.

“The second reason is my fishing hero and Hall of Fame member, Jimmy Houston, is here and agreed to do the induction.

“Third, I’ve worked many years with Louie and Wade Mansfield, owners of Grizzly Jig. I’ve fished many years with Louie catching bluegill and crappie at Reelfoot. We’ve shot a video, written a book and completed articles together. Most photos hanging on the wall here are ones I took from trips with Louie and Wade. I’ve worked with Wade on articles, and he is featured in a chapter of my new book, Papermouth. The Mansfield family means a lot to me.

“I want to thank the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. I’m entering an organization that includes Jimmy Houston, Sam Heaton, Keith Sutton, Al and Ron Linder, and so many other greats. I’m overwhelmed to be included into this group. To me, it’s confirmation I did a few things right along the way as a writer, photographer and editor.”

Below are a few of Tim's career highlights"

1987-now: Magazine credits in: Outdoor Guide; MidSouth Hunting & Fishing News;

North American Fisherman; Crappie USA Crappie Journal; MidWest Outdoors and others

1994-1998: Started and published Crappie 2000 Newsletter

1999-2012: Writer for Crappie World Magazine

2004-2019: Editor Bass Pro Shops Crappie Master Magazine

2011-now: Co-founder CrappieNow Digital Magazine, editor 8 years, currently senior writer

2022: Wade Bourne Communicator of the Year Award

2023: Inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame

2024: Induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame

Congratulations, Tim, on this incredible and well-deserved honor!

Sara Parker Pauley Honored with the 2024 Ducks Unlimited Wetland Conservation Legacy Award

Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced the winners of the 2024 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North America's wetlands and waterfowl. The awards, spanning nine categories, were presented at the 89th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

"Each year, Ducks Unlimited proudly acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to wetland and waterfowl conservation across North America. These dedicated partners, colleagues, and leaders have been pivotal in conserving these essential resources," said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. "DU is able to strive toward our collective conservation mission because of dedicated individuals working together, and the 2024 awardees highlight the impact of this unified passion. DU is honored to recognize their achievements and inspirational efforts." 

The presenters noted: "Under Director Pauley's guidance, MDC has seen significant advancements in conservation strategies and practices, enhancing both public and private land conservation in Missouri. Her focus on collaborative efforts has been pivotal in expanding conservation programs and promoting a unified approach to environmental stewardship."

Congratulations, Sara, on this incredible and well-deserved honor!

Brandon Butler Takes on New Role as CEO of Retrieving Freedom

Brandon Butler, co-host of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast and formerly the Communications Director for Roeslein Alternative Energy based out of St. Louis, has taken on a new role as Chief Executive Officer for Retrieving Freedom, Inc.

Retrieving Freedom, Inc. (RFI) is a non-profit organization passionately committed to enhancing the lives of Veterans and children with autism through their specialized Service Dog training program. RFI breeds and trains chosen dogs that exhibit specific traits necessary to perform tasks to help these individuals, and RFI believes in matching the dog to the client.

RFI's training program isn’t designed to train each dog to follow a certain program. Instead, dogs are trained to meet the needs of their specific client. The dogs go through more than two years of training to meet RFI's strict standards for a successful placement.

For more information on Retrieving Freedom, watch the video above or visit www.retrievingfreedom.org.

Tyler Dykes Announces Release of his First Book,

"Tangled Fly Lines and Untangled Stories: My Journey to Becoming a Mediocre Fly Fisherman"

Tyler, who is better known to some as "The Show-Me Fly Guy," is the founder of and longtime contributor to the Show-Me Fly Guy Blog. Tyler is a father and an eighth-grade science teacher in Blue Springs, Mo. While navigating all the responsibilities of life, work, and family, Tyler still finds time to compose and share content across his many media channels and received the prestigious Conservation Communicator of the Year Award from the Conservation Federation of Missouri in 2020.

Now, Tyler can officially add the title of "published author" to his extensive list of accomplishments. Here's more about Tyler's new book, "Tangled Fly Lines and Untangled Stories" in his own words:

Fly fishing has been a passion of mine for twenty years. I have been fortunate enough to fly fish in some amazing places that have helped create some amazing memories on the water for me. In the first book that I have ever written, I get to share those experiences with others.

Hopefully, readers can learn from some of my mistakes, use some of my successes to help themselves become better anglers, and have a few laughs along the way. I have also included pictures from my experiences that accompany my accounts which will hopefully add to a better understanding for the reader. While it might seem a little nonconforming, I think the blend of the words and images will make the stories more earnest. In this book, fly fishing stories come from some waters that might be familiar to the reader and there are species of fish that are icons in the fly fishing community. Other tales contain some spots that aren't typical fly fishing locations and some species from those waters aren't ones that are commonly caught on a fly. It would be an honor to share this book with people that love the outdoors, fly fishing, and making memories on the water.

You can order Tyler's book off Amazon here.

Steve Jones Elected as Vice President of the Conservation Federation of Missouri Board of Directors

MOC member Steve Jones, second from the left, was sworn in as the new Vice President of the Conservation Federation of Missouri Board of Directors.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri proudly announces its newly elected board members for 2024, marking a significant step forward in the organization's commitment to conservation stewardship and conservation efforts.

MOC member Steve Jones was sworn in as the new Vice President for CFM.

With the newly elected board members, the Conservation Federation of Missouri is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the conservation landscape in 2024 and beyond.

Steve was the longtime Conservation Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine, served as secretary of conservation advocacy group Missouri Hunters for Fair Chase and is the author and publisher of Killer Noms: Fresh Ideas About How to Cook Wild Game.

Congratulations to Steve on this new honor!

HONORING A MISSOURI LEGEND: DENNY BALLARD

Longtime MOC member Dennis "Denny" Ballard, 82, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024. 

In addition to being a dedicated, loving, and compassionate life partner to his wife, Rita, a fully committed role model to his children, and a warm, kind and generous grandfather, Denny's love for the outdoors, the art and science of archery, and the sport of bow hunting knew no bounds.

As a life-long hunter and fisherman, Denny published his first article in Archery Magazine in 1970 and, over the next 50 years, published more than 100 articles and columns, all sharing his passion for archery, bowhunting and the Great Outdoors. Most notably, Denny authored the very first widely published review of the compound bow and helped to propel a revolution in the archery industry while bringing a new generation of archers and bow hunters into the heritage and joy of archery.

Following a highly successful career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he supported clinical research critical to the health and wellness of Veterans, Denny served as Executive Director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri, whose mission is 'to ensure the conservation of Missouri's wildlife and natural resources and the preservation of (Missouri's) rich outdoor heritage ' In this role, Dennis represented thousands of 'citizen conservationists' throughout the state, working to enhance Missouri's natural resources through state and national-level initiatives and giving them a voice before the Missouri General Assembly and the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Dennis' list of accolades, achievements, and recognitions is extensive, including but not limited to:

1993 Conservationist of the Year (Conservation Federation of Missouri)

1994 G. Andy Runge Award (Missouri Chapter – The Wildlife Society)

1996 Master Conservationist (Missouri Conservation Commission)

2007 Conservation Award (Pope and Young Club)

Among his many contributions, none will be as lasting and impactful as Missouri's 'Share the Harvest Program,' for which Dennis is credited as creating. Share the Harvest is a hunter-led program designed to share surplus venison with Missourians in need. Signed into law by Governor Mel Carnahan in 1993, the program provides nearly 250,000 pounds of venison each year, totaling over five million pounds since the program's inception.

A lifelong ambassador for wildlife conservation, archery, and the sport of bow hunting, Dennis' contributions will remain impactful for many generations to come, he will indeed be missed.

"It seems like only yesterday that I braced my Kodiak bow for the first time, strapped on a quiver of cedar shafts, and headed into the river bottoms in search of prey. My what a journey it has been." - Denny Ballard



CONSERVATION NEWS:

100 Years and Counting... Two Missouri State Parks and One State Historical Site Celebrate Milestones

By Tisha Holden, information officer for Missouri State Parks

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It also marks the 100th anniversary of two of our state parks – Bennett Spring near Lebanon, Missouri, and Mark Twain near Florida, Missouri. While mentioning the anniversary of these two, we can’t forget about the J. Huston Tavern at Arrow Rock State Historic Site. In 1917, the Missouri State Parks system was created, but no properties were added to the system until September 1923.

J. Huston Tavern at Arrow Rock State Historic Site

A landmark of hospitality for more than a century, the J. Huston Tavern started with Joseph Huston in 1834. As the owners changed, the tavern went through a progression of names, finally reverting to the J. Huston Tavern that it is known as today. The Daughters of the American Revolution had a keen interest in the tavern because of its location on the Santa Fe Trail. At the urging of the DAR, the state of Missouri purchased the J. Huston Tavern for $5000 and named the DAR as “custodians” of the building.



Promoted as a “motor mecca” for travelers on the new national highway system, not only was the tavern the first building Missouri preserved with public funds, but it was also the first addition to the state parks system and could rightly be called the birthplace of heritage tourism. Now visitors can stop in the museums, take in a show, shop at the stores, hike the trails and get a taste of history at the tavern.

Bennett Spring State Park

The valley near Lebanon, Missouri, created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of anglers year after year. One of Missouri’s earliest parks, Bennett Spring State Park, continues to attract families of fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories.

More than 100 million gallons of cool water gush from Bennett Spring and form a spring branch that is stocked daily with rainbow trout. Bennett Spring and its valley attracted settlers where they found the spring-fed streams as ideal locations for their grist and flour mills, and the wilderness around the stream was perfect for hunting.

In 1924, the state purchased the spring and part of the surrounding area, creating one of the first state parks. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps contributed much of the present-day character of the park, which can be seen today in the cabins, shelter house, roads, trails, dining lodge and the arched bridge across the spring branch.

Come help commemorate the anniversary at a celebration scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 at the park, starting at 10 a.m.

Mark Twain State Park

Mark Twain State Park is nestled in the Salt River Hills in north-central Missouri. Through the efforts of Mark Twain Memorial Park Association, the park was created in honor of Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, who was born in the nearby village of Florida, Missouri. The association raised more than $10,000 to purchase 100 acres of land overlooking the Salt River. Additional land was purchased by the state, and Mark Twain State Park was established in 1924. It is the third-oldest state park in Missouri and the first established north of the Missouri River.

With the construction of the Clarence Cannon Dam, the park changed dramatically with the creation of Mark Twain Lake. Construction of the dam began in 1966 and was completed in 1983. The 18,000-acre lake provides for the flood control of the Salt River valley, as well as power generation and recreational opportunities.

Nothing says “Missouri literature” quite like Mark Twain. While visiting Mark Twain State Park, guests should take time to also visit the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site (pictured), where the two-room rented cabin where Clemens was born is on display. Guests can also see the handwritten manuscript of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” The manuscript had been on display since the site received it in 1960, and the team became concerned about the long-term effect that lighting was having on it.

Thanks to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, conservators did repairs on this state treasure at no charge. Since the repairs were finished, the manuscript has been returned to the site and is housed in a new temperature-, light- and humidity-controlled display case to help prolong the manuscript’s life.

Mark Twain State Park plans to hold anniversary celebrations throughout the year. More information can be found at mostateparks.com.

-- NEW CULINARY COLUMN --

MILO'S WILD GAME CORNER

By Ryan "Milo" Miloshewski, MOC Secretary and hobby wild game chef



Thanks to my grandpa, I grew up hunting, fishing and eating a lot of what we harvested. Over the last ten years, I have been honing my wild game cooking skills. With the help of Hank Shaw, John Wallace and other wild game chefs, I have been able to create some really great dishes with ducks, venison, fish, and other game Missouri has to offer. 

In the second installment of Milo's Wild Game Corner, I am punting to my good buddy, David Holzknecht, for his famous white wine wild turkey and rice. I have enjoyed this meal a few times, and afterward, I always find myself saying, “that was one of the best wild game meals I’ve ever had.” Enjoy!

"White Wine Wild Turkey and Rice"

Recipe and photos by David Holzknecht

“Wine Turkey” is a Holzknecht family tradition started out of necessity by my father, Mike Holzknecht, in the ‘80s. His old place was remote—so far back that the nearest town was an hour round-trip. Back then, you had to check your bird at the local sheriff’s department. One successful spring day, it slipped his mind to stop by the store to grab something to cook his turkey with. Upon his return, a quick rummage through the kitchen yielded butter, Crisco, a box of Rice-A-Roni, and a $2 bottle of white zinfandel. Instead of making another trip back to town, he threw together what he had, and it ended up being the basis for this Holzknecht turkey camp staple. Over the years he changed a few things, and I started making it and it changed some more. Take this recipe as a guide, but don’t be afraid to experiment. In 30 years, you could have a traditional family recipe of your own.

RECIPE

Ingredients:

For the Turkey:

• 1/4 of a large wild turkey breast 
• 2 sticks butter
• bottle of white zinfandel 
• Seasoning to taste (see note 1)

For the Rice:

• 2 cups wild rice
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 4 cups water
• 4 chicken bouillon cubes

Turkey preparation:

• Cut turkey into 1-inch strips against the grain.
• Coat the turkey in seasoning in a bowl and set aside. (see note 2)
• Put ½ stick of butter into the pan and heat to medium. Once butter is hot add 1/3 of the turkey.
• Brown the turkey on both sides.
• Once both sides are browned, add ¼ the bottle of wine.
• Reduce the wine until the boiling subsides and the pan is deglazed.
• Remove the turkey and reserve the pan reduction.
• Repeat two more times until all turkey is cooked.
• Put the remaining butter in the pan and heat. Add the rest of the wine and reduce. (see note 3)
• Once the sauce is reduced, pour in with the rest of the pan reduction sauce.

Rice preparation:

• (See note 4) Microwave 4 cups of water then add bullion cubes. Set aside.
• Put ½ stick of butter in the pan. Heat until melted over medium heat.
• Add rice to the pan. Continually stir rice until almost brown.
• Add seasoning and garlic.
• Continue to cook until garlic is brown. (See note 5)
• Add broth.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook for 1-3 hours. 

Serving:

Plate the turkey next to the rice and cover with pan reduction. Serve with warm French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. 

Notes:

• Note 1 - I generally use 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. This is very subjective, season like you’d want a chicken breast seasoned. 
• Note 2 - The longer it sits in the bowl coated in seasoning, the more flavor it will have. 
• Note 3 – If you want, you can add some minced garlic at this step to add more flavor. 
• Note 4 – Timing-wise, it is a good idea to start the rice well before the turkey. Generally, mine takes around 2 hours to get where I like it. 
• Note 5- Do not overcook the rice to the point it starts popping. It will cook unevenly and give an odd texture. 
• Final note- All ingredients can easily be doubled or quadrupled. When in doubt, make more because if it doesn’t get eaten (unlikely), it stores very well for lunch the next day.

"CHARLIE'S CHUCKLES"

By Charlie Slovensky, MOC founding member and father of MOC TALK.



This column is dedicated to all those outdoor communicators who couldn’t make it as clowns in a circus or standup comedians in Vegas. It will be a combination of humorous quips and anecdotes to give us food for thought as we self-analyze our writing styles. It is offered free of charge and free of malice, and with the keen knowledge that none of us can afford the option of a therapist, not that visiting one would be helpful.

IDEAL IMAGERY

As an accomplished writer, as opposed to a talented artist, I take exception to the claim that a picture is worth a thousand words. It doesn’t require a thousand words to create a vivid image, nor does the market value of a single classical painting compare with the lasting value of a good book. While I admire the works of expert photographers and esteemed artists, I think the images composed by good writers deserve the same respect. Of course, folks like Monte Burch have proven they can excel in all three genres, slapping the rest of us in solitary confinement cells of shame.

So what are the elements of effective imagery? Honestly, the list is the same for prose, art, and photography. The ideal image exhibits the qualities of relevance, perspective, composition, focus, clarity, beauty, and vividness. The end result is something of lasting value.

Writers use imagery to illustrate their prosaic points. Therefore, the image must be relevant to the topic at hand. It should also provide the proper perspective, tied to the intentions of the author. Its composition should be balanced and complete; otherwise, the reader may become distracted and lose interest. Focus and clarity go hand in hand with perspective and composition, capturing the reader’s imagination. Beauty and vividness fulfill the audience’s desire for satisfaction and enticement.

Imagery succeeds when the reader feels as though the writer has invited him along for the ride—or has provided him access to the scene—or has made him a part of the action—or has shared with him his deepest thoughts and emotions. Like the title of that Alaskan adventure book (the name of the author escapes me—Russell Annabel?), the reader reads what is written and exclaims, “Hell, I was there!”

I’d like to be able to provide a vivid example of ideal imagery from my own writing, but who am I to judge? Notwithstanding my own shortcomings, I’m confident we all know what it looks like when we see it, and we’re all striving to achieve it.  

Get the picture?



THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

By Ryan Miloshewski, MOC Secretary

Larry Whiteley told me early in my writing career to write from my heart. What I care about, think about, and want folks to know is the most important piece of doing an outdoor article. I took it to, no pun intended, heart. I took that core tenet and added my own: thinking outside the box. Over the last ten years, I have developed this approach when constructing an article on highly popular topics.

Nowadays, readers want something compact, direct, and intriguing. Sensory and information overload is a real thing, and I even catch myself falling victim to it at times. What I like to do now is take an idea and write about it in a way that is "outside the thinking box" — something where a reader will see a headline and say “hmm.” I think about information I would like to know. Do not take for granted the knowledge you have around a subject. You, or your sources, are going to be experts when compared to the average outdoorsmen/outdoorswomen. 

The topics are static in our industry, but the way you write about them is not. For example, I did an article for the Conservation Federation around fly tying tips and tactics. Was it about how to stack deer hair, align marabou feathers for a jig, or setting dumbbell eyes? Nope. You can find that anywhere with a quick Google or YouTube search. Why beat the dead horse with another how-to article? Think outside the box. 

What I did was compile a list of regular household items accomplished fly tyers use daily. You may not be able to purchase it at your local fly shop, but I bet CVS is close. Ryan Walker, of Ozark Smallmouth FlyCo, recommended using an old, cut toothbrush for combing out dubbing. Chuck Gries, of Anglers Outfitters in Branson, MO, uses dental floss threaders for his bobbins. Tyler Dykes, the Show-Me Fly Guy, uses women’s hair clips to keep his materials pinned out of the way when tying a big streamer.

I had dozens of entries into this idea from a simple Facebook inquiry. I chose which ones would be the most useful and “aha!” generating. Reinventing the wheel is not necessary, but having a different angle on a topic with incredibly heavy media presence is the key to catch a reader’s eye. At the end of the day, I want people to learn something from my writing. 

Those tips are what I would want to know and are something you’d be hard-pressed to find with ease on the interwebs. Tips and tricks like the abovementioned are from years of experience at a vise, production tying, and overall simplification of the fly-tying process. 

Getting into the mind of the age, culture, and priorities of current readers is a must to be successful in this internet-driven world. It goes back to the basics — who is your audience and what do you want them to know at the end? I promise if you can give them something they have never thought about before, they will read your story instead of skimming and clicking the red “x” at the top right of the page.