CAMPFIRE CHAT WITH
MOC PRESIDENT ZACH SMITH
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Greetings, Missouri Outdoor Communicators — and Happy New Year!
Raise your hand if 2020 somehow felt like the shortest and longest year of your life. Me, too. For now, here’s to hoping that some point in 2021 truly signals the start of new beginnings.
“New beginnings” have been on my mind a lot lately, particularly since this fall when my wife, Valerie, and I found out our first little outdoorsman is arriving around the end of June. In between reading pages of umpteen baby books, covering electrical outlets, moving cutlery and hovering between moments of pure joy and total terror (moments that I can only imagine will continue to stack up from this point forward), I’ve thought a lot about how I’m going to introduce him to the outdoors. Grandpa will have the fishing pole covered, I have no doubt, and hunter’s education is still a long way off, so I’m thinking the simplest option might be the best: A walk in the woods.
I genuinely don’t believe it takes much more than that to kickstart a love of the natural world, and could we ask for a more perfect time of year for it? Budding trees are great, changing leaves are better and lazy summer float trips can’t be beat, but winter truly opens up the wonders of nature in Missouri. Animal tracks and nests are easier to spot, birds of prey can be found just about everywhere, and if you’re prepared enough to brave the cold, you’re rewarded with sweet solitude just about anywhere you go. If you’ve had enough solitude for one year (or one year that felt like five), there’s no rule against your band of explorers taking the First Day hike or float any time of the year. I’m thinking this time next year, with the right backpack and an unnecessary amount of blankets, I’ll be able to check two resolutions off the list: show Baby Smith the outdoors and shed some winter weight.
Last year, I suggested we all introduce someone to the outdoors. This year, given the social circumstances and the "12 rounds" we collectively went as a species, I think the “simple = best” formula also applies: Reintroduce yourself to the outdoors. You can do as much or as little as you like, take a friend or family member if you want (the four-legged variety are probably as sick of solitude as you are), but I advocate going with no agenda in mind. Maybe you’ll spy an Adam and Eve orchid, maybe you’ll check another bird off your life’s list, or maybe you’ll do nothing more than sit in the boat or pause along the trail with some thoughts of happiness, gratitude and peace. At the very least, you’ll return home feeling replenished. I can’t think of a better use of our limited time nor a better ritual to start a new year.
Take care of yourselves, and here’s hoping we see each other again soon — out of the woods of 2020 and outside in 2021.
- Zach Smith, President 2019-2021
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE |
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Over the last month or so, I've seen a lot of posts, memes and jokes saying "good riddance" to the dumpster fire that was 2020. While there's some truth to that sentiment, I'd also go out on a limb and say that last year wasn't all bad, at least not for me. And, I hope that you all had enough good fortune to be able to say the same for yourselves, too. Before you all start sending me emails telling me what a bufflehead I am, hear me out a minute:
A Harris Poll released in October 2020 reported that 69% of Americans "have an increased appreciation of the experience and awareness of their surroundings when they are outside;" 65% of those polled "have been trying to find safe outdoor activities to spend their time, and half (48%) say they have been trying to find new places to spend time outdoors." An increase in appreciation of and an interest in the outdoors is a very good thing for our country and our profession. Who better to educate the public on the best outdoor activities, best local destinations for enjoying nature and the best conservation practices than a bunch of professional outdoor communicators? What better time to practice our three Rs - "Recruit, Retain and Reactivate?"
I think, by now, we've all heard or read the stories of the fevered demand for outdoor gear that took hold of the U.S. this spring and summer. Additionally, there was a nationwide increase in first-time hunters and anglers heading out for the woods and water. In Missouri, our state parks had over 21 million visitors in 2020, a 14.43% increase or ~2.7 million more visitors compared to 2019 and MDC reports that overall permit sales were up by 51,000 in 2020 compared to 2019. Those encouraging reports and statistics, to me, are quite possibly the best thing to come out of the last year.
Although I didn't get to travel as much as I would have wanted (I'm sure the same is true for all of you), my family and I spent a lot of time outside exploring new-to-us hiking trails, conservation areas, rivers, lakes and state parks. We kept it relatively local and that, for me, drove home how fortunate we are to reside in a state with such an abundance of exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities regardless of where you live. Those of us that call Missouri home are very fortunate in that regard.
I'd also like to think that the last year resulted in a period of growth for me, personally. While the jury may be out on that yet, what I do know is that it was a period of growth for this organization, as we have added 18 new members since the last time we were all together. That's another positive thing to come out of the last year. I'll be sending out a separate e-blast dedicated to our new members shortly, but suffice it to say, MOC continues to grow in strength and stature. I'm very proud of this fact and I look forward to welcoming our new members the next time we're able to all meet again (more on that below). I'm sure that you will all give them a very warm welcome as well.
Before I sign off, I feel that it would be a dereliction of duty not to offer a practical wintertide warning: If you find yourself walking through majestic, snow-covered woods, keep your wits about you and walk gingerly (and possibly carry a big stick). You never know when or where an icy ambush may be lying in wait.
And, for more practical advice on properly caring for your camera on a winter outing, check out Gretchen Steele's Craft Improvement piece at the end of the newsletter (though, admittedly, she fails to specifically address what to do if you and your camera are suddenly attacked by snowballs).
- Kyle Stewart, The Beenders Walker Group
Missouri Outdoor Communicators Executive Director
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2021 MOC CONFERENCE UPDATES |
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IMPORTANT: WE WILL NOT BE HAVING OUR 2021 CONFERENCE AT MOZINGO LAKE, APRIL 9-11, AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED.
Per the feedback of our membership, we will not be visiting Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville, MO in April for our conference. Due to the uncertainties still surrounding COVID-19 and the timeline of the vaccination rollout, we are erring on the side of caution and are currently looking at pushing the conference back until September 2021, tentatively.
As Mozingo has no availability this fall, we will have to visit a different location, most likely Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, as they were originally scheduled to be the next host of our annual conference. We are working with Jim Rogers, concessionaire at Bennett Spring and Rebecca Rupard, director of tourism with the City of Lebanon to confirm the location, dates and activities and will keep everyone updated as that process progresses.
You can, however, mark your calendars for the 2022 MOC conference, which WILL be at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville the weekend of April 8-10, 2022. Our hosts at Mozingo have been wonderful to work with and they are very much looking forward to having us.
If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 573-636-8282 (office) or 573-619-3296 (cell).
- Kyle Stewart, Missouri Outdoor Communicators executive director
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2020 MOC HOLIDAY AUCTION A SUCCESS! |
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MOC's inaugural Holiday Online Auction concluded in early December. This was MOC's first-ever online auction and first-ever auction that was open to the general public.
By all metrics, the auction was a success bringing in just over $2,000 that will go toward MOC's general operating fund and the annual "Buck" Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund.
We had 19 prizes generously donated by MOC Supporting Members, Active Media Members and others that were interested in contributing to our fundraising effort (and we recruited several new Supporting Members as a result).
Those that generously contributed were:
- Sheryl Elia of Alhonna Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks (lodging)
- Deb and Ed Franko of Bass & Baskets Bed and Breakfast at the Lake of the Ozarks (lodging)
- Big Ed's Guide Service (guided fishing trip)
- Bill Cooper (guided fishing trip)
- Brad Wiegmann (guided fishing trip)
- Lynn Berry of the Branson MO Convention & Visitors Bureau (getaway package)
- Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" MacLeod of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast (guided fishing trip)
- Brent Frazee (guided fishing trip and a copy of his book)
- Tim Huffman (a copy of his book)
- Josh Ward of Gunpowder, Inc. (Abu Garcia baitcaster reel)
- Kenny Kieser (copy of his book)
- Ann Walters at Margaritaville Lake Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks (getaway package)
- Ryan Walker of Ozarks Stream Guides (guided kayak fishing trip)
- Mary Padron of Radians (heated DeWalt hunting jacket)
- Ray Eye (copy of his book)
- Jim Rogers and Roaring River State Park (getaway package)
- Kathy Pirtle and Shack's Cabin at Stockton Lake (lodging)
- Kris and Mandy Nelson of Tandem Fly Outfitters (guided fishing trip)
- Joe Bragg of Thump Thirty Guide Service and Z-Man Lures (guided fishing trip, hand-tied jigs and Z-Man Lures bait binder)
- Mark Van Patten (a copy of his book)
- Dennis Whiteside (guided float fishing trip)
On behalf of Brent Frazee, MOC's Supporting Member Liaison, and the MOC organization, we thank each and every one of you that kindly donated your services, expertise, products and support to make this auction the success that it was. We could not have done it without your help.
At this time, we are planning on launching the second annual Online Holiday Auction in November 2021. We already have several individuals and entities that are looking forward to donating. If you would like to donate to our public online auction, please email Brent Frazee or Kyle Stewart.
We will keep everyone updated as we gear up for the 2021 Holiday Auction later this fall.
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A note from Kyle: As you all know, MOC took a significant financial hit when our 2020 conference was cancelled as a result of COVID-19. This online auction went a long way toward offsetting the lost income that would have been raised from the canceled conference and our conference auction.
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WINTER ADVENTURES AT
RIVERLANDS MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY
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By Gretchen Steele, MOC Vice President
While many of us think only of a warm fire and hot toddy during the dark cold months of winter, I think of big white birds. Trumpeter and tundra swans, pelicans and, of course, snow geese. Big white birds, and lots of them!
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, near the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers, The Audubon Center at Riverlands is truly a destination in and of itself. It’s a destination visited by not just birders, waterfowl lovers, students and families from the Midwest, but also draws visitors from across the nation and the world thanks to Riverlands’ designation as a recognized Global Important Bird Area.
The center is a cooperative project between the National Audubon Society and Audubon Missouri. Riverlands offers world-class birding, educational programs, and multiple outdoor opportunities along one of the most major and significant migratory flyways in the world – the Mississippi River.
The Audubon Center also has a unique partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rivers Project Office within its Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is comprised of 3,700 acres of prairie marsh and forest. The Audubon Center is housed in the Corps’ visitor orientation facility at Riverlands.
What draws me, along with hundreds of other visitors to Riverlands each winter are the ever-growing numbers of trumpeter swans that overwinter there. The swans usually begin arriving in late November and peak in late December and early January. Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, along the Mississippi River in St. Charles County, is the single most important wintering site of the southern states with counts of hovering over 1,000 as recently as last year.
Plan a visit to Riverlands this winter – you won’t be disappointed by the sight and sound of hundreds upon hundreds of trumpeter swans gracing the waters, fields, and skies.
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REMEMBERING MOC MEMBER JOEL VANCE |
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On December 9, 2020, the state of Missouri lost a legend of the outdoors: MOC's Joel Vance.
A glance at Joel's Facebook page is evidence of the impact his words had on the thousands of readers he reached over the years as the respects paid and remembrances poured in as word of Joel's passing spread.
Jim Low, Joel's longtime friend and mentee, wrote a beautiful celebration of Joel's life that was sent to our members back on December 15. Since then, many other MOC members have contributed with their own remembrances of Joel and their time with him. I'd like to share those contributions below:
"I loved to read Joel’s articles long before I finally got to meet him many years ago while working with outdoor writers and the Missouri Department of Conservation in my Public Relations duties for Bass Pro Shops. Joel was a friend, a confidant and a mentor. I will miss his wisdom and his wit. Rest in peace, my brother!" - Larry Whiteley
"My heart breaks at the thought of life without Joel in it. He was truly a treasure. He was a mentor, and friend. Joel, the quail are a bit slower and the fish are always hungry in heaven. Save some for us buddy." - Mark Van Patten
"Damnit, we lost another conservation leader in Missouri, a gifted writer who melded poetry, conservation and deep time, dipping a deep cup into a well-spring of experience and insight that connected us all. He was a hell of a voice and champion for Missouri's outdoors, and has always been an inspiration and dear friend to me and my own writing career about Missouri's outdoors. Those shoes shall never be filled." - Brett Dufur
"It’s one of my life’s great joys to have met and eventually called a friend one of the outdoor writer idols of my youth. Joel will be missed much more by many others, but I will always cherish the things I learned from him and the words he shared with all of us over the years. God Bless his soul, his family and all of his closest friends." - John Winkelman
"Joel is a rare breed, one we can only aspire to match. He was a giant among his outdoor media friends." - Bill Cooper
"Joel was one of the writers that helped me get started. I hope he and outdoor writer Bill Bennett will soon be fly fishing for big redear sunfish on a Heavenly lake!" - Kenny Kieser
"Joel was the 'editor from hell,' self-proclaimed. He had proven that over many years by conducting craft improvement seminars to outdoor writer groups. And he proved that to me by becoming my personal mentor and teacher.
"Almost 30 years ago, Joel Vance joined six of us outdoor communicators to form the Missouri Outdoor Communicators. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious outdoor writer groups in America. Little known fact: Joel was never president of the group. It has been written and said but no, he was not ever a president. Like George Washington who turned down being the United State's first king, Joel turned down being our first president. However, he became our first Chairman of the Board. This Missouri treasure became a cornerstone of our group.
"Soon thereafter, our relationship flourished. He was the teacher; I was the student. He taught me to write and to edit. Or, so he tried. He was a tough critic, but I learned much. He indeed was the editor from hell. Over the years, we have shared many hunting and fishing camps and outdoor adventures. More than just the techniques of writing and editing, I learned many lessons on life from the man. We became close friends. Joel was my longest-running columnist for Outdoor Guide Magazine. I talked to him often about our strategy and to solicit his advice in many areas. In this issue of MOC TALK, savor the mini tributes to the man. And, consider this: The 'editor from hell' is now in Heaven." - Bobby Whitehead
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SIX TIPS FOR WINTER WONDERLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
By Gretchen Steele
I often think that I enjoy “outdoor photography” more in winter than I do in the warmer months. It seems that the best and most colorful sunrises and sunsets happen in the winter months. Wildlife seems to be out and about more during harsh winter months looking for food, and then there’s the migrating and feeder birds. Throw in a gorgeous snowy morning and, yep, you’ll want to hone your winter photo skills, spend some time outside, and have a nice collection of “winter” images at the ready when the winter requests and assignments start rolling in.
We all organize and file our collections a bit differently – whatever makes sense to us personally, but for me I start with a top folder Winter then have subfolders, (or keywords) such as landscapes, wildlife, winter sports, winter people. That's just a tip to make it a little easier when you get that frantic request from an editor saying – “hey I need a good XYZ winter photo pronto – what do you have?”
Here are six tips to help you get the most of these winter months!
1. Prepare and Plan
Prepare and plan both for yourself and your equipment. For yourself, watch the weather and dress accordingly. Warm layers; good gloves or, my personal preference, pop-top shooter's mittens and good, warm, waterproof footwear. If you are cold, wet, and miserable - trust me - it is likely to show in your images. You may rush a shot or end up with an "Oh, this is good enough" attitude. Not to mention, venturing out into the winter weather unprepared is unsafe. Like any excursion, make sure you have your maps, that someone knows where you are headed and when to expect you back. Take along water and snacks. Please do not venture out into the winter woods unprepared!
Plan for your location. The sun is lower on the horizon which gives us an opportunity for longer golden and/or blue hours and makes for some of the best lighting for outdoor photography. Utilize a website like Photo Ephemeris. This has been a longtime standby tool for me. It helps me know where the sun or moon will be rising and how and when the light will be at what angle. This is an incredibly useful tool for capturing those winter sunrises and sunsets across a lake or field.
Plan for your equipment. Charge everything you plan to take along to completely full before heading out. Pack extra fully-charged batteries that you can keep in an inner pocket of your coat or jacket. Cold weather will suck your batteries dry in nothing flat!
Watch those temperature changes with your cameras and lenses. Going from warm to cold and vice versa creates condensation and moisture – the enemy of electronics. I keep a small soft sided cooler in my vehicle and pop my gear in and out of it to help prevent extreme moisture and condensation producing temperature changes.
Another trick is to try putting your camera in a plastic bag. It needs to be airtight and sealed well. Put the camera and lens in the bag, squeeze out all of the air, and seal it tightly. Then bring your camera inside. Better yet if you have a mudroom or enclosed porch, transition that plastic bag slowly from cold, to less cold, to the warm indoors. The condensation will form on the bag, but since the warm air cannot get directly on the camera, your equipment should be safe.
Remembering that anything that gets wet is probably going to freeze. If you leave a damp camera bag or tripod in the car overnight, it will likely be frozen solid the next morning. Tripods can be so darn touchy about this. Expanding ice can break or gum up fittings and locking collars.
Keep yourself and your gear DRY! Use commercially-made storm sacks, or borrow my in-a-pinch method of taking along some extra plastic grocery bags. Tear a hole in the bottom of the grocery bag for the front facing lens to poke out of then put your lens hood over it to seal the bag in place (or a hair scrunchie, or a stray rubber band…), pull the bag up and over the rest of the lens and camera body. There will be plenty of room for your hand in there and you will keep falling winter snow or ice fog from getting everything wet.
Whew! Now that we’ve gotten through all that PSA kind of stuff, we can start talking about making some great images!
2. Use the Weather to Create a Mood
Even on those gray, dreary days, there’s still a reason to get out there. Take that gray dreary business and use it to create a moody, artsy image. Fog can really set the tone for an enchanted, haunting or, in some cases, sparkling look when it collects on weeds, leaves, and structures forming a gorgeous hoarfrost. This often happens around lakes and streams that haven’t frozen over and are producing a rising fog as daylight arrives. Additionally, that gray overcast dreary day make a good time to photograph running water with a slow shutter speed to create that dreamy look.
If you are trying to capture falling snow, fiddle with your shutter speed until you hit the right one for stopping the action or the falling snow. You might want to use manual focus if, for instance, you want to focus on the snow versus, say, that big buck standing on the hill side. Shoot both ways, with the snow in focus, and then with the subject in focus.
Remember that snow covered landscapes naturally reflect light – so check your exposure periodically. This is especially helpful for capturing images just past sunset or even nighttime photos of winter landscapes.
3. Get Up Close
Winter can be an especially fun time to break out that macro lens and get in close to the delicate patterns of frost and snowflakes on leaves, bark and grasses. There is a whole fascinating tiny world of crystals and sparkle in winter that you can really make shine by getting up close and personal.
4. Find and Use a Spot of Color
Often winter images are relatively low contrast and tend to be an all white or varying shades of white palette. Look for a subject to add a pop of color. It can be a bright red male cardinal, maybe a barn or even green pines – but making that spot of color the subject can sure jazz up things!
5. Watch Your Feet!
Of course, you might think I am referring to fall prevention - we are talking about slick winter conditions - but as much as I hate to admit it, I have wrecked some really potentially great winter landscape shots simply by trekking across to look at a tree or get a close-up of something. If you don’t want footprints messing up that pristine meadow of fresh snow in the pine grove, well…don’t go hiking through it looking for different angles and subjects! Get those pristine images first, then plunder around! Additionally, if your plan includes public land spaces and parks, get there before daylight – stake out your spot and get those pristine images before folks start wandering around leaving tracks and footprints everywhere.
6. Include Some Action
Winter and fresh snowfall brings out the kid in all of us. Sledding, hiking, skiing, snowball fights – What says glorious winter day more than a hillside in a local park full of kids sledding and throwing snowballs? Up that shutter speed and blast away!
Most of all, GO OUTSIDE! Enjoy the beauty and wonders that a good winter snowfall can bring! Experiment! Memory cards are cheap - try new things and new techniques. Stretch your legs, your skills, and take advantage of what nature offers us even in the dead of winter. It’s good for your soul!
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A selection of winter scenes around Fond du Lac, Wisconsin taken by Gretchen Steele.
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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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