MFA Involvement
Keith Thompson
On March 21st, the MFA participated in the Missouri Department of Conservation's annual "Evening with Wildlife" in Rolla, Missouri. We set up several tables of displays and had several raptors on hand as well. Keith Thompson, Dennis Samnee, and Norma Jean Haynes(Easton) participated.
Many different conservation and outdoor groups participated. The event was well attended by the public. We were able to talk to a wide array of individuals including all types of sportsmen, birdwatchers, and people from various wildlife oriented groups. We were very well received by the Department and the public. Although our display wasn't as big as some, the falcons themselves really drew in the people.
The event was organized by Rob Chapman (Wildlife Management Biologist) for the Department. This was the third year to hold the event. Next year they plan to move to a larger building to accommodate the growing group of attendees. We were asked if we could come next year and we accepted. Anyone who thinks they might enjoy "talking falconry" for about 5 straight hours, might consider participating in next years event
ON THE LEGAL FRONT
Keith Thompson
Many officials of the Department of Conservation were in attendance which allowed me to meet face to face with them for discussions on several issues important to falconers. I was able to talk to those managing the new Dan and Maureen Cover Prairie Conservation Area and expressed our concerns that we thought falconers had been written out of the management plan. Larry Rieken (Wildlife Regional Supervisor) who oversees the management plan assured me that that was not their intent and that as far as he was concerned falconers could hunt the area under regular statewide regulations. I was assured that falconers would not be required to enter a drawing to hunt the area as is the case with quail hunters using firearms. His thinking was that he assumed we understood this was the case. My thinking is that when it comes to the regulations, anything not expressly authorized is prohibited so it was correct to assume what we had. I am waiting on further confirmation regarding the area regulations. Mr. Rieken said that not only are we welcome, that he would love to be informed anytime we wanted to come so the Department could be there and photograph the event
