Mdc Director Robert Ziehmer

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

Missouri Department of Conservation Director, Robert Ziehmer, featured on The Outdoors Guys radio show November 3

Robert Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will be interviewed by The Outdoor Guys, Ken Taylor and Brian Wright, on Thursday, November 3. Director Ziehmer will discuss the MDC's role as a national leader among state conservation departments and his vision for the agency's future. Director Ziehmer is a life-long Missouri resident and outdoor enthusiast. The Outdoor Guys radio show airs from 3-4 p.m., Thursdays, on Hot Talk 1510 AM - ESPN Radio Kansas City.

The Outdoor Guys also will interview Steve Ortiz, professional bass fisherman, on the November 3 show.

The Outdoor Guys host the premier outdoors radio show in the Kansas City market. National guests including Jeff Foxworthy, Ted Nugent, Jimmy Houston, and Benny Spies, along with regional and local experts, have been featured on The Outdoor Guys radio show. Broadcasts can be heard live via the radio on Hot Talk 1510 AM - ESPN Radio Kansas City, and streaming audio at www.1510.com. All broadcasts are archived and can be listened to by visiting http://www.outdoorguysradio.com.

The Outdoor Guys bring listeners compelling content featuring local, regional, and national experts from the outdoor industry. Weekly segments include feature guests, field reports, special events, great destinations, and more. From fishing and hunting, to camping, cooking and beyond, spend an hour each week with Ken and Brian and they cover the great outdoors in an entertaining and educational format. Sponsors of The Outdoor Guys radio show include Pheasants Forever and Bushnell.

[Chief Grey Bear]

From what I am hearing from those in the know, I am not a fan of his. Reports indicate he is using this posistion as a stepping stone to his dream to be govenor. We'll see I guess.

[Justin Spencer]

Reports indicate he is using this posistion as a stepping stone to his dream to be govenor

Obviously I would need to know his political views to support him, but I think it would be neat to have a fish and wildlife guy as the leader in Jeff. City (as opposed to a career politician or lawyer). Using your current position as a stepping stone to a bigger or better position is what successful people do (I think I'd be happier as director of MDC than being governor, but to each his own).

[Outside Bend]

I don't have a problem with someone using a political position as a stepping stone. But the whole idea of separating MDC from state control in the first place was to prevent political influence. I honestly don't know much about the guy, and if he's crafting MDC's direction based on what's best for the states resources, awesome. If he's crafting MDC policy based on what's most likely to get him elected in the future, I see that as a problem.

[Justin Spencer]

If he's crafting MDC policy based on what's most likely to get him elected in the future,

Since we are the ones that elect him I guess he would craft policy toward what the people want ideally. It is sad that we can't trust anyone with political aspirations anymore (myself included) but hopefully this can be a guy that conservation minded people can get behind and get into office if he is deserving.

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

What reports are you referencing that he is using this position as a stepping stone to his dream to be governor Chief Gray Bear?

[Chief Grey Bear]

Obviously I would need to know his political views to support him, but I think it would be neat to have a fish and wildlife guy as the leader in Jeff. City (as opposed to a career politician or lawyer). Using your current position as a stepping stone to a bigger or better position is what successful people do (I think I'd be happier as director of MDC than being governor, but to each his own).

I think it would be great too. But I am afraid what we are gonning to get is a career politician. Just going on scuttle butt from inside the Jeff City beltway. The last few directors in the MDC have not been what you would call conservation minded. And it sounds like more of the same with Robert.

[Hillbilly Deluxe]

FYI - Mr. Ziehmer is far from a career politician. I would hate to have people judge me from the "scuttle butt from inside the Jeff City beltway." Any Director must play some politics to fight for conservation within a state's budget. I can tell you that I have talked with Mr. Ziehmer extensively and find him very intelligent and dedicated to conservation and very aware of the issues and politics of the state. I have asked him some very direct questions and found him to be honest and polite, not necessarily giving the politically correct answer. He grew up in Missouri, and has worked here as a natural history biologist, aquatic services biologist, and a policy specialist. With all due respect Chief Gray Bear, and I'm not standing up for Mr. Ziehmer (he doesn't need me to do so, his history with the state speaks for itself), perhaps you could get "those in the know" that you speak of to tell us where Mr. Ziehmer is falling short as the Director of the MDC. He has an open door policy and is quite receptive to comments and suggestions.

[Justin Spencer]

Although I'm sure Chief is in the know I think I'll wait for Robert to officially declare before I put much thought into this.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Although I'm sure Chief is in the know I think I'll wait for Robert to officially declare before I put much thought into this.

That is where I am also. I don't think it will be in the next election anyway.

HBD, I am sure you have had many great conversations with him. Kudos to you. But much like coal mine owners the mine is very safe and we are on the cutting edge of safty and technology. But the canaries sing a different song.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I respect it, but I am also entitled to mine as it is developed from those that have spent almost as many years with the MDC as Robert has been alive.