5th Annual CFM Media Conference: A Recap

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Every year in early February outdoor communicators and members of the Conservation Federation of Missouri descend upon Lilley's Landing Resort and Marina for the annual conference. Showcasing the amazing fishery Missouri has in Lake Taneycomo, and how to protect it, is the task at hand for all attendees. After watching the Super Bowl, we set out for two full days of fishing and eating, thanks to the Lilley's and Branson CVB. 

Every year I look forward to spending time fishing Taneycomo and figuring out game plans on how to promote the area and the conservation issues we, as Missourians, are facing or will face in the coming year. The Conservation Federation of Missouri really is a great organization. It's not part of the government or state agency. It's comprised of only citizens. One of the biggest things it accomplished was defeating the proposal to have wild deer fall under the USDA instead of conservation organizations in the state. Also, making sure captive cervid farms (from which many diseases originate) are regulated properly. 

Many of the fishing guides you know help out with this event taking writers out on Taneycomo. Each one is unique and the learning opportunities are extensive each day. We learn to fly fish with Chuck Gries or Brett Rader, tackle jerkbaiting with Duane Doty, Robbie Dodson or Tony Weldele, and learn to throw a jig with Steve Dickey. All are a wealth of knowledge and help give us knowledge on making sure Taneycomo is to the forefront of Missouri, and the Nation's, concern.

Here is a great video produced by Shawn Kober summarizing the event:

If you are interested in joining CFM click here. If you are an outdoor communicator in the region, be sure to join the Missouri Outdoor Communicators. We are always looking for more folks to join us! 

Scott Heminger, photographer and videographer, ended up with the biggest on an egg fly just below the Narrows. It was 23-inches and weighed around 6-pounds. His first fish on a fly rod!

Duane showed Kyle Stewart, MOC Executive Director, how to throw his jerkbaits (photos by Scott Heminger).

 

Duane modeling his sculpin "flavored" jerkbait. (photo by Brad Wiegmann)

A meeting of the minds. Ken Taylor, of The Outdoor Guys Radio, interviews Duane while B.A.S.S. Times Senior Writer John Neporadny, Jr. watches on. (Photo by Scott Heminger).

A great event that continues to do so much good for Missouri's great outdoors.