Missouri Conservationist online

Jim Auckley has worked for the Conservation Department for almost three decades, first as a writer, then as a publications editor before becoming managing editor of the Conservationist. He enjoys dove hunting, but admits his average wing shooting skills make it a humbling experience. Jim and his wife, Carolyn--now grandparents--enjoy their home near Jefferson City but like to travel occasionally.

Sue Bruenderman is the state malacologist and a fisheries research biologist with the Conservation Department. She specializes in the biology and conservation of freshwater mussels and fishes, although she takes an interest in the natural history of most living things. When she is not in the water, Sue enjoys digging in her garden, running, biking, hiking and birding.

Tom R. Johnson is the state herpetologist and is the author of the book, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri, a newly revised edition of which will become available next year. Tom retired last November but continues to work for the Conservation Department part time. He recently purchased a bamboo blank and is building a fly rod in his spare hours.

Janet Sternburg is a wildlife ecologist in the Conservation Department's Natural History Section. She is responsible for gathering information about rare and endangered animals in Missouri for the Natural Heritage Database. She loves being near and in water, preferably warm coastal waters, and enjoys scuba diving, traveling, volleyball, biking and reading.

Shelby Jones recently retired from the Conservation Department after 32 years as a forester and continues to work part time as the editor of Missouri Timber Product Trends, a quarterly report of timber prices for landowners and businesses. He also has his own forestry consulting company. He spends his spare time in his shop, producing wildfowl and song bird wood carvings. He also enjoys fly fishing.

Joel Vance writes this month about fishing champion and Wheaties celebrity Denny Brauer. Brauer's home on Lake of the Ozarks is an easy drive from Joel's base camp near Russellville. Joel is the author of several books on outdoor topics. He enjoys bass fishing, but usually pursues them from the seat of a canoe rather than from a fully-outfitted bass boat. He also has his own pond, which is home to bass, bluegill and catfish.