Daniel J. Witter

The Conservation Monitor was a telephone survey of 854 Missourians first conducted in 1994 by the Gallup Organization for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Objectives were to assess Missourians' opinions on the state's environment, MDC's performance, and conservation issues. Results revealed high satisfaction among Missourians with the care given their state's fish, forests, and wildlife, and more generally with the care given Missouri's natural environment. However, 28% did not know or were incorrect about MDC's responsibilities, and 40% were unable to suggest one thing the...

A survey was conducted of landowners on upper Lake of the Ozarks, from the Harry S Truman Darn at Warsaw, Missouri, to 16 miles below the darn. The study was initiated to determine citizen opinion toward the current 4-turbine operation at Harry S Truman Darn in light of managing authorities' proposals to increase power generation through routine use of 2 additional turbines that could diminish recreation and tourism values of upper Lake of the Ozarks. Results revealed that landowners residing at the lake had little tolerance for any changes in hydropower operations that would increase...

In 1982, the Missouri Department of Conservation surveyed 370 volunteers for their experiences, perceptions, and opinions related to use of "hunter orange" during spring hunting of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). Results showed that gobblers can indeed be called and taken while a hunter orange item is being displayed, but hunters were ambivalent as to the effects of the band on heightening the alertness of turkeys. Subjects generally agreed that hunter orange served to alert other hunters to their presence, but were hesitant to say they "liked" the idea of using an...