Discover nature through MDC 75th anniversary photo contest

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JEFFERSON CITY Mo -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites photographers around the state to enter its 75th Anniversary Photo Contest. The contest is an effort to help Missourians discover nature by capturing and sharing photos that celebrate the natural wonders of Missouri. Winners will be featured in the October issue of the Missouri Conservationist, as well as on the MDC website and in other media.

The photo contest has seven categories: mammals, plants, reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, birds, outdoor recreation, and habitats and landscapes. Entries will be accepted through May 15. Photographers must tag their photos with the exact name of the category they are entering.

A panel of photography and nature experts will select the best entry in each category. Category winners will then be posted on the MDC website starting July 1 for the public can vote for their favorite photo from category winners. The photo with the most votes will be named “Best of Show.” All seven winners will be displayed in the October magazine and other MDC media.

More information and examples of category photos are featured in the February issue of the Missouri Conservationist or online atmdc.mo.gov/conmag. A full list of rules and guidelines can be found on the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/16689. Entries will only be accepted via Flickr, an Internet photo sharing service. To join Flickr, visitflickr.com/groups/mdc75thanniversary/.

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Nikon ProStaff 3 & ProStaff 5 Rangefinders Video Interview at SHOT Show!

We have a lot of SHOT Show Video Interviews coming out today, so I’m going to keep on rolling them out as quick as I can.  Here we have our second interview with Nikon representative Jon LaCorte.  Jon shows Steve two new rangefinders displayed by Nikon at SHOT Show.  Both models are part of the Nikon ProStaff line of products, and will give you quality performance at a great price.

Watch as Jon first shows off the Nikon Prostaff 3 Rangefinder.  With one button operation, it doesn’t get much easier to operate, and it has a very fast processor for quick range finding.  This is really important when you’re out hunting and finally spot a buck after hours of waiting.  You won’t want to miss that shot because you were waiting for the rangefinder to figure out the distance.  It has a great range of about 550 yards, and the optics are nice and bright, so you’ll have no trouble seeing your intended target.  6x power is just right for finding distance, and the tough construction is both waterproof and fog proof, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking on you when you need it!

The Nikon ProStaff 5 Rangefinder was even more impressive.  The ProStaff 5 is actually a fair bit smaller than any other Nikon Rangefinder, and as Steve points out, though you may not think about the size very often, it makes a big difference when you’re trying to put it in or take it out of a pocket.  While the overall size of the Nikon ProStaff 5 is smaller, they made the ocular bigger, so you’ll have an easier time seeing your target.  An additional feature that really sets the ProStaff 5 apart is the LED illumination.  This LED can be turned on with a single button press, and your reticle will be illuminated for easier use.  This is especially welcome in the morning or evening, when light is scarce.

I’ve been really impressed so far with everything Nikon brought to SHOT Show this year.  I’ll have another video interview with Jon LaCorte up soon that talks about the Nikon Monarch 3 and Monarch 5 binoculars, so stay tuned!

http://www.opticsplanet.com/gearexpert/nikon-prostaff-3-prostaff-5-rangefinders-video-interview-at-shot-show-810

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"Fall for Fall Photography" on Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO., OCT. 11, 2011 -- Are you interested in preserving your outdoor experiences in photographs? Do the buttons and knobs on your camera confuse you? Come learn the “ins and outs” of nature photography and how to get the best quality pictures out of your camera during the "Fall for Fall Photography" on Oct. 15 and 29 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Wildwood.

            The free classes will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and offered on two Saturdays to accommodate as many attendees as possible. Part of this class will be set indoors learning how to take great nature photos, then participants will hit the trail to try out their new skills.

            Space is limited and advance registration is required. Contact the visitor center at 636- 458-3813 to make a reservation.

            Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Highway BA, between U.S. 40 and Highway 100. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 636-458-3813 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visitmostateparks.com. 

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Missouri Family Outdoor Opportunities