In 2016, Missouri named Sara Parker Pauley its ninth director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and its first-ever female director.
A Missourian who received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Missouri – Columbia, Sara also completed post-graduate studies in Australia as a Rotary Fellow. Before coming to the MDC, she worked as an instructor at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, teaching a course in natural resource policy and administration. She also worked at a natural resources communications firm, and as a policy analyst with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Her strong alliance with the state’s natural resources organizations groomed her well for serving as its deputy director and then, director, for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Sara is married to Scott Pauley, an outdoor ambassador for the Missouri Division of Tourism, who also is a tournament angler. It has been said that she taught him to hunt and he taught her to fish.
She is an avid turkey hunter, perfectly capable of calling in her own gobbler, and always out there on opening morning in the Missouri woods near Jefferson City.
This is Sara’s last year on the job before retirement, so we wanted to get in touch with this trailblazer and ask her a few a questions – before it gets even more difficult to locate her in the wild.
Describe a typical day in your work life.
A typical day means it is not the same as yesterday! There is so much variety to my job – which I love. Some days may have more of an internal focus – whether it’s dealing with operational issues, meeting with staff in the field, budgeting, personnel, working with my commission—to external responsibilities like meeting with members of the Legislature, other agencies, partners. There really are no two days that are quite the same and I love the variety!
#1 piece of advice you would give other females who want to break into the industry?
Your voice is needed. In this age of societal change and with younger generations disconnected from the outdoors more than ever, we need women in this industry to help bridge the divide and ensure the outdoors are relevant to a greater diversity of audiences in the future. Be confident in what you bring to the table, find mentors to help guide you, try out various opportunities, don’t believe that life offers a linear path so be willing to try different opportunities. There are no failures, just lessons. Know that stewarding nature/connecting people to nature is such a worthy endeavor – so give it your all! I could go on and on here.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by many things in my current role, such as connecting our public to the great outdoors; leading an amazing team of people to carry out our public mission; contemplating the future of conservation in Missouri and working to prepare for this future; communicating with audiences about the importance of nature; inspiring the next generation of conservation professional; working with other agencies at the regional and national level to ensure the outdoors are relevant into the future. It has been such a privilege to work in this field.
Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
People are so passionate about conservation and the outdoors – it is a core value for them and part of their identity. We don’t always agree on the path forward (ex. Wildlife regulations) but that’s OK, because we’re committed to the basic core value at heart. I’ll take passionate stakeholders who may not always agree over disinterested ones any day.
Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
Not new to the market, but my favorite product for my favorite hunting season (turkey) is still my Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with turkey (pistol) grip. Just love that gun.
Let’s have some fun … what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
A rock and slingshot. Seems to have a pretty good track record.
Learn more about the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
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