Hunters, anglers, and other outdoorsmen love to show the world they're proud of their pursuits. I challenge anyone reading this column right now to go out and take a drive around town. I guarantee you'll see more cars and trucks with some sort of hunting or fishing decal, license plate cover or other memento than you can count on both hands.

If a bill introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives gets passed, Missouri members of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) could be sporting a new license plate featuring a big, old tom turkey in full strut.

Rep. Jason Brown introduced House Bill 778 on Feb. 17, which would authorize members of the National Wild Turkey Federation to apply for the special plates.

These license plates would not only show the vehicle owners' affiliation with the NWTF and their love of the outdoors, but also would generate large sums of money to fund outdoor and conservation-related projects throughout the Show-Me State. The state NWTF would get $25 for every plate issued.

Officials with The George Clark State Chapter of the NWTF are proud that Missouri continues to lead the nation as the eastern turkey capitol of the country and is a popular destination for many who seek the thrill that spring turkey hunting offers.

These unique plates provide an opportunity to display Missouri pride in the resource we each helped establish while providing significant, additional funding to do the things that keep our state elevated within the conservation community.

If the legislation passes, the new plates could begin appearing on the bumpers of trucks and cars by early next year. Several states, such as Pennsylvania and Alabama, already have issued similar style plates.

The proposed plate will display a strutting gobbler on the left side with "The National Wild Turkey Federation" across the bottom. The letters and numbers can be personalized - up to six characters.

The bill is currently before the transportation committee in the House of Representatives. For further information on this bill, along with contact information for members of the committee, log onto www.house.mo.gov and enter 778 into the bill search area. For further information on the National Wild Turkey Federation, go to www.nwtf.org.

"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one."

-Mark Twain