Meet the Team

Growing up along the Missouri River in North Central Missouri, Mike’s childhood was defined by the outdoors. Whether it was early mornings in a duck blind or long afternoons fishing with family, he found his passion for wildlife at an early age.

Mike went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from the University of Missouri, turning his passion into a career. For the next 34 years, he dedicated himself to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Throughout his career, Mike played a key role in managing and improving wetland habitats across the state, including Grand Pass, Four Rivers and spending the last 18 years managing Ted Shanks Conservation Area. 

Mike still enjoys working on wetlands any chance he can and fills the rest of his time farming with his family.

Michael Flaspohler

Wildlife Management Biologist

Dan Crigler

Wildlife Biologist

Dan Crigler has dedicated over 40 years to wildlife conservation, habitat management, and land stewardship. He earned a B.S. in Biology and an M.A. in Education Administration from Truman State University and spent his career working to protect and restore natural habitats across Missouri.

Dan spent 13 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program as a Private Land Fish and Wildlife Biologist, collaborating with landowners to restore and enhance wetlands and wildlife habitats. Before that, he dedicated 30 years to the Missouri Department of Conservation, where he worked 19 years as a Wildlife Management Biologist and Public Land Manager, overseeing habitat restoration and public land conservation. He also spent 11 years as a Private Land Conservationist, helping landowners implement sustainable conservation practices for fish and wildlife.

Beyond his professional work, Dan has served as a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited on the Missouri State Leadership Team and as a Regional Coordinator. He has been very active in youth sports as a Coach and training coordinator, mentoring young athletes to be their best.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Dan remains passionate about the outdoors and continues to support conservation efforts in retirement, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same places he has.

Kale Flaspohler

Photographer / Host

Kale grew up following his father, Michael, around Ted Shanks and the Mississippi River, igniting a lifelong passion for waterfowl, conservation, and the great outdoors. Those early experiences shaped his love for the wetlands and river bottoms, inspiring a deep commitment to preserving them.

He earned a degree in Personal Finance from the University of Missouri, leading to a career he considers his dream job. Outside of work, Kale enjoys everything Missouri has to offer—spending time with family and friends, managing and improving his favorite properties, and staying active in conservation efforts. As a dedicated member of Ducks Unlimited, he works to support and protect the landscapes and wildlife that have meant so much to him.

Bralynn Drebes

Marketing Producer

From a young age, her dad introduced her to hunting and fishing, sparking a deep passion for wildlife and the outdoors. She grew up hunting Missouri whitetail and waterfowl, fishing the Mississippi River, and even trout fishing.

Later she went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri in 2022. After graduation, her love for the outdoors and agriculture inspired her to pursue photography, eventually establishing a marketing business focused on both industries. This journey has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including working with companies like WMA and becoming a PackLeader for Gunner Kennels, with many more to come.

Through my work, I strive to capture the essence of the outdoor lifestyle while giving all the glory to God. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their new baby, and her golden retriever. Together they enjoy doing anything in the outdoors.