MDC assigns Clayton Lewis as new Madison County conservation agent

MADISON COUNTY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has named Clayton Lewis as a conservation agent for Madison County. He joins the ranks of Missouri conservation agents after graduating from the most recent MDC Conservation Agent Training Academy class.

“I am excited to serve my new community by creating relationships and helping people find their own ways to discover nature,” Lewis said.

Lewis was raised in Blue Springs and his first memory as a child was duck hunting with his father.

“I specifically remember sitting in the duck boat and watching the Mojo Duck spin,” he said. “From that moment on, I have enjoyed the outdoors.”

Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Central Missouri. He continues to enjoy deer and duck hunting as well as fishing. Lewis began his conservation career through volunteering with MDC in 2014. This experience led him to pursue a career in conservation.

Conservation agents are licensed peace officers of the State of Missouri who are charged with enforcing the rules of the Wildlife Code of Missouri and other state and federal laws. The duties of a conservation agent vary with the season. During warmer months an agent may check fishing permits and creel limits or catch someone fishing through illegal methods. Duties related to hunting generally occur in the colder months, with patrol and stakeouts as a normal part of the job. Agents also have many duties in the areas of wildlife, fisheries and forestry management.

“What I love about being a conservation agent is that I get to protect the natural resources of the state so that future generations can enjoy the outdoors like I have,” Lewis said. "I look forward to serving nature and the citizens of this great state.”

Lewis can be reached at Clayton.Lewis@mdc.mo.gov or at (573)934-0824. More information about careers in conservation can be found at mdc.mo.gov.