The Missouri Department of Conservation has assigned a new conservation agent to Perry County as part of a group of six new agents joining the Southeast Region.
Nick Freeman, who recently transferred into Perry County, will work to protect fish, forest and wildlife resources while supporting the community through education, outreach and enforcement of the Wildlife Code.
Freeman is originally from Jackson and is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in ecological biology. He began his career with MDC as an intern working for the regional recreational use specialist at the Southeast Regional Office before serving as a fisheries technician. He was accepted into the Conservation Agent Training Academy in March 2022.
After graduating from the academy, Freeman received his first assignment in Ralls County, where he served as a conservation agent until Sept. 1, 2025, when he transferred to Perry County.
“In my short time here in Perry County, I have enjoyed meeting plenty of local people and exploring the diverse landscape,” Freeman said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people in my new assignment.”
Freeman can be reached at 573-517-9056 or by email at Nicholas.Freeman@mdc.mo.gov.
In addition to Freeman’s assignment, MDC welcomed five other new conservation agents across the Southeast Region.
Dominick Montileone III has been assigned to St. Francois County. Montileone holds a Bachelor of Science in paramedicine from Lindenwood University and previously served as an EMT with the Big River Ambulance District for four years.
“I am proud to step into the role of conservation agent in St. Francois County,” Montileone said. “I’m excited to help protect its natural resources and wildlife and work with the community to keep the outdoors safe and enjoyable.”
Montileone may be contacted at 573-330-8038 or Dominick.Montileone@ mdc.mo.gov.
Hunter Ridenour has been assigned to Pemiscot County. A 2016 graduate of Logan– Rogersville High School, Ridenour earned a degree in agronomy and agricultural development from College of the Ozarks in 2020. He previously worked in the bass boat industry and later served as a district specialist with the Taney County Soil and Water Conservation District.
“It is an honor to be the new Pemiscot County conservation agent,” Ridenour said. “I look forward to serving the community and protecting its outdoor resources.”
Ridenour can be reached at 573-757-8357 or Hunter.Ridenour@mdc.mo.gov.
Dalton DeHart has been assigned to Mississippi County. DeHart is a graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School and earned a degree in wildlife and conservation biology with a minor in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University. He previously worked as a resource technician at Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area and participated in MDC’s Volunteer Protection Program.
“My passion for conservation began when my grandpa introduced me to fishing as a child,” DeHart said. “Now I’m proud to help protect the lands and waters that create memories for others.”
DeHart can be reached at 573-233-5570 or Dalton.DeHart@mdc.mo.gov.
Josh Slocum has been assigned to Wayne County. Slocum graduated from Magnolia High School in Texas and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ouachita Baptist University in 2024. He later completed MDC’s Conservation Agent Training Academy in September 2025.
“I always had a dream of becoming a game warden, and that dream came true,” Slocum said. “My hope is to build lasting relationships in Wayne County and make a positive impact through enforcement and education.”
Slocum can be reached at 573-944-1174 or Joshua.Slocum@mdc.mo.gov.
Bradley Laux has been assigned to New Madrid County. Laux graduated from Belleville East High School and served multiple deployments in the United States Marine Corps before attending Southeast Missouri State University. He graduated in December 2024 with a degree in wildlife and conservation biology and a minor in environmental science.
“My passion for conservation goes back to fishing and hunting with my family,” Laux said. “Now I enjoy helping protect the resources that create those special moments for others.”
Laux can be reached at 573-326-0886 or Bradley.Laux@mdc.mo.gov.
These new agents join nearly 200 existing conservation agents statewide who work to serve communities and protect fish, forest and wildlife resources. A county- by-county list of conservation agents is available through MDC.
