I'm not really sure how this happened. I should've said "Scientific Collecting Permit". I called Dan Rankin about my intended E. hopkinsi collecting, as my target stream falls in Region One. I didn't think being a species of special concern put them off limits, but if I was going to put something like that in print, I wanted to double check. That, and I had some questions about collecting up in the mountains; I still want to do that while the loophole is open. He said he thought I might need to have a scientific collecting permit, and referred me to the woman who issues such permits, Ms. Hasting, I think. She said yes, I ought to have one and here I am.Matt, why would you need a special permit to collect Christmas darters? First off, what exactly is a collectors permit. Secondly, Christmas darters are a species of concern which holds no formal protection. Christmas darters are very common where found in the state and are only of concern due to their small range in the state.
As for the article, it sounds perfect and we would love to have it. We have no similar serial rights policy. We will publish it any time you like.
Michael, SC Wildlife does pay about 20 cents a word. Not huge money, but it's always been little goal of mine to get paid to write something. Money is hardly my motivator, however. I just enjoy writing but haven't done it in ages. I wanted to start again, and thought this would be a rewarding place to do so, pay or no. I would indeed appreciate any feedback on what I've done. I've also been in touch with Ken out in Iowa to get some low down on E. hopkinsi reproduction. I know next to nothing about it. He's generously offered to field some questions from me, when I figure out what direction this piece ends up going. I would most certainly acknowledge his help, and that from anyone else. No ghosting necessary!
Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I appreciate it.
NANFA Youtube Channel 
