Video Tour
Missouri is a state rich in history, folklore, and natural resources. The Conservation Department encourages you to visit, use, and enjoy this area and other Department areas.
Land surrounding August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area belongs to private landowners. The boundaries adjoining private property are clearly marked. Please respect landowners' rights with these simple courtesies: obtain permission before going on private property, pick up all litter, be careful with fire, do not damage property, practice safe hunting.
Interpretive Programs
Activities are available for school groups, youth organizations, and the general public by reservation. Topics include aquatic ecology, forest ecology, reptiles, birds, trees, and more. We welcome you to join our staff on an owl prowl, a fall color walk, or a spring frog walk. Contact area headquarters for more information.
Hunting
There are special hunting seasons for squirrels, doves, rabbits, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and other species. A state hunting permit is required. Please obtain an area map with regulations for season dates, hunting methods, and limits.
Rules and Regulations
- Vehicles are permitted only on surfaced roads and parking lots. Speed limits are posted.
- Litter may not be deposited on this area except in containers designated for this purpose.
- Destroying, cutting, or removing vegetation is prohibited.
- Nuts, berries, fruits, mushrooms, and wild greens may be taken for personal consumption only. Taking of wild greens from natural areas is not allowed.
- Target shooting is permitted only at the shooting range during specified hours.
- Fires are permitted only in the picnic area in existing barbecue grills.
- No free-running pets. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being trained or used for hunting.
- Bicycles are allowed only on surfaced roads or trails designated for their use.
(Regulations are from the Wildlife Code of Missouri and selected statutes of the State of Missouri. Special area regulations are from Provision 3CSR 10-4.115 of the Wildlife Code. Copies of the Wildlife Code and Special Area Regulations are available from the Conservation Department.) Equal Opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Field Retriever Trials
The Busch Area host many field and retriever trials from September through April. These local, state, and national events are open to the public. Times and dates are available at the headquarters. A special use permit is required for all field trials.
Dog Training
The general public may use designated portions of the Busch Area to train dogs. The diversity of habitat provides optimal training conditions. Information about designated dog training areas is available at area headquarters.
Ranges
A shotgun shooting range with trap/skeet facilities, a shotgun patterning range, and a rifle and pistol range are located in the southwest corner of the area. These facilities are open to the public at a nominal fee for sighting in firearms or practicing. Hours of operation available at area headquarters.
A field archery range is also located on the area and is open to the public at no cost. Ranges allow you to test shooting skills at different yardages and to practice with shooting points. Several regional and state championship archery meets are held at this facility.
A Memorial
The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1947 from the federal government. A donation of $70,000 toward the purchase of the area was made by Mrs. August A. Busch, Sr. as a memorial to her late husband.
Special Topics
Area Map
The Busch Area provides several walking trails and an auto tour for your enjoyment. Trails are indicated on the map. Self-guiding brochures are available at area headquarters and at the start of some trails. (Click here to view the area map )
Area Information
- Building Hours
- Open year-round, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Closed all state holidays and Thanksgiving weekend.
- Area Hours
- Area Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Shooting Range Information
- Individual use will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Group use at the range must be scheduled at least a month in advance with the Training Center Supervisor at (636) 300-1953 ext 251 (range) or ext. 0 (desk). (Click here to learn more)
- Directions
- South on Highway 94 from Highway 40/61. West 1.5 miles on Highway
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Events for Tuesday, February 9 - Thursday, March 11, 2010 Event and Date Location Reserve by: Basic Shotgun
Tuesday, February 9 – Wednesday, February 10, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Friday, February 5 Dresser Island Hike
Saturday, February 13, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, February 12 Firearms Maintenance
Tuesday, February 16, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Thursday, February 11 Discover Nature; Women, Pheasant Hunt & Clinic
Thursday, February 18 – Saturday, February 20, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Monday, February 15 Owl Prowl
Friday, February 19, 2010August A Busch CA Thursday, February 18 Discover Nature: Families: Orienteering - Map & Co
Saturday, February 20, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, February 19 GO FISH!-Fly Tying 101
Saturday, February 20, 2010August A. Busch CA-Classrooms A&B Friday, February 19 Discover Hunting; Reloading Metallic Cartridges
Wednesday, February 24, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Saturday, February 20 Discover Hunting; Reloading Shot-Shells
Thursday, February 25, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Saturday, February 20 Grow Native at Home
Saturday, February 27, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, February 26 Reserve your place for these upcoming events:
Events for Thursday, March 11 - Friday, June 11, 2010 Event and Date Location Reserve by: Night Hike / Timberdoodles and Spring Peepers
Saturday, March 13, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, March 12 Discover Nature Families; Basic Archery
Saturday, March 13, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Wednesday, March 10 It's Purple Martin Time
Saturday, March 13, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, March 12 Discover Nature Women; Basic Handgun
Thursday, March 18 – Saturday, March 20, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Monday, March 15 Night Hike/Timberdoodles and Spring Peepers
Saturday, March 20, 2010August A Busch CA Friday, March 19 Discover Hunting; Turkey Calling
Wednesday, March 24, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Sunday, March 21 Discover Hunting; Food Plots
Thursday, March 25, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Monday, March 22 Basic Trap Shooting
Tuesday, March 30 – Wednesday, March 31, 2010August A. Busch C.A. Thursday, March 25 Spring Awakenings
Tuesday, March 30, 2010August A Busch CA Monday, March 29 Dyeing Eggs Naturally
Thursday, April 1, 2010August A Busch CA Monday, March 29 Discover Hunting; Shotgun Patterning
Wednesday, April 14, 2010August A. Busch Shooting Range Saturday, April 10 Basic Handgun
Wednesday, April 14 – Thursday, April 15, 2010August A. Busch CA Saturday, April 10 Discover hunting; Bird Dogs
Saturday, April 17, 2010August A. Busch CA Thursday, April 15 Basic Skeet
Wednesday, April 21 – Wednesday, April 28, 2010August A. Busch CA Thursday, April 15
