August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Facilities

• Interpretive Programs
• Hunting
• Rules and Regulations
• Field Retriever Trials
• Dog Training
• Ranges
• A Memorial

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.

Return to list.

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.

Return to list.

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.

Return to list.

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.

Return to list.

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.

Return to list.

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. (Click here to learn more about the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Shooting Range.)

Return to list.

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.

Return to list.

(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.