Hunting Events

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided We will teach and practice the basics and help you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

Registration required by visiting https://mostateparks.com/basic-page/learn2-aim (ages 10+) Begin your archer journey by attending a hands-on workshop this summer! Take a step back in time and join Missouri State Parks for one or more of our Learn2 Aim events This is a great opportunity to learn new skills with instruction on the basics of archery. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Are you looking to take up bowhunting this fall but are unsure of where or what to begin with? Join our staff for this new program where we will put you through “Bowhunter Bootcamp”. This is a series of programs spanning three weeks, however, participants are welcome to sign up for any of the offerings that they choose. Topics covered will include basic archery equipment and accessories, ground blind and tree stand safety, scouting, and shooting fundamentals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment (bows and arrows) that they plan on hunting with to become more familiar with it.

Learn the basics of shooting the bow and arrow utilizing some of the techniques and methods that have been adopted by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). This program will teach the fundamentals of archery including equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques This family event is for all ages with the desire to shoot a bow and arrow but have little or no experience. Parents / guardians may need to assist their youth in drawing the bow string since the minimum draw is 8 lbs. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

Registration is not required, since this is come-and-go event for the public. Individuals will rotate in 5 persons at a time for two rounds of shooting before getting back in waiting line.

Pellet rifles are an easy and comfortable way to introduce handling firearms safely, while also having fun! This program is hands-on with one-on-one instruction. All equipment, including safety equipment, will be provided. Meet at the Runge outdoor pavilion before heading to the outdoor range. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather in closed-toed shoes. Participants should be prepared to stand or bring a camp chair, as there is no seating at the range.

You have learned the basics of shooting a shotgun, now what? This class will show you the games of Trap, Skeet, and 5-Stand Sporting Clays, all of which are known as Shotgun Shooting Sports. Each game has it own unique traits that make them enjoyable. We will talk about how to mount the gun, hold points, the flight of the birds, break points, forward allowance, plus various other mechanics. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Getting started in deer hunting, Want to learn how to find the deer? This will be the program for you. It will teach how to find game trails, feeding areas, and bedding areas to help you locate good positions to set up for your hunt.

For this program you will need your own shotgun and ammunition. We will set some common shots one might encounter while dove hunting on our five stand field to help hunters "knock the rust off" before going into the field on opening day!

Deer season is right around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about food plots for the fall season. Join us for an open Q&A session from Chris Grellner and the rest of the team at Valley Park Elevator to cover any questions you might have about putting in your food plots to hunt this fall.

NOTE: This will be a Open Q&A, NOT a formal presentation. Come prepared to ask questions that you are wanting to have answered. This helps the Valley Park Elevator team answer specific questions that pertain to you, but also gives the chance to learn from other participants' questions.

Step into saddle hunting with a beginner-friendly, engaging course led Western Missouri Saddle Hunters. Get familiar with selecting the right gear, learn essential rope-assisted climbing skills, and discover how to ascend safely and stay comfortable while hunting from nearly any tree. Along the way, we’ll share real-world climbing techniques, effective scouting advice, and tree selection techniques to help you feel more capable in the field.

If you’re looking to stay mobile, reduce noise, and take your hunting approach to the next level, this class is a great fit. Feel free to bring your own equipment for hands-on practice. Participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with good traction. Youth ages 14–17 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult participant.