MDC to host clinics in Columbia for women on shotgun skills and deer hunting

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to get hands-on outdoor skills training at two upcoming Discover Nature Women programs: basic shotgun and basic deer hunting.

The Discover Nature Women- Basic Shotgun is a two-day class, which begins July 31 at the MDC Central Regional Office in Columbia from 6 – 8 p.m. with classroom instruction. On Aug. 1 the class will meet from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Rocky Fork shooting range for hands-on instruction. Participants will learn the basics of safe firearm shooting in the classroom and then test their skills on the shooting range under expert supervision. A variety of action types and gauges will be used.

The Discover Nature Women – Basic Deer Hunting is a two-day class, which begins with classroom instruction on Sept. 18 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at the MDC Central Regional Office in Columbia. Field instruction will take place the following day on Sept. 19 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. also at the MDC Central Regional Office. Participants will learn the basics of deer hunting including firearms and tree stand safety, habits and biology of whitetail deer, techniques, and tips for a successful trip in the field.

There is no cost for either program and all firearms and ammunition will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own shotgun. Pre-registration is required for both events.

“Both Discover Nature Women programs are great ways for women to explore basic outdoor skills in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. “Women can do one or both of these events, and hopefully will walk away with a greater comfort level of using a shotgun and/or understanding the basics of hunting.”

Discover Nature Women is a series of outdoor-skills programs designed to help women discover nature through activities they may not have previous experience with. MDC also holds Discover Nature Family and Discover Nature Schools programs, which cater to the needs of specific audiences.

To register for either program, or for more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov, or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area is seven miles north of Columbia on Highway 63 and a mile east on Peabody Road. The E. Sydney Stephens Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center is conveniently located off of US Highway 63 just west of the Discovery Parkway exit on the south side of East Gans Road.

For more information about this and other Discover Nature programs, go online to mdc.mo.gov.