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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
Kansas City, Mo. – Step outdoors as the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) host Family Outdoors Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. Helping families learn about fishing, hunting, wildlife and archery is MDC and DU’s way of celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Family Outdoors Day welcomes those experienced with rod or gun and those who would like to learn more about angling and shooting sports. All activities are free. Exhibits and teaching stations will be set up throughout the Reed Wildlife Area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road. Also serving as co-sponsors this year are Nathan’s Catch, a non-profit effort providing fishing rods and reels for youths, and the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation in memory of Jan M. Dillow.
Fishing gear and instructors will be available at a Reed Area lake. MDC staffers and volunteers can provide hands-on instructions on how to cast bait or a lure with a rod and reel. Loaner gear and bait will be provided for fishing. MDC experts can also answer questions about fish populations in the region’s lakes and streams.
DU volunteers will offer free Greenwing Memberships to youngsters. Families can explore the duck wing maze and learn about how wetlands and uplands benefit waterfowl and people.
Visitors can shoot trap with shotguns, target shoot with air rifles or try out target archery. Each shooting site will have MDC staff and volunteers to give instructions on safety and proper shooting techniques. All equipment, firearms and ammunition will be provided for free.
Visitors can touch real animal furs and test their skills at wildlife identification. All ages will find activities to enjoy. MDC’s Kansas City Regional Office inside the Reed Area’s front gate is a first stop for maps, crafts for children and DU Greenwing membership signup for youths. Other activity stations are set up throughout the area.
MDC’s Reed Area has a tradition of connecting people with nature dating to the 1950s. National Hunting and Fishing Day began in 1972. The event is dedicated to promoting conservation and the outdoor sports.
For more information call 816-622-0900. To learn about Missouri’s great fishing and hunting opportunities statewide, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.
