MDC, NWTF, QF offer mentored hunts for first-time dove hunters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Quail Forever (QF) to provide mentored hunts for first-time dove hunters eight years of age or older on five sunflower fields located on private land across the state and one on public land.

Hunts will be offered on the private and public fields on opening day of dove season, Sept. 1. Additional hunts will be offered on the private fields later in season. The specific dates will be determined by the participating landowners. Each field will be limited to 16-20 hunter/mentor pairs per hunt to maximize safety and provide a quality experience.

Participants must first attend a hunter-orientation workshop where they will learn about dove biology and management, the importance of hunters and hunting, hunter safety, and will have the opportunity to practice shooting a shotgun. No equipment is necessary for the workshops or hunts. Hunters 8-15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during both the pre-hunt workshop and the hunt. Participants will be provided more details via email prior to the workshop.

The hunter-orientation workshops will be held:

• Meadville -- Aug. 10, 1-5 p.m., MDC Fountain Grove Conservation Area;
• Kirksville -- Aug. 17, 1-5 p.m., MDC Northeast Regional Office;
• Kahoka -- Aug. 21, 5:30-9 p.m., Private farm with directions to be provided;
• High Ridge -- Aug. 21, 5:30-9 p.m., MDC Jay Henges Shooting Range;
• Parkville -- Aug. 27, 28, and 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m., MDC Parma Woods Shooting Range;
• Williamsburg -- Aug. 30, 1-5 p.m., MDC Prairie Fork Conservation Area;
• Ash Grove -- Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., MDC Andy Dalton Shooting Range; and
• Cape Girardeau -- Aug. 30, 8 a.m.- Noon, MDC Apple Creek Trap and Skeet Range.

Participants may attend any workshop offered, but the field they will be invited to hunt will be determined by applications received and space availability of each field for each hunt. If spaces remain available on any field for any hunting days offered, first-time hunters will have the opportunity to attend multiple hunts.

For more information or to apply, contact John Burk of NWTF at 573-676-5994 or jburk@nwtf.net, or Elsa Gallagher of QF at 660-277-3647 or EGallagher@pheasantsforever.org. Or apply online at tinyurl.com/nax8qhm.

For more on hunting doves and other upland game birds in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/upland-game-bird-hunting-0.