Archery

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archery
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Archery is the skill of using a bow to propel arrows. It can be used in hunting, but is also a competitive sport and recreational activity. Nearly everyone — regardless of age, size, or physical ability — can succeed at archery.

Great Places for

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lake at Maintz WP
Cape Girardeau
The Maintz Wildlife Preserve is an 804-acre area of rolling hills located in northwestern Cape

Events

Find events near you.
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 5:00 pm - Tuesday, April 28, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery but haven’t had the chance? Maybe you tried it out as a kid at summer camp but haven’t picked up a bow since. Here’s your chance to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow alongside other beginners interested in learning this new skill. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.
Registration period: April 1 - April 30
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Discover the basics of crossbow shooting in a relaxed setting designed especially for women. The instructor will guide you through proper form, handling, and technique, giving you the confidence to try something new in a safe setting. We’ll meet at the Runge outdoor pavilion before heading to the range for hands-on practice. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and get ready for an empowering experience in the fresh air. Registration required. Ages 16+
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, May 9, 2026 4:00 pm
Location: Montauk State Park
MDC will provide a staffed archery range and equipment for youth and families to experience the joy of archery on Saturday, May 9th during the Montauk Mill Days at Montauk State Park. No registration required.
Registration period: November 10 - May 8
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026 4:00 pm - Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:30 pm
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range

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 period: December 23 - May 14
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 5:00 pm - Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Three accurate tools. Three Eras. One Experience.

Bows, crossbows, and the atlatl all launch a projectile—but each feels completely different.

In this young adult, hands-on class, you’ll rotate between archery, crossbow shooting, and atlatl throwing, getting a true feel for how each works and which one fits you best.

No experience required. No commitment to one style.

Just time to try them all and discover what clicks.
Registration period: April 3 - May 15
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 6:00 pm - Friday, May 15, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Step into the world where archery meets adrenaline. This two-part experience starts with a required hands-on practice session. We will dial in your skills, learn the gear, learn our target species, and build confidence before hitting the water with local agents!

ALL GEAR IS PROVIDED!

CLASS ONE: Will take place at Jay Henges Shooting Range. We will meet in the Education Center.

CLASS TWO: We will meet at George Winter Park boat ramp.

REQUIREMENTS: We have very limited space, so be sure to sign up for the second class asap. We require that you attend the first class. Class one is our safety and procedure class, along with practice.

Be prepared to shoot a bow. You MUST be able to pull back a minimum of 30 pounds. Our bows are set to 40-pound draw, but we will dial them down as close to 30 pounds as we can if need be. This is for ethical harvest reasons. Also know that in the second class we will be on BOATS and we will be shooting LIVE FISH. You MUST wear a lifejacket AT ALL TIMES if you are in the boat or within 50 feet of the water. If you are uncomfortable with this, this may not be the program for you.

ALL FISH WILL BE PROCESSED.

If dialing in your skills, learning the water, and taking a shot at a new passion sounds fun to you, then we can't wait to see you on May 15th!
Registration period: February 25 - May 10
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:30 am
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve

Are you someone that has never shot a bow and arrow before and you’re not sure how to get started? Or maybe you did when you were young but never pursued the activity any further. 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 course is for those 12 years of age or older with the desire to shoot a bow and arrow but have little or no experience. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

* Classes will be CANCELLED if we encounter inclement weather.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 5:00 pm - Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery but haven’t had the chance? Or maybe you tried it out as a kid at summer camp but haven’t picked up a bow since. Here’s your chance to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow alongside other beginners interested in this new skill. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.
Registration period: April 10 - May 20
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 10:00 am - Wednesday, May 20, 2026 11:30 am
Location: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Archery is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed while taking in the great outdoors. ?This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow and will include lots of hands-on practice. Let us be your guides to exploring a new outdoor skill.

This event is for those who want to experience the sport of archery in a structured, supportive environment. All equipment will be provided but please dress for the weather as we will be outdoors.

Ages 9 and up, participants 9-15 must be accompanied by an adult.????
Registration period: April 1 - May 22
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026 3:00 pm - Friday, May 22, 2026 4:30 pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

Come to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and put your basic archery skills to the test! We will learn about archery and archery range safety, how to use a compound bow, and test out our new skills! Following NASP requirements, all participants must be ages 9 and up.

Please note that this program will take place outside, so please dress accordingly, and bring a water bottle and sunscreen.