Hunting

The Missouri Hunter Education Skills Session is the second half of the hunter education certification process after completing one of the knowledge based options. Students must be 11 years of age & older to attend this session. Participants must complete the online Knowledge portion or bring with them to the training the completed Knowledge portion having completed all the review question in the back of the Todays Hunter student book. This free handbook can be picked up from any MDC office or ordered off the MDC website.

https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education

Title: Introduction to Hunting Woodcock in the Ozarks

Where: Ozark Research Field Station Missouri S&T

Address: 16300 County Road 7550 Newburg, MO 65550

Time: Sunday, October 18th: 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Agenda:

- Classroom - Woodcock Biology

- Basic needs to woodcock hunt (permits, gear, etc)

- E-scouting

- Introduction to Bird Dogs

- Field – walk along Mill Creek on Bohigian CA

Wear appropriate outwear and boots (rain or shine) for field walk. Any questions should be addressed to program presenter Nick Girondo at: Nick.Girondo@mdc.mo.gov

Hunting Series: Hunting Deer on MDC Conservation Areas in the Missouri Ozarks. This is the fourth virtual program "Movement Patterns of the Rut" and will be on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30-6:30 PM. MDC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Peter will discuss the transition from pre rut to rut deer movement. The link to join this class will be sent by 1 PM the afternoon of Oct. 21st (registration will close at 1 PM). Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov to let him know.

Hunt Program Series:

Wed. 9/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Deer Scouting Using Online Mapping (we hope you were able to attend)

Mon. 10/5 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: On the Ground Scouting & Stand Placement at MDC C.A. (we hope you were able to attend)

Tues. 10/13 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Pre Rut Deer Sign (we hope you were able to attend)

Wed. 10/21 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Movement Patterns of the Rut

Mon. 11/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Post Rut and Winter Deer Hunting

.22 rifles are small-caliber firearms with a small “bang” and very little “kick,” and a lot of fun! A .22 rifle is great for small-game hunting and target shooting. Join Runge staff at Scrivner Conservation Area's shooting range in Cole County south of Russellville to learn how to shoot .22 rifles safely. All equipment will be provided. Bring a water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Directions to the shooting range will be e-mailed to participants prior to the program.

Have you always wanted to firearm hunt on your own? 2026 Fall anterless deer firearm season is October 9-11 & December 5-13; with regular Fall deer season November 14-24, 2026.. First you need to get certified! Join us at Salem Community Center at the Armory for a Hunter Education skills session on October 22, 2026 from 5 - 9 pm.

Participants must be 11 years old and have completed the knowledge portion of the course prior to attending this skills session. This is done either by completing the online version (for a fee) or filling out the student manual chapter review questions and bringing the booklet to class for instructor review (no charge). Student manuals are available at the Rolla MDC Office (12655 State Route Y, Rolla, MO) or from the MDC website (https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education/hunter-ed-study-guide-order-form). Students under 16 are required to show proof of age (i.e. Birth certificate; Passport; or photo ID that displays a birthdate) when checking in.

After successfully completing the skills session and passing a 35-question, multiple-choice final with a score of 80 percent or better, you will receive a temporary certificate so you can purchase a permit and hunt immediately. Please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before attending the class and stay home if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Want to learn how to field dress and process your own deer from start to finish?

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Deer Association for a hands-on, three-hour Field to Freezer class designed for anyone interested in learning how to turn a harvested deer into freezer-ready venison.

MDC staff will cover what to do immediately after recovering your deer, while a Conservation Agent will discuss regulations and safety. The National Deer Association will then demonstrate field dressing, explain deer anatomy, and walk through the process of breaking down, preparing, and storing the meat.

We’ll wrap up with venison preparation, storage, and recipe ideas from MDC staff.

Whether you’re completely new to deer processing or simply want to learn a better way to handle your harvest, this class will take you through the entire process—from field to freezer.

*Please note: We will be using a REAL deer. Participants will see the actual field dressing and processing of a harvested deer.*

Confused by all the choices for firearm hunting cartridges? Prepare for firearms deer season by learning about rifle bullets and cartridges that give you the best chance for a safe, humane harvest. This program will help you determine appropriate options for your hunting conditions and abilities, as well as understand the often-puzzling terms and letters on the cartridge boxes.

Firearms Deer Hunting: Ready to try deer hunting? This program will teach the basics of deer hunting including places to hunt, how to scout for deer, what to wear, gear to have with you, shot placement, safety, and regulations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake, in partnership with the Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation, Mark Twain Lake Forest Council, Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, and the Missouri Department of Conservation will host the 2026 Youth Deer Hunt Special Event at Mark Twain Lake. This opportunity will give 10 Missouri residents an introduction to deer hunting and promote the value of public land experiences.

The Mark Twain Lake Youth Deer Hunt is designed for Missouri youth, between the ages of 8 and 15, that have little to no experience deer hunting. Hunters will be accompanied by a mentor for the event (provided). Additionally, all participating youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian during the special event.

Friday, October 23, 2026, participants will meet at David C. Berti Shooting Range for brief introductions and practice sighting in rifles. Hunting will take place all day Saturday and Sunday morning at Indian Creek Recreation Area.

All hunters must comply with the 2026 Missouri Department of Conservation hunting regulations. Mentor or accompanying parent or guardian serving as a mentor must possess a valid hunter education certification. Youth hunters must possess a valid Missouri deer hunting permit. To ensure a safe hunting experience, special event rules will be in effect throughout the two-day hunt and will be outlined for participants prior to the hunt. Rifles and ammunition will be available for use by the participants. If bringing your own firearm, it is recommended to limit the size of the rifle to .243 caliber. Firearms must be traditional rifles. No AR platform rifles will be permitted.

Youth waterfowl clinic for ages 6 to 15 years of age. The clinic will provide waterfowl identification, draw location process, decoy set up, waterfowl cooking, waterfowl regulations, and general waterfowl information.