Hunting

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Two hunters in safety orange sit by a tree. One is taking aim at a deer.
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A successful hunting trip involves planning, scouting, and patience. Missouri offers a variety of hunting opportunities to hone your skills.

If you plan to hunt with a firearm, you will need to complete a hunter education course before you can buy a permit. If you plan to bow hunt, MDC offers optional bow hunter education. 

Great Places For Hunting

Media
Tipton Ford Access
Newton
Tipton Ford Access was purchased by the Department to provide access to Shoal Creek in 1978.

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: January 23 - March 21
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 4:00 pm - Wednesday, March 22, 2023 4:30 pm
Location: Online only
This session will focus on other methods of cooking fish. We will discuss smoking, canning, pickling, and salting to name a few.
Registration period: February 7 - March 21
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 6:30 pm - Wednesday, March 22, 2023 8:00 pm
Location: Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish. After a successful day afield, when it is time to clean fresh fish or game, a sharp knife is a vital tool. While it is not rocket science, there are a few tricks to putting a good edge on your favorite knife using a basic sharpening stone. We will provide the stones and you can bring along your favorite hunting or filleting knife (straight blade, non-serrated). Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration period: February 21 - March 23
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023 5:30 pm - Thursday, March 23, 2023 8:00 pm
Location: Parma Woods Shooting Range
Turkey hunting is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying nature in spring. This workshop is designed to teach participants how to more successfully hunt the wild turkey. We’ll discuss turkey biology, hunting equipment, regulations and strategies that will make you a more confident turkey hunter.
Registration period: March 1 - March 23
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023 6:00 pm - Thursday, March 23, 2023 7:00 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Join us to learn the basics of spring turkey hunting including safety, equipment, scouting, habitat, and calls. We’ll also discuss hunting strategies and challenges you may face while trying to fool a gobbler this spring. Registration required. Ages 8+
Registration period: February 17 - March 22
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023 6:00 pm - Thursday, March 23, 2023 7:30 pm
Location: Online only
This program is VIRTUAL. We will talk about turkey hunting basics like picking a spot, actual hunting, and cleaning your bird. We will try to keep it basic but also dive deeper into some parts. Questions will be encouraged.
Registration period: January 19 - March 21
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023 6:30 pm - Thursday, March 23, 2023 8:30 pm
Location: Laclede Electric Cooperative

Are you looking forward to Spring, as nature comes to life and the morning air is filled with the sound of

turkey toms gobbling? If so, this workshop is for you! MDC staff is partnering with National Wild Turkey

Federation members to host a Spring turkey hunting clinic in Laclede County. Turkey hunting has a rich

tradition in Missouri, come learn from some local experts and increase your chances for a successful

harvest this Spring. The program will be hosted at the Laclede County Electric Cooperative auditorium

on March 23 rd from 6:30-8:30pm.

Topics covered in the program

? MDC’s efforts to ensure our wild turkey population remains healthy and the status of our

turkey population

* Biological and behavioral characteristics of Eastern Wild Turkeys

* Rules and regulations associated with spring turkey hunting in Missouri

* The importance of safety while turkey hunting

* Scouting and finding places to hunt

* Using various turkey calls to duplicate wild turkey language

* Other turkey hunting strategies

* Processing your harvest

The program is open to all skill levels from beginner to the experienced turkey hunter. Come and learn

skills and techniques to help you successfully harvest a gobbler this Spring! All registered participants

will receive a turkey call. All participants under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. For

additional information or questions contact Lyle Whittaker (417)895-6880 Ext. 1644 or email

Lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov
Registration period: February 10 - March 24
Date: Friday, March 24, 2023 5:30 pm - Friday, March 24, 2023 9:30 pm
Location: Grace Community Church

This is a public Missouri Hunter Education Skills Session class; participants must be 11 years of age the day of the event. (3/24/2023) Participants attending the skills session must show proof they have completed the online self-study guide or complete all the chapter review questions in the Missouri Hunter Education book. Bring the completed review questions to the event!

Online Study Guide Link:

https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education/hunter-ed-study-guide-order-form

Missouri Hunter Education booklets can be picked up at Shrock’s Butchering 25 Wildlife Road, Buffalo Mo.

Registration period: January 3 - March 25
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 8:30 am - Saturday, March 25, 2023 11:30 am
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range

Join us to discover the basics of turkey hunting in the spring. We will cover safety, scouting, calling, proper setup, shotgun ballistics, and much more.

Registration period: February 10 - March 23
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 9:00 am - Sunday, March 26, 2023 12:00 pm
Location: The Kittle Farm

Are you interested in hunting or alternative methods of hunting? We have a hands-on, clinic just for you!

Join us for two mornings of outdoor learning, trapping and fun! Youth ages 9+ are also welcome and must be registered to attend with you.

We will gather on Saturday, March 25th and Sunday, March 26th from 9 am to approximately 12 pm to learn about the art of trapping. We will have guest speakers of different generations sharing their trapping expertise, educate you and/or your child on the positive impact that trapping has on a habitat, and work with you to safely set traps that we will then check the following morning! We will have a good time as we enjoy a hayride to our destinations on the farm! Agent Kevin Powell and Conservation Educator Holly Whitacre are excited to have you along!

Each morning, we will meet at the Novinger Firehouse located right off Hwy 6. Look for our Agent’s truck! We will then begin the caravan at 9 am sharp to our sponsoring private land owners’ farm located at 15830 Hwy D in Novinger. The family has graciously offered their land for our mornings of trapping! Animals that are trapped will not be available for attendees to take home.

Instead, they will be dispatched appropriately by the Missouri Department of Conservation. You and your child will go home with a trapping giveaway and many memories at the conclusion of the clinic!

*All children who are signed up must be 9 years old or older and accompanied by a parent/guardian for the entire clinic.
Registration period: January 16 - March 20
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 9:00 am - Saturday, March 25, 2023 1:00 pm
Location: Clinton MDC Office

Youth Turkey Clinic open to ages 8-15 years.

Stations will consist of shotgun patterning, turkey calling/hunting techniques, safety trail, and archery. Bring your own shotgun. Ammunition will be provided. For more information or help with registration, contact the Clinton Office.
Registration period: February 6 - March 24
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 1:00 pm - Saturday, March 25, 2023 2:00 pm
Location: Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
Falconry is the ancient art and hunting sport of using trained birds of prey to hunt wild game. It was introduced to the United States in 1622 by England, and though it has evolved over the years, one thing remains the same: the bond between the falconer and their bird. Join Meagan Duffee-Yates, Master falconer, as she discusses the rich history of falconry. Discover what makes birds of prey such fascinating animals and see live birds of prey. She'll discuss the steps involved in becoming a falconer and the importance of raptor conservation. Best for age 5 and up.
Registration period: December 22 - March 28
Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 12:00 pm - Tuesday, March 28, 2023 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! Part four we will cover other methods like lunch bag, foil packs, cave man/hot coal cooking, pie irons, and more to make campfire cooking fun and easy!
Registration period: February 9 - March 30
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023 6:30 pm - Thursday, March 30, 2023 8:00 pm
Location: Online only
Now that Spring fishing season is in full swing, and you have caught and cleaned a mess of fish, now is the time to learn how to cook them. In this Virtual Fish Cooking program, we will focus on the common equipment needed for cooking fish, frying and grilling fish, as well as other methods to prepare fish. This is a combination of the Virtual Fish Cooking Series that was held this month.
Registration period: February 9 - March 20
Date: Friday, March 31, 2023 4:00 pm - Saturday, April 1, 2023 5:00 pm
Location: Wood Station

This is a partnership event with the Kenneth Kirchman Foundation. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat and educating though life-changing experiences in the outdoors.

Participants must have never harvested a turkey and must be less than 16 years old. The foundation will provide the land and educational venue, and the Department will lead the clinic and hunt for these participants. Everything, including camouflage will be provided. Participants can bring their own shotgun. This will be a complete "how to" for youth and their families.
Registration period: March 16 - March 26
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023 8:00 am - Saturday, April 1, 2023 12:00 pm
Location: Cass County Sheriffs Office-Training Room

YOUTH ONLY, ages 11-15

This is a two day class, that includes a mentored youth turkey hunt on Sunday, April 2. All supplies & firearms provided.

Pre-registration REQUIRED. Contact Jerri @ 816-309-8612 Class put on by Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation.
Registration period: March 1 - March 30
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023 8:00 am - Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 am
Location: Lake City Shooting Range
Turkey hunting is an excellent way to spend time in the great outdoors, watch wildlife at it's best and potentially put delicious food on the table. This class will provide you with the basic information and skills for a successful Spring turkey hunt, while discussing hunting ethics and understanding conservation. Bring your turkey shotgun and the ammo you will use to hunt and we will help you pattern the shotgun
Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 1:00 pm - Wednesday, April 5, 2023 7:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Join us this year for the inaugural Jay Henges 5-Stand League. This is a great way to prepare for hunting seasons, improve your sporting clays game, and enjoy a fun shooting experience. This will be a weekly league from April through September during the range business hours on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Some details on the league include:

• League will run from April through September

• League will be shot on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) each week.

• Shooters will participate as individuals in the league, not in a team format.

• Participants must purchase at least two rounds of 5-stand to be scored for the league.

• Participants can shoot their league rounds on either Wednesday or Thursday, but participants will only be scored on one of the two days each week.

• Instruction will be available for those shooters newer to sporting clays.

• No pre-registration is required. Participants will register at the 5-stand field on the day that they shoot.

• Trophies will be awarded at the end of the league in September, with other awards throughout the year as well.

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023 10:00 am - Thursday, April 6, 2023 4:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Join us this year for the inaugural Jay Henges 5-Stand League. This is a great way to prepare for hunting seasons, improve your sporting clays game, and enjoy a fun shooting experience. This will be a weekly league from April through September during the range business hours on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Some details on the league include:

• League will run from April through September

• League will be shot on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) each week.

• Shooters will participate as individuals in the league, not in a team format.

• Participants must purchase at least two rounds of 5-stand to be scored for the league.

• Participants can shoot their league rounds on either Wednesday or Thursday, but participants will only be scored on one of the two days each week.

• Instruction will be available for those shooters newer to sporting clays.

• No pre-registration is required. Participants will register at the 5-stand field on the day that they shoot.

• Trophies will be awarded at the end of the league in September, with other awards throughout the year as well.

Registration period: December 22 - April 11
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 12:00 pm - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! In part five we will cover methods of outdoor cooking with little campers so they can be involved and excited about spending time outdoors!
Registration period: March 11 - April 10
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 5:00 pm - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 7:00 pm
Location: August A Busch Shooting Range
This program will introduce turkey hunting techniques and calling tips for beginners and how to get started hunting these elusive birds. We will cover habitat, safety, firearms, different calls, when to call, how often to call, and different types of equipment used to help you have a successful hunt.
Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 1:00 pm - Wednesday, April 12, 2023 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Join us this year for the inaugural Jay Henges 5-Stand League. This is a great way to prepare for hunting seasons, improve your sporting clays game, and enjoy a fun shooting experience. This will be a weekly league from April through September during the range business hours on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Some details on the league include:

• League will run from April through September

• League will be shot on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) each week.

• Shooters will participate as individuals in the league, not in a team format.

• Participants must purchase at least two rounds of 5-stand to be scored for the league.

• Participants can shoot their league rounds on either Wednesday or Thursday, but participants will only be scored on one of the two days each week.

• Instruction will be available for those shooters newer to sporting clays.

• No pre-registration is required. Participants will register at the 5-stand field on the day that they shoot.

• Trophies will be awarded at the end of the league in September, with other awards throughout the year as well.

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023 10:00 am - Thursday, April 13, 2023 4:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Join us this year for the inaugural Jay Henges 5-Stand League. This is a great way to prepare for hunting seasons, improve your sporting clays game, and enjoy a fun shooting experience. This will be a weekly league from April through September during the range business hours on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Some details on the league include:

• League will run from April through September

• League will be shot on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) each week.

• Shooters will participate as individuals in the league, not in a team format.

• Participants must purchase at least two rounds of 5-stand to be scored for the league.

• Participants can shoot their league rounds on either Wednesday or Thursday, but participants will only be scored on one of the two days each week.

• Instruction will be available for those shooters newer to sporting clays.

• No pre-registration is required. Participants will register at the 5-stand field on the day that they shoot.

• Trophies will be awarded at the end of the league in September, with other awards throughout the year as well.

Registration period: December 22 - April 18
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 12:00 pm - Tuesday, April 18, 2023 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Cast iron cooking is a fun and tasty way to add to any outdoor adventure. This series of virtual programs is designed to boost your knowledge so you can cook a wide variety of great recipes around camp while making it fun and easy! In this sixth and final virtual program of the series, we will talk about finding and developing recipes and how to make any recipe work in camp, around a campfire, or maybe just at home!
Registration period: March 20 - April 14
Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 6:00 pm - Tuesday, April 18, 2023 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Create a unique, wearable work-of-art using a turkey feather. Not only will you take home a personal souvenir, but you will also learn about turkey hunting in Missouri. This is a hands-on class and participants must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 1:00 pm - Wednesday, April 19, 2023 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Join us this year for the inaugural Jay Henges 5-Stand League. This is a great way to prepare for hunting seasons, improve your sporting clays game, and enjoy a fun shooting experience. This will be a weekly league from April through September during the range business hours on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Some details on the league include:

• League will run from April through September

• League will be shot on Wednesday (1:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) and Thursday (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) each week.

• Shooters will participate as individuals in the league, not in a team format.

• Participants must purchase at least two rounds of 5-stand to be scored for the league.

• Participants can shoot their league rounds on either Wednesday or Thursday, but participants will only be scored on one of the two days each week.

• Instruction will be available for those shooters newer to sporting clays.

• No pre-registration is required. Participants will register at the 5-stand field on the day that they shoot.

• Trophies will be awarded at the end of the league in September, with other awards throughout the year as well.