Hunting

Squirrel hunting is a rewarding and accessible hunting activity with deep roots in Missouri. This abundant game animal was an important resource for many throughout Missouri’s history. While hunting squirrels may not be as popular as deer or turkey today, squirrels still provide enjoyable hunting and excellent table fare for those who pursue them. Squirrel hunters enjoy long hunting seasons, generous bag limits, inexpensive hunting gear, and plenty of places to hunt. It is an excellent activity for new hunters developing their skills or seasoned hunters who just need an excuse to spend more time in the woods.

This virtual program will provide participants with a basic understanding of squirrel biology and behavior; an overview of squirrel hunting regulations and seasons; information on how to locate places to squirrel hunt; a breakdown of required equipment and hunting strategies; instruction on how to clean and prepare harvested squirrels; and next steps for new hunters who want to further their knowledge or explore hunting opportunities.

Participants will be emailed a link to attend the virtual program the day of the event. Please check your spam folder. This program will be broadcast live, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Atlatls are a unique and primitive hunting tool that is still used today. They are important for preserving the past culture of all people and show us a way to connect with our ancestors 15,000 years ago. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Please note the minimum age is 10 due to the nature of having the strength and control of throwing a dart with an atlatl. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

Waterfowl: Join us in learning some of the basics for waterfowl hunting. This is a beginner's program. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the class. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to the instructor to let them know.

Have you thought about squirrel hunting but have no idea where to start?

Squirrels are one of the most exciting small game animals you can hunt. With their unpredictable movements and gigantic leaps through the tree canopies, squirrel hunting offers a challenge for both beginners and seasoned hunters. It’s a great sport to introduce to friends and family. The added plus is you can enjoy a tasty meal at the end of the day.

Squirrel Hunting 101 will deliver the basics so you can get started and discover the best tips to help you succeed!

Also sign up for Small Game, Big Skills: Squirrel Cleaning 101 following this program, starting at 7pm.

5-Stand is a dynamic shotgun shooting game that combines elements of trap, skeet, and sporting clays into one fast-paced experience—all from a single shooting station, so there’s less walking and more shooting. Shooters rotate through a series of five stands, facing a variety of clay target presentations that simulate real hunting and competitive scenarios. Because of this variety, 5-Stand is an excellent way to build and sharpen overall shotgun skills. In a typical 5-Stand session, you’ll learn the rules of the game, proper range etiquette, shotgun and choke selection. You can bring your own shotgun or use one provided, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Ever wondered what to do after you take the shot? This hands-on workshop walks you through the essential skills every small-game hunter should know—how to properly clean and process a squirrel from the field to the freezer.

Participants will learn safe, ethical, and efficient techniques for skinning, gutting, and preparing squirrels for cooking and storage. You’ll get step-by-step guidance and then practice the process yourself, building confidence with real tools and real game.

Along the way, we’ll talk about meat care, avoiding common mistakes, and how learning to process your own harvest helps you get the most from every hunt. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with practical skills, a better understanding of where your food comes from, and the confidence to handle small game on your own next season.

Also sign up for Squirrel Hunting 101 that starts just before this program at 5:30pm!

This discussion of pre-contact Native Missouri hunting and gathering will hopefully give a glimpse into early human efforts to find food! We will discuss the environments found in SW Missouri and the 4-state region including the flora and fauna and examinations of tools and theories on how those early hunters may have used them. Demonstrations of hunting and fire-starting technology will be presented as space allows! No registration is required.

Take a nice, crispy chip, dip it into a bowl of melty, buffalo-flavored goodness, and plop it in your mouth. Yum! This delicious appetizer is called Buffalo Squirrel Dip in this outdoor spin-off of the familiar favorite. Learn just what makes squirrels “limb chickens” in this easy-to-assemble recipe. Participants see a demonstration of how to prepare squirrel meat for this recipe, assemble a small batch to take home, and sample the finished product.

You have decided to begin hunting, but don't know who, what or where to start. Let us help you get started with this class. We will explore the correct way to go about selecting the method, the game, and the equipment to have before you step out the front door. We will discuss topics like the safety of private versus public hunting, permits and licenses needed to harvest game animals and even have a question and answer session.

You have decided to begin hunting, but don't know who, what or where to start. Let us help you get started with this class. We will explore the correct way to go about selecting the method, the game, and the equipment to have before you step out the front door. We will discuss topics like the safety of private versus public hunting, permits and licenses needed to harvest game animals and even have a question and answer session.