Hunting

This skills session will satisfy part two of the Missouri Hunter Education requirements.

To enter the session, you must complete the knowledge portion and provide proof of completion by presenting either a qualifier certificate or a completed hunter education student manual the day of the event.

All students must provide proof of identification and age.

The final exam will be administered at the end of the skills session.

Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the beginning of the class to complete registration; late arrivals will not be admitted so please arrive early. In the event of a cancellation, you will be contacted by email and/or phone.

Note: Students 16 and older who have successfully completed the all-online Hunter Education course do not need to attend an in-person skills session.

The knowledge portion requirement can easily be achieved by reading and completing the chapter review questions in the Missouri hunter education manual and bringing the completed manual with you to a skills session you have registered to attend. To receive a FREE manual, please request one online at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training/hunter-ed-study-guide-order-form or call 417-895-6880, M-F, 8am to 5pm to have one mailed to you.

If you have any questions, please contact the lead instructor listed for this session.

Thank you.

Whether preparing to hunt waterfowl this upcoming season or trying to mark a bird off your checklist, identifying fast flying ducks can be a challenge. Join us, virtually, as we explore tips and tricks for identifying ducks during the fall. The instructor will send a link via e-mail the day before and the day of the presentation.

Discover the excitement of crossbow shooting in this hands-on program offered by MDC. Whether you're interested in recreational target shooting or preparing for deer hunting season, participants will learn the fundamentals of crossbow safety, equipment operation, and shooting techniques from MDC instructors. After a brief instructional session, participants will have the opportunity to shoot a crossbow and practice their skills on the range.

This program is designed for beginners and those looking to build their skills. MDC will provide crossbows and other necessary equipment, but participants are welcome to bring their own crossbow if they would like to practice with the equipment they plan to use. No prior experience is necessary. Join us to build confidence, improve your accuracy, and enjoy a fun outdoor recreational activity!

This Bowhunter Education Certification Classroom Session (Option #1) is required for participation in certain managed deer hunts. It also meets the needs of those needing certification for out of state hunting. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a safer, more knowledgeable, and more involved bowhunter.

With archery deer season right around the corner, are you ready?

Bring your archery equipment to the 3-D archery Range at Frank Russell where targets are set up to simulate a variety of hunting situations. Attendees will be able to receive one-on-one coaching from MDC Staff on archery techniques and shooting angles. We will be setting up different scenarios such as shooting from blinds or elevated positions to help archers prepare for archery deer season.

You MUST have your own archery equipment, BOWS AND ARROWS.

FIELD POINTS ONLY. (no broadheads).

Attendees must register.

Conservation Agents protect Missouri's fish, forests, and wildlife by helping people enjoy the outdoors safely and making sure everyone follows hunting and fishing rules. Their job can be challenging, but they have some amazing helpers… K-9 Agents!

Join us at Runge to meet K-9 Agent Chuck and his handler, Conservation Agent Matt Wheaton. Discover how Chuck uses his incredible nose and training to help solve problems and assist Conservation Agents in the field. You will learn about their important jobs, watch an exciting demonstration, and find out what it takes to be part of a K-9 team. Don't miss this chance to meet a real working K-9 Agent!

Missouri is home to several species of both native and introduced doves and pigeons. In this virtual program, we will discuss how to identify each species that has been documented in the state by both sight and sound. We will also discuss dove hunting here in Missouri. This program will be held virtually. A link will be sent both the day before and morning of the program to your email address provided during registration.

This skills session will satisfy Part Two of Missouri Hunter Education requirements. To obtain hunter education certification you must have completed Part One (online, self-study, or classroom session) and bring along your skills session qualifier certificate or student manual with the review questions completed. Parents or guardians are welcome to attend with their child and do not need to register. Participant registration required. Ages 11+. The final exam will be administered at the end of the skills session.

Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the beginning of the class to complete registration; late arrivals will not be admitted so please arrive early. In the event of cancellation, you will be contacted by email and/or phone.

Note: Students who are 16+ and have completed the all-online Hunter Education course are certified and do not need to attend an in-person skills session.

Deer hunting is challenging, rewarding, and about much more than wearing camouflage and sitting in a stand. It starts weeks—sometimes months—before opening day. This class begins at the very beginning and walks you through what it really takes to prepare for a successful hunt. You’ll learn about rifle and ammunition selection, how to dress for the hunt, different hunting methods, scouting techniques, animal identification, and how to properly sight in your rifle. This is a knowledge-based class designed to build understanding and confidence—it is not a shooting class.

Advance your knowledge of shooting and hunting with your crossbow, safely and effectively. We will cover nomenclature of the crossbow, hand placement, stance, loading, drawing of string, optics and how to properly store your crossbow. We will also cover the difference between bolts and arrows, practice points and hunting points. We will also go over correct shot placement on 3D targets, shooting at a variety of North American game animal targets.