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

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Stockton Lake
Cedar
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Stockton Lake, located on the Sac River, is nestled among the rolling, tree covered hills at th

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: July 30 - March 9
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 5:00 pm - Monday, March 9, 2026 9:00 pm
Location: Eugene Northern Community Hall

This skills session will satisfy part two of Missouri Hunter Education requirements. To obtain hunter education certification you must also attend part one (online, self-study, or a classroom session) and bring along your skills session qualifier certificate or a student manual with the review questions completed. 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 15 and under must also bring a copy of their birth certificate or other proof of 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 who are 16 and over and have completed the all-online Hunter Education course are certified and do not need to attend an in-person skills session.

Location: Eugene E. Northern Community Hall

400 W 4th St. | Rolla, MO 65401

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UE4pHa7HQMUW5Ac9A
Registration period: February 1 - March 14
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 8+. Youth ages 9–15 must attend with a participating adult. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it.
Registration period: January 15 - March 14
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:00 pm
Location: Online only

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 9+. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it. The virtual link will be sent out the day before the program.

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, March 14, 2026 3:30 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
Did you know Missouri was a historical hotspot for designing and creating waterfowl hunting decoys? Including a factory here in Jefferson City? Join the Missouri Duck Decoy collectors at their annual meeting at Runge Nature Center and discover the rich history of waterfowl decoys. Drop in from 10 am- 12 pm to view antique decoys and other related sporting items which will be on display for the public. Then from 1-3:30 pm, presentations will begin in the Runge auditorium. Presenters will discuss identification, history, and artistry of duck and other waterfowl decoys. There is no charge to attend this event. No registration required. All ages.
Registration period: January 15 - March 14
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 1:30 pm - Saturday, March 14, 2026 3:30 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Missouri mushrooms aren’t just weird and wonderful—they’re essential to healthy forests and a favorite find for curious explorers and adventurous eaters alike. Dive into the world of fungi to learn how mushrooms support ecosystems, recycle nutrients, and connect life underground. You’ll also discover which species are safe to forage and how they can level up your next meal. Whether you’re into nature, sustainability, or great food, this is your chance to see why mushrooms are having a moment. This program meets at KC Bier Co. at 310 W 79th St, Kansas City, MO 64114
Registration period: September 1 - March 20
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, March 21, 2026 11:00 am
Location: Online only

In the spring, while the grass is starting to grow, flowers blooming and new babies being born, the deer and other alike animals are starting to loose their antlers. Shed hunting is becoming a popular thing to do for some people. Join us in figuring out what is the best way to find them and how to go about doing so.

Registration period: November 21 - March 20
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, March 21, 2026 11:00 am
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range

In the spring, while the grass is starting to grow, flowers blooming and new babies being born, the deer and other alike animals are starting to loose their antlers. Shed hunting is becoming a popular thing to do for some people. Join us in figuring out what is the best way to find them and how to go about doing so.

Registration period: January 19 - March 20
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, March 21, 2026 3:00 pm
Location: Fraternal Order of the Eagles #4279

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. 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. An online knowledge course option is also available; however, there is a charge for taking this portion online.

Registration period: February 14 - March 21
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026 1:00 pm - Saturday, March 21, 2026 2:30 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: February 5 - March 23
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026 4:00 pm - Monday, March 23, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: August A Busch Shooting Range

Get ready for turkey season with confidence!

Busch Shooting Range is hosting a Turkey Hunting Patterning Day designed to help hunters fine-tune their firearms to ensure effective shots in the field.

Participants will have the opportunity to pattern their shotgun using their preferred turkey loads, learn how different chokes and ammunition affect pellet spread, and how to determine effective shooting distances. MDC staff will be available to provide guidance on safety, setup, and effective shotgun shooting for turkey hunting.

Whether you’re a first-time turkey hunter or a seasoned veteran looking to dial in a new setup, this event offers a valuable hands-on learning experience in a controlled, safe environment.

Bring your shotgun and turkey loads, targets will be provided.