Whether you’re honing your skills for hunting or testing your prowess for the fun of it, the sport of shooting is directly tied to conservation. The Missouri Department of Conservation has shooters covered with resources for all different skill levels.
Looking for a shooting range? Find an MDC shooting range near you.
New to shooting and looking for instruction? Find educational opportunities through MDC.
Guidelines for Shooting at MDC Shooting Ranges
Tips To Be Safe and Courteous at a Shooting Range:
- Wear eye and ear protection when using firearms or when you are near others who are using firearms.
- Only use paper targets; attach the targets to the provided target stands.
- Remove your own litter, including used targets and empty hulls.
- Don’t shoot or handle a firearm when anyone is downrange of the shooting line.
Four Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety. Always:
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
- Be 100 percent certain of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.
Types of MDC Shooting Ranges
Unstaffed Shooting Ranges
Unstaffed ranges on MDC areas offer opportunities for shooters to practice their shooting skills at their own pace. No fee required.
Staffed Shooting Ranges and Outdoor Education Centers
Staffed shooting ranges and outdoor education centers help you become a sharper, safer hunter or outdoors person regardless of your experience or skill level. Our staff of specialists and trained volunteers can help you or your group master firearms and archery. The centers also host educational public programming on many other outdoor skills.
Rifle/pistol range use is $5 per hour. Shotgun sports, where available, are $5 per round. All fees are payable only by cash or check.
Staffed shooting range and outdoor education centers are available for group use by purchasing a special use permit for $20 per hour. For details about reservations and using the centers, call the center.
Great Places for
Events
Learn the steps necessary to process wild game yourself. We will discuss field dressing a deer and demonstrate how to skin and process a game animal in easy steps with minimum equipment. You will learn tips on how to handle and package the meat, ensuring that when you pull it out of the freezer, it is fresh and tasty.
Learn the basics of squirrel hunting and have a chance to practice target shooting with an air rifle afterwards. All equipment and ammo will be provided for the shooting portion.
No personal firearms allowed.
Archery is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed while taking in the great outdoors. This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow and will include lots of hands-on practice. Let Missouri Department of Conservation be your guide to exploring a new outdoor skill.
This event is for those who want to experience the sport of archery in a structured, supportive environment. All equipment will be provided, please do not bring your own equipment. Close-toed shoes are required and dress for the weather as we will be outdoors. This event is intended for homeschool families with children 9-18. No child under the age of 9 will be allowed to participate. Only children who are registered for the program will be allowed to shoot.
Want to take on a new and exciting archery challenge? Runge 3D archery is here! This intermediate program is meant for archers who have beginning skills and want to learn the basics of archery hunting. We will practice our archery skills before heading to the woods to shoot 3D targets. We will also shoot from ground blinds and tree stands to get a more realistic experience. Meet at the Runge outdoor pavilion. Dress for the weather with closed-toe shoes. Parents and group leaders should be prepared to stand for an hour or bring a camp chair.
Note: The woods may not be accessible for participants who use a wheelchair or crutches. Please check for availability of an all-terrain wheelchair by contacting the program instructor at least two weeks in advance of the program date.Presented by the Trappers Association, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Beaumont Boy Scout Reservation. This all-inclusive TWO-DAY educational trapping opportunity for the public and scouts will cover all the basics in the world of the trapper. We will be taking the participants through the beginning basics of trapping, safety, scouting, trap setting, and even the skinning and processing of game. Lunch will be provided.
Start time is 8 am both days
Lunch will be from 12-1pm
Trapping will take place on Beaumont and Jay Henges Property.