Shooting

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A man looks through a sight on his rifle at a shooting range.
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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.

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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:

  1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
  3. Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
  4. Be 100 percent certain of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.
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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.

Fees and reservations at staffed MDC shooting ranges

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.

Find an MDC shooting range near you.

Great Places for

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: July 31 - August 28
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026 5:30 pm - Monday, August 31, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range
Join us for a fun evening getting prepared for the dove season opener. Bring the shotgun that you plan on hunting with, along with a couple boxes of steel shot to practice with. We will have target presentations to try and create shots you will see out in the dove field.
Registration period: August 11 - September 9
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: American Legion Archery Range
This program will help prepare for the upcoming archery season and provide an opportunity to work with staff on shooting techniques and shoot at different targets that simulate hunting situations. You MUST have your own equipment, we will not be providing bows or arrows. Please do not bring broadheads, field points only. We will be setting up different scenarios such as shooting from blinds or elevated positions to help archers prepare for archery deer season.
Registration period: August 12 - September 2
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 10:00 pm
Location: Parma Woods Shooting Range
Registration period: August 3 - September 2
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Crossbows are a great way to introduce new and youth hunters to bowhunting, but it can be confusing on what you need and the best ways to use your equiptment. Join our staff to get ready for the upcoming archery seasons with this Basics of Crossbow course.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own crossbows if possible to familiarize themselves with the equiptment they will be hunting with. Crossbows will be available during the event, but are in limited supply
Registration period: August 1 - September 1
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 8:00 pm
Location: Lake City Shooting Range
Introduction to Handgun Shooting is a two-day, two-part course designed for adults ages 18 and older who want a safe and comprehensive introduction to handgun use. Part One focuses on classroom instruction covering the rules of firearm safety, basic handgun operation, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. Students will also be introduced to common types of handguns and calibers. No experience is necessary to enjoy this course.
Registration period: July 22 - September 3
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:00 pm
Location: Lake City Shooting Range
To register for this class, you must be a MINIMUM of ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE. The name of the registrant must be the name of the STUDENT, not the parent's name. Prior to the date of the class, you must have completed the chapter review questions in the student Hunter Education manual (free of charge from MDC) or completed the online knowledge program and bring proof of completion to the class. Parents are invited to attend, but this is not mandatory. If you have any questions, please email the instructor at shadowhawk64011@yahoo.com or call at (816) 935-6330. Or call the Burr Oak Woods office at (816) 228-3766.
Registration period: June 7 - September 4
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:00 am - Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:00 pm
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range

This skill session will cover 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 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.

Registration period: July 15 - September 5
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:00 pm - Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:30 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Archery is a fun, lifetime sport that all can enjoy. Learn the basics of archery and how to shoot safely, then practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of staff. Dress for the weather in closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Education pond at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. All equipment is provided. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program. Registration required. Ages 8+
Registration period: July 31 - September 8
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 5:00 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery but haven’t had the chance? Or maybe you tried it out as a kid at summer camp but haven’t picked up a bow since. Here’s your chance to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow alongside other beginners interested in this new skill. Drop by anytime between 5-6:30pm. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.
Registration period: August 8 - September 6
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:00 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range
Deer calls and sounds can be a confusing and intimidating aspect of your deer hunting experience when starting out. Join our staff to discuss the different types of sounds you will hear in the deer stand, different calls available and how/when to use them.