Events

The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the National Deer Association to host a Field to Fork program at Prairie Fork Conservation Area on December 9th and 10th. This opportunity will give 6 new hunters an introduction to deer hunting and promote the value of public land experiences.

The Prairie Fork Conservation Area Field to Fork Program is designed for Missouri hunters, over the age of 18, that have no experience deer hunting. Participants will be taught the basics of deer hunting, deer biology, hunting ethics, conservation, shot placement, weapons safety and handling, shooting, and more.

Each participant will be given the opportunity to go out and try to harvest a deer on two different hunts with an MDC or NDA approved mentor alongside of them to help every step of the way. If a deer is harvested during an event, we will then teach everyone how to field dress, skin, quarter, and process the meat. Overall, Field to Fork hunts are an exciting experience that will help you take the first steps in your hunting journey.

Monday, December 9th, participants will meet at Prairie Fork Conservation Area for a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. Hunting will take place following the pre-hunt orientation and range portion on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning (if necessary).

Other Event Requirements:

• 6 new hunters

• Mandatory Pre-hunt Orientation (Dec. 9)

• Hunters will be accompanied by an MDC/NDA approved mentor

• 11+ years old

• Participants must be new hunters that have never harvested/telechecked a deer

Please contact Cole Gander at (573) 469-1515 or cole@deerassociation.com for any questions.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Join a naturalist, virtually, for a nature story or two around our Runge fireplace. Grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up to watch and listen to stories geared for the little ones but enjoyed by all ages. The presenter will send the link to participants by e-mail the morning of the program so be sure to include your email address with your registration. All ages

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Missouri Disabled Sportsmen in partnership with DuckHorn Outdoors & Lodge will be hosting two (2) mobility impaired hunters for a day of waterfowl hunting.

The selected registrants will be responsible for their own licenses, federal stamp, and transportation to DuckHorn Lodge. MDS will provide experienced mentors and trackchairs to get the hunters to a wheelchair accessible hunting blind.

The chosen mobility impaired hunters will be notified approximately two-weeks prior to the hunt.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate this season and support wildlife by having a green holiday! Learn how we can reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep trash from wild animal habitats. We will turn some trash into treasure as we recycle common household items into gifts.

Little Acorns programs are designed to help children ages 3-6 learn about the natural world through hands on experiences, crafts, and focused free-play activities.

Meet up with MDC volunteers on the hilly but paved trails at Powder Valley. This class is for parents/guardians and their babies in strollers. We will get out to take relaxing walks to enjoy the changing of the seasons. There will be frequent stops to appreciate the calmness and beauty of nature, to hydrate, take in a snack or two, and breathe the fresh air. Remember to dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. We will greet you at the arbor outside the visitor center.

Come meet one of the ambassador snakes who call Powder Valley home. Learn all about that species and hear about its journey of coming to live at the Nature Center. After the snake encounter, spend time enjoying the rest of the exhibits! An MDC naturalist and ambassador snake will be located inside the Nature Center lobby.

Deer from Hide to Rawhide: First steps toward buckskin leather

Our ancestors utilized deer hides for making clothing, containers, musical instruments, shelter and more. Learn how to flesh, scrape, stretch, and dry your deer hide to make rawhide. At this 3 hr. hands-on workshop, you will bring and work with a deer hide you harvested. We will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from also.

Wear old clothes and bring a rubber apron, if you have one. A heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. You will need to purchase a fleshing knife and other simple materials to complete and stretch your hide at home.

After harvest, skin your deer and remove any excess flesh (meat) from the hide. Place hide in a leakproof bag and freeze. Instructions for soaking and preparing your hide for the class will be emailed to prior to the class. Hides must have a valid Conservation ID Number or Telecheck Confirmation Number accompanying them.

Participants 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.