Virtual Events

Hunting Series: Hunting Deer on MDC Conservation Areas in the Missouri Ozarks. This is the second virtual program "On the Ground Scouting & Stand Placement at MDC Conservation Areas" and will be on Monday, October 5 from 5:30-6:30 PM. MDC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Peter will take information gathered from online maps and confirm with on the ground visits and selecting best sites for stand placement based on actual deer activity. The link to join this class will be sent by 1 PM the afternoon of Oct. 5th (registration will close at 1 PM). Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov to let him know.

Hunt Program Series:

Wed. 9/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Deer Scouting Using Online Mapping (we hope you were able to attend)

Mon. 10/5 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: On the Ground Scouting & Stand Placement at MDC C.A.

Tues. 10/13 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Pre Rut Deer Sign

Wed. 10/21 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Movement Patterns of the Rut

Mon. 11/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Post Rut and Winter Deer Hunting

Dreaming of a buzzing, bursting, and blooming pocket-wilderness right outside your window? Ready to invite butterflies, native bees, and twinkling summer fireflies to move into your neighborhood?

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just an awkward, forgotten "hell strip" between the sidewalk and the street, fall is nature’s secret weapon for building the wild garden of your dreams!

In this cozy virtual program, we’ll dive into the magic, math, and mystery of transforming lawn into living habitat.

Together, we’ll explore:

Goodbye, Green Desert: Clever (and satisfying!) methods for turf removal

Taming the Hell Strip: Turning those tricky, neglected sidewalk patches into vibrant wildlife corridors

Planting vs. Winter Seeding: Tuck small native plants directly into autumn’s warm soil or let winter handle the magic with cold-stratified seeding

The "Why" Behind the Wild: How small, intentional yards act as essential oases for local birds, pollinators, and the broader web of life

Whether you’re aiming to transform a tiny garden bed or build your very own home-grown national park, this session will give you the tools, inspiration, and confidence to get growing.

Details: A virtual link will be sent prior to class so use a working email. Grab your emotional support liquids, bring your big backyard dreams, and let’s grow something wild together.

Join us for a fascinating look at Missouri's two native skunk species. While exploring their life histories, we'll learn why skunks are often misunderstood, discover the valuable role they play in our ecosystems, and find out why one species is listed as endangered in Missouri. All ages. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the day of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Get ready to explore the interesting world of reptiles! Come along with us as we check out various native snakes that call Missouri home. As you learn about how these animals survive and their unique features, you’ll find out that many of them are harmless and play a beneficial role in the environment. There will also be an opportunity to meet one of the animal ambassadors residing at Burr Oak Woods! A link will be sent to registered participants prior to the program. Registration required (ages 18+)

Hunting Series: Hunting Deer on MDC Conservation Areas in the Missouri Ozarks. This is the third virtual program "Pre Rut Deer Sign" and will be on Tuesday, October 13 from 5:30-6:30 PM. MDC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Peter will identify rub and scrap lines, location where to find them, and hunting strategies based upon what was discovered. The link to join this class will be sent by 1 PM the afternoon of Oct. 13th (registration will close at 1 PM). Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov to let him know.

Hunt Program Series:

Wed. 9/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Deer Scouting Using Online Mapping (we hope you were able to attend)

Mon. 10/5 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: On the Ground Scouting & Stand Placement at MDC C.A. (we hope you were able to attend)

Tues. 10/13 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Pre Rut Deer Sign

Wed. 10/21 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Movement Patterns of the Rut

Mon. 11/30 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual Program: Post Rut and Winter Deer Hunting

Scouting and a little "woodsman" knowledge are important for a great outdoor experience and harvest. This program will be beneficial to novice hunters interested in deer habits and scouting, deer stand placement, and we will have a virtual look at acorns and browse plots. Participants will receive a class link via E-mail; please check your regular and junk E-mail folders. This is a live event only with no recording available.

As autumn settles over Missouri, the woods come alive with one of the state's richest traditions: fall turkey hunting! Whether you’re drawn to the woods for the peaceful morning crispness, or the satisfaction of bringing home a delicious, ethically harvested meal, this virtual workshop will set you up for success in the field and open the playbook to show you how the pros do it!

In this online session, we'll cover: The art of the talk. Scouting & reading the woods. Fall strategy & game plans. Gear, safety, & ethics.

Whether you're completely new to turkey hunting, looking to pivot your spring skills into the fall season, or simply wanting to deepen your connection to Missouri’s outdoors, this program will give you the knowledge and confidence to make the most of autumn. A link will be sent by email before the class.

Join us as we discuss some fun facts about black bears in Missouri. The bear population continues to increase around the state, so being "Bear Wise" is more important than ever.

Join us as we talk all things bats with Eagle Scout Peyton Rice! We'll cover topics such as bat behaviors, habitats, the benefits of bats, and White-Nose Syndrome. We'll also discuss how to build bat houses and where to place and monitor them. All ages. This program is open to all ages but is designed for ages 8 and up. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send you a virtual program link. This link will be sent the day of the program. This program will not be recorded.

After Harvesting Deer: Find out how to skin and quarter the deer you harvest this year. We will use videos to demonstrate techniques. We will also show examples of equipment and tools used and provide answers to any questions you may have about do-it-yourself processing. All attendees must be registered for the program. This is a beginner's program. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the class. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to the instructor to let them know.