Events

Lesson 1: Learn the parts and function of a spin cast fishing rod and reel. How to cast safely and successfully. How to fasten basic tackle to a fishing line. Learn techniques to catch fish and handle it properly.

Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks.

Participants will be able to take what they learned and go fishing.

Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided.

Each participant must register for this program individually.

Five Common Missouri Fish - Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle. Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations. You must take Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1 and 2 before you can take this class.

Additional Information:

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations.

Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 and up. We encourage the entire family to participate. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lessons 3 & 4. Participants do NOT need a fishing permit to fish during this program. For additional information or questions contact LuAnn Conway at (573) 325-1381 ext. 6031.

Red Bud blooms are about to start blooming, and hopefully this program will inspire you to start collecting and using these beautiful flowers in your cooking. So easy and simple, you will not be disappointed in the flavors these blossoms will bring to your dishes.

Learn embroidery techniques while also exploring Missouri’s "Things with Wings" by stitching quilt blocks based on that theme.

This class is a 12 month program that will meet once a month all year long. You will learn simple, but beautiful embroidery techniques as we explore some of the most stunning and unique Winged Things found in the beautiful landscapes of Missouri.

By signing up, you are committing to attend all twelve of the monthly sessions so that you will be able to complete all 15 blocks for an entire quilt.

Do you have questions about building a new pond or questions about an existing pond? If so, this FREE workshop is for you!

Professionals will give presentations and be available for questions about a variety of topics including site selection, pond construction, fish stocking, fish population management, aquatic vegetation and nuisance wildlife.

Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Join MDC Staff for our Introduction to Backpacking Program where we will hike in Paddy Creek Wilderness along the Big Piney north loop to the south loop (approx. 8 miles) with primitive overnight camping along the trail. Trail map can be found at: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PaddyCreekWildernessTrails. Please note that the full length of the Big Piney Trail is 17.5 miles. As this is an introductory program, we will hike the north section from Roby Lake and take the connector loop to the south trail - approx. 8 miles - and primitive camp along the southern section.

Expect the Ozark Hills terrain of steeper climbs to beautiful overlooks as well as hikes along ridge tops and down into valleys. We will be camping along an overlook of the southern loop. Participants will need to filter water along the trail and hike their water supply to the campsite on the ridge. There will also be several creek crossings. Be prepared to bring a spare pair of sandals when crossing the creeks.

Since this is an Introductory Backpacking Program, all gear and equipment can be provided for participants. We will conduct a mandatory virtual check-in on March 28 (6:00pm-8:00pm) which is around three weeks prior to the trip to introduce the group and discuss trip preparation and logistics. A supply list will be emailed to you if you need any backpacking equipment or gear. You will also be required to submit a survey of your past outdoor skills experience, as well as submit an emergency medical form in case of any emergency while on trail.

All family or friend groupings will be responsible for carrying their own gear, including water filter, stove, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You are responsible for packing your own food - this will be discussed in our virtual check-in - and you will be shown how to hang a bear-bag and filter water while on trail. We will be outside for the entirety of this program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the instructor.

Thank you and our hope and goal is for each of you to be more inspired to explore the trails around you - whether that is through practicing your backpacking skills during this trip or taking longer day hikes. We want you to know that you have access in many ways to our beautiful natural resources!

With the start of Trout season upon us come join us online to learn new recipes and techniques to cooking your catch. Registration is required. Participants will receive a class link the morning of the program via E-mail; please check your regular and junk E-mail folders.

Kayaking is a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. Join us as we learn about the equipment and techniques needed to kayak safely in Missouri before experiencing being on the water yourself. All kayaking equipment will be provided. Bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and dress for the weather. Registration required for each paddler. Ages 12+

Missouri Disabled Sportsem will be hosting eight (8) mobility impaired individuals for a day of trout fishing at Montauk State Park.

Mentors, track chairs, fishing equipment, and lunch will be provided.

The eight selected participants will be notified of their inclusion to the event approximately two-weeks prior.

Kayaking is a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature. Join us as we learn about the equipment and techniques needed to kayak safely in Missouri before experiencing being on the water yourself. All kayaking equipment will be provided. Bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and dress for the weather. Registration required for each paddler. Ages 12+

Introduction to Stream Kayaking: July 8 on the Big Piney River between Six Crossings (50.0 river mileage marker) to Ross Access (54.7 river mileage marker). Participants will meet at MDC Ross Access and be shuttled to starting point at Six Crossings access point. Must arrive at Ross Access by 8:50 am to get shuttled to starting point. Directions to MDC Ross Access: From Duke, take Route K west to Western Road then Windsor Lane north 0.50 mile.

Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to kayaking the river. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellant, extra water, and lunch. Food and water is not available for purchase nor will be provided. A dry bag is recommended for personal gear. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.

Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required. Social distancing will be observed if Covid concerns arise.

For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov

Flatwater Kayaking: July 10th at the Towell Lake Boat Ramp located within Little Prairie CA near Rolla.

Join us for an evening on the water for a basic flatwater kayaking program. Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to the water for paddling instruction and practice. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.

Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required. Social distancing will be observed if Covid concerns arise.

For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov

Flatwater Kayaking: July 13th at the boat ramp located within Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area

Join us for an evening on the water for a basic flatwater kayaking program. Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to the water for paddling instruction and practice. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.

Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required. Social distancing will be observed if Covid concerns arise.

For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov

Introduction to Stream Kayaking: July 15 on the Meramec River between MDC Woodson K. Woods River Access (28.2 river mileage marker) to Scotts Ford Access (35.1 river mileage marker). Participants will meet at MDC Scotts Ford Access and be shuttled to starting point on MDC Woodson K. Woods access point. Must arrive at Scotts Ford by 8:50 am to get shuttled to starting point.

Participants will learn information and safety about kayaking during a ground school portion of the class, then take to kayaking the river. Participants aged 13 and older are welcome to register; those aged younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring a hat, sun screen, insect repellant, extra water, and lunch. Food and water is not available for purchase nor will be provided. A dry bag is recommended for personal gear. Fishing poles will be provided if you wish to experience fishing from a kayak the later portion of the program; participants 16 and older must possess a valid fishing permit if you choose to fish.

Kayaks, paddles, and life-jackets will be provided. Close-toed shoes are required. Social distancing will be observed if Covid concerns arise.

For questions please contact Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov