Events

Snakes are one of the most highly misunderstood and feared animals in nature. Learn how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species for our Missouri Species, and dispel some of the popular myths you may have heard. Having the ability to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous can help dissipate your fear of these amazing creatures. Learn about Missouri Snakes and gain an appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles and make a fun craft afterwards!

Did you know Archery is one of the safest sports in which to participate? It is rated more accident-free than every ball sport except table tennis! This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of archery including safety rules, stance, equipment used, and, of course, how to shoot a bow and arrow. The instructors will also discuss the nomenclature of the bows and arrows. Join us for this fun and very informative class

If you were in the woods by yourself with nothing but a string and a knife, would you be able to survive? Have you made a fire without matches or a lighter? Could you fashion a snare or trap to catch an animal for food or make a fishing pole? Would you like to learn how to use an Atlatl? These are some of the primitive hunting skills we will discuss and learn to use. Bring your sense of adventure and join us for this fun, informative session.

What is 5-Stand? It’s a great way to improve on your shotgun shooting skills! This combination of trap, skeet, and sporting clays affords the challenge of all three games but with less walking. You will learn the rules of the game, etiquette, shotgun & choke selection and much more. Bring your own shotgun or use ours.

Snakes are one of the most highly misunderstood and feared animals in nature. Learn how to distinguish venomous from non-venomous species for our Missouri Species, and dispel some of the popular myths you may have heard. Having the ability to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous can help dissipate your fear of these amazing creatures. Learn about Missouri Snakes and gain an appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles and make a fun craft afterwards!

Now that you have harvested the buck of your dreams, do you know how to prepare it properly to take it to the taxidermist. There are several different ways to preserve the hide so that the taxidermist can make your deer come to life on your wall. Learn the proper steps to go from the field to the taxidermist.

TBD

Deer hunting is challenging and rewarding at the same time. It’s not just about getting dressed up in camouflage and climbing in a deer stand or ground blind. It starts long before opening day. This class will start at the beginning. In this class, we will discuss rifle/ammo selection, dressing for the hunt, methods of hunting, scouting, animal identification, sighting in your rifle, and more. This is not a shooting class.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 28 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.

At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 30. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 and Zone 3 fishing areas will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .