Hunting Events

Atlatls are a unique and primitive hunting tool that is still used today. They are important for preserving the past culture of all people and show us a way to connect with our ancestors 15,000 years ago. Note: All equipment will be provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Please note the minimum age is 10 due to the nature of having the strength and control of throwing a dart with an atlatl. Not recommended for adults with shoulder or back injuries.

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 interactive 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.

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 interactive 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.

Ever wanted to learn to shoot effectively when field hunting for game birds? This basic program includes an introduction to wingshooting fundamentals, distance estimation, and practices shooting lifting, crossing, and multiple targets with a shotgun. We will be shooting clay birds to gain experience at Rover Gun Club outside West Plains, MO

Rover Gun Club Location Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wq3noq6k7Y5kEVVC7

The main goal is to help migratory bird, upland bird, and all other small game shotgun hunters improve their hunting skills.

Instructors will teach participants how to choose the correct choke, load, and shot size for different game, how to estimate shooting distances, and how to effectively lead their target.

This skills session will satisfy Part Two of Missouri Hunter Education requirements. To obtain hunter education certification you must have completed Part One (online, self-study, or classroom session) and bring along your skills session qualifier certificate or student manual with the review questions completed. Parents or guardians are welcome to attend with their child and do not need to register. Participant registration required. Ages 11+. 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 cancellation, you will be contacted by email and/or phone.

Note: Students who are 16+ and have completed the all-online Hunter Education course are certified and do not need to attend an in-person skills session.

Firearms Deer Hunting: Ready to try deer hunting? This program will teach the basics of deer hunting including what to wear, how to scout for deer, hunting methods, safety, and regulations. 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.

Are you interested in small game hunting but don't know where to start? Join us in a mentored squirrel hunting activity!

Mentors will be there to give participants hands on assistance the entire time, and a classroom session beforehand to learn the regulations.

Firearms and ammunition will be provided but participants can also bring their own supplies.

Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, bug spray and water will be available.

You can expect to learn squirrel harvesting and processing skills then squirrel preparation and cooking skills!

This event is open to all Cub Scout ranks. Scouts may attend with their pack or individually, and families are encouraged to attend. Cub Scout requirements that can be achieved at this event include:

• Outdoor Adventure – All ranks

• Archery Adventure – Age 7 and up

• Champions for Nature (Conservation) Adventure – All ranks

Hiking and activity stations will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and are available to all Cub Scouts without registration. Activity stations include recycling, energy, wildlife, Monarch butterflies, trees, and wild turkeys. 1-mile and 2-mile hiking trails will be marked on the Runge Nature Center hiking trails for the hiking requirements.

Four archery sessions will be held starting at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00 and 1:30. Registration for archery will be limited and opens September 1. Archery registration information has been sent to the scout pack leaders.

This program is an intro program for those who are new to shooting sports. We will cover safety and appropriate guns and ammunition. We will be practicing shooting flying targets on a trap field and will teach different techniques for beginner shotgunners. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided We will teach and practice the basics and help you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.