Hunting Events

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Find Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education classes near you.

Registration period: July 31 - August 28
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026 5:30 pm - Monday, August 31, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range
Join us for a fun evening getting prepared for the dove season opener. Bring the shotgun that you plan on hunting with, along with a couple boxes of steel shot to practice with. We will have target presentations to try and create shots you will see out in the dove field.
Registration period: August 4 - September 3
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 12:00 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Squirrel hunting is a great way to enjoy time in the woods in the fall. You don’t need a lot of equipment to hunt squirrels, they are almost everywhere, and they are delicious! Join us, virtually, in a discussion about hunting safety, regulations, equipment, strategies, and recipes.
Registration period: August 11 - September 9
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: American Legion Archery Range
This program will help prepare for the upcoming archery season and provide an opportunity to work with staff on shooting techniques and shoot at different targets that simulate hunting situations. You MUST have your own equipment, we will not be providing bows or arrows. Please do not bring broadheads, field points only. We will be setting up different scenarios such as shooting from blinds or elevated positions to help archers prepare for archery deer season.
Registration period: August 3 - September 2
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, September 3, 2026 7:30 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range

Crossbows are a great way to introduce new and youth hunters to bowhunting, but it can be confusing on what you need and the best ways to use your equiptment. Join our staff to get ready for the upcoming archery seasons with this Basics of Crossbow course.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own crossbows if possible to familiarize themselves with the equiptment they will be hunting with. Crossbows will be available during the event, but are in limited supply
Registration period: July 31 - September 8
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 5:00 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:30 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at archery but haven’t had the chance? Or maybe you tried it out as a kid at summer camp but haven’t picked up a bow since. Here’s your chance to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow alongside other beginners interested in this new skill. Drop by anytime between 5-6:30pm. We’ll discuss bow mechanics and safety before we give you the opportunity to practice your aim.
Registration period: August 8 - September 6
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:00 pm - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Jay Henges Shooting Range
Deer calls and sounds can be a confusing and intimidating aspect of your deer hunting experience when starting out. Join our staff to discuss the different types of sounds you will hear in the deer stand, different calls available and how/when to use them.
Registration period: August 5 - September 9
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 12:00 pm - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
Whether preparing to hunt waterfowl this upcoming season or trying to mark a bird off your checklist, identifying fast flying ducks can be a challenge. Join us, virtually, as we explore tips and tricks for identifying ducks during the fall. The instructor will send a link via e-mail the day before and the day of the presentation.
Registration period: August 21 - September 9
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 4:00 pm - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 5:00 pm
Location: Online only

If you don't have much experience with handguns or would just like to learn the basics before you purchase a handgun, this course if for you. In this presentation, participants will be introduced to the various types of handguns, basics parts of the handguns, ammunition, shooting fundamentals and where to shoot. No experience is necessary to register for this course.

Registered participants will receive a follow up email the day before the course with log in information.

Ages 18+.

Registration period: August 7 - September 7
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 5:00 pm - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: August A Busch Shooting Range

Discover the excitement of crossbow shooting in this hands-on program offered by MDC. Whether you're interested in recreational target shooting or preparing for deer hunting season, participants will learn the fundamentals of crossbow safety, equipment operation, and shooting techniques from MDC instructors. After a brief instructional session, participants will have the opportunity to shoot a crossbow and practice their skills on the range.

This program is designed for beginners and those looking to build their skills. MDC will provide crossbows and other necessary equipment, but participants are welcome to bring their own crossbow if they would like to practice with the equipment they plan to use. No prior experience is necessary. Join us to build confidence, improve your accuracy, and enjoy a fun outdoor recreational activity!
Registration period: August 21 - September 9
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 6:00 pm - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 8:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center

If you don't have much experience with handguns or would just like to learn the basics before you purchase a handgun, this course if for you. Participants will learn about different types of handguns, terminology and shooting fundamentals. There will also be a hands-on exercise with training inert plastic models of handguns.

This course is required to participate in live shooting programs on the range that will be offered in the spring at the Apple Creek Conservation Area Pistol and Rifle Range. Those dates will be provided at the course.

Students are NOT permitted to bring their own handgun to the class. Only registered participants may attend program. Anyone not registered for the course will not be allowed entry to the course.

Ages 18+.