Hunting Events

You don't have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. We'll teach and practice the basics. No experience is needed, and archery equipment will be provided. Arrive ready to learn and have fun!

Ages 8 and up. Registration required. For accommodation requests go to mdc.mo.gov/accessibility/ada-accommodation-request.

You don't have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. We'll teach and practice the basics. No experience is needed, and archery equipment will be provided. Arrive ready to learn and have fun!

Ages 8 and up. Registration required. For accommodation requests go to mdc.mo.gov/accessibility/ada-accommodation-request.

Curious about processing your own harvested deer? Runge volunteer Sara Rittman will teach how to skin and process a deer by using her step-by-step video to demonstrate techniques, while showing real-life examples of equipment and tools used for do-it-yourself processing. Ages 6+. All attendees must be registered for the program. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee.

Learn the steps necessary to process wild game yourself. We will discuss field dressing a deer and demonstrate how to skin and process a game animal in easy steps with minimum equipment. You will learn tips on how to handle and package the meat, ensuring that when you pull it out of the freezer, it is fresh and tasty.

Want to turn your deer harvest into delicious, freezer-ready venison? Join the Missouri Department of Conservation for an engaging, beginner-friendly program that walks you through the deer processing journey—from field to freezer!

Learn the essential steps for handling your deer after harvest, including skinning, quartering, identifying different cuts of meat, and preparing venison for safe storage. MDC staff will demonstrate processing techniques using videos, equipment examples, and a step-by-step look at how a deer goes from hanging in the cooler to packaged meat ready for your freezer.

We’ll also discuss knife selection, processing tools, proper packaging and storage techniques, and tips for preparing venison, along with recipe ideas to help you make the most of your harvest. There will be time to ask questions and gain practical knowledge to help you feel more confident processing your own deer.

Whether you’re a first-time deer hunter, interested in do-it-yourself processing, or simply looking to improve your skills, this program will provide useful information to help you make the most of your harvest.

No equipment or supplies are needed. Feel free to bring a notebook or camera to capture helpful tips and techniques. Advance registration is required for all participants.

Come learn how to take your harvest from field to freezer!

Ages 11 – 15 are welcome to attend with a registered adult.

Learn the basics of squirrel hunting and have a chance to practice target shooting with an air rifle afterwards. All equipment and ammo will be provided for the shooting portion.

No personal firearms allowed.

Archery is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed while taking in the great outdoors. This program will introduce the fundamentals for safely and successfully shooting a compound bow and will include lots of hands-on practice. Let Missouri Department of Conservation be your guide to exploring a new outdoor skill.

This event is for those who want to experience the sport of archery in a structured, supportive environment. All equipment will be provided, please do not bring your own equipment. Close-toed shoes are required and dress for the weather as we will be outdoors. This event is intended for homeschool families with children 9-18. No child under the age of 9 will be allowed to participate. Only children who are registered for the program will be allowed to shoot.

Learn to make a knife or awl from a deer legbone.

The art of making bone tools has been passed on from generation to generation throughout time. MDC is partnering with Outdoor Skills of America, Inc. to offer a class showcasing the steps it takes to transform a deer leg bone into a knife or awl for leatherworking. This class will include a full demonstration and all materials needed to complete a knife or awl of your very own.

We will use the flat-sided deer metatarsals for knifes and metacarpals for awls. Pine pitch, sinew, and hide glue will be used for assembling the tools. You will leave with the knowledge to harvest, clean, and process bones for assembling your own knives and awls in the future.

Want to take on a new and exciting archery challenge? Runge 3D archery is here! This intermediate program is meant for archers who have beginning skills and want to learn the basics of archery hunting. We will practice our archery skills before heading to the woods to shoot 3D targets. We will also shoot from ground blinds and tree stands to get a more realistic experience. Meet at the Runge outdoor pavilion. Dress for the weather with closed-toe shoes. Parents and group leaders should be prepared to stand for an hour or bring a camp chair.

Note: The woods may not be accessible for participants who use a wheelchair or crutches. Please check for availability of an all-terrain wheelchair by contacting the program instructor at least two weeks in advance of the program date.

Hunting is a fantastic way to put dinner on the table and help manage wildlife. With our Lasershot system you can practice your shot, play a game, and learn to handle a firearm all at once in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you are an experienced hunter or you have never pulled a trigger, this program has something for you. No signup is required, and attendees can come to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at any time during the program to participate. Recommended for ages 7+