Hunting Events

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.

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.

Join us for outdoor fun during our third annual Mother-Son Nature Day in collaboration with the Adair Co. YMCA, City of Kirksville Parks and Rec, Blossom Shop, Preferred Family Health, and the Heartland Task Force! There will be games and activities, archery, fishing, and much more! (All materials needed for archery and fishing will be provided.)

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 9+. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it. The virtual link will be sent out the day before the program.

Spring is almost here—and that means gobblers are about to start showing off. You know what that means: turkey season is right around the corner! For generations, Missourians have chased these sharp-eyed, hard-to-hunt birds, and now it’s your turn. Join us for an intro to turkey hunting where we’ll break down the essentials—calling, scouting, where to hunt, gear you’ll need, proven techniques, and more.

This program is open to adults and families with kids ages 8+. Youth ages 9–15 must attend with a participating adult. Get ready to talk turkey—and learn how to hunt it.

Over 20,000 years ago, hunters took down their prey using pieces of wood or bone to hurl giant darts even taller than themselves. Today, this very same tool is used by hunters that want to test their skills. Step back in time with us as we explore the atlatl and get hands-on experience using this ancient apparatus! Participants should be prepared to stand or bring a camp chair, and registration is required. Ages 18+ Note: Runge's outdoor range may not be accessible to 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.

In the spring, while the grass is starting to grow, flowers blooming and new babies being born, the deer and other alike animals are starting to loose their antlers. Shed hunting is becoming a popular thing to do for some people. Join us in figuring out what is the best way to find them and how to go about doing so.

In the spring, while the grass is starting to grow, flowers blooming and new babies being born, the deer and other alike animals are starting to loose their antlers. Shed hunting is becoming a popular thing to do for some people. Join us in figuring out what is the best way to find them and how to go about doing so.

Get ready for turkey season with confidence!

Busch Shooting Range is hosting a Turkey Hunting Patterning Day designed to help hunters fine-tune their firearms to ensure effective shots in the field.

Participants will have the opportunity to pattern their shotgun using their preferred turkey loads, learn how different chokes and ammunition affect pellet spread, and how to determine effective shooting distances. MDC staff will be available to provide guidance on safety, setup, and effective shotgun shooting for turkey hunting.

Whether you’re a first-time turkey hunter or a seasoned veteran looking to dial in a new setup, this event offers a valuable hands-on learning experience in a controlled, safe environment.

Bring your shotgun and turkey loads, targets will be provided.

Archery is a fun, lifetime sport that all can enjoy! Learn the basics, from the parts of a compound bow to shooting safely, then try it out yourself under the supervision of staff. This program is at the Runge Nature Center archery range and will be all outdoors. Dress for the weather in closed-toed shoes. All equipment is provided. Participants should be prepared to stand or bring a camp chair. Registration required. Ages 7+.

Note: Runge's outdoor range may not be accessible to 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.