Hunting Events

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, helping you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.

Squirrel hunting is a rewarding and accessible hunting activity with deep roots in Missouri. This abundant game animal was an important resource for many throughout Missouri’s history. While hunting squirrels may not be as popular as deer or turkey today, squirrels still provide enjoyable hunting and excellent table fare for those who pursue them. Squirrel hunters enjoy long hunting seasons, generous bag limits, inexpensive hunting gear, and plenty of places to hunt. It is an excellent activity for new hunters developing their skills or seasoned hunters who just need an excuse to spend more time in the woods.

This virtual program will provide participants with a basic understanding of squirrel biology and behavior; an overview of squirrel hunting regulations and seasons; information on how to locate places to squirrel hunt; a breakdown of required equipment and hunting strategies; instruction on how to clean and prepare harvested squirrels; and next steps for new hunters who want to further their knowledge or explore hunting opportunities.

Participants will be emailed a link to attend the virtual program the day of the event. Please check your spam folder. This program will be broadcast live, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

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.

Waterfowl: Join us in learning some of the basics for waterfowl hunting. 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.

Have you thought about squirrel hunting but have no idea where to start?

Squirrels are one of the most exciting small game animals you can hunt. With their unpredictable movements and gigantic leaps through the tree canopies, squirrel hunting offers a challenge for both beginners and seasoned hunters. It’s a great sport to introduce to friends and family. The added plus is you can enjoy a tasty meal at the end of the day.

Squirrel Hunting 101 will deliver the basics so you can get started and discover the best tips to help you succeed!

Also sign up for Small Game, Big Skills: Squirrel Cleaning 101 following this program, starting at 7pm.

Ever wondered what to do after you take the shot? This hands-on workshop walks you through the essential skills every small-game hunter should know—how to properly clean and process a squirrel from the field to the freezer.

Participants will learn safe, ethical, and efficient techniques for skinning, gutting, and preparing squirrels for cooking and storage. You’ll get step-by-step guidance and then practice the process yourself, building confidence with real tools and real game.

Along the way, we’ll talk about meat care, avoiding common mistakes, and how learning to process your own harvest helps you get the most from every hunt. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with practical skills, a better understanding of where your food comes from, and the confidence to handle small game on your own next season.

Also sign up for Squirrel Hunting 101 that starts just before this program at 5:30pm!

Join us in learning cowboy action shooting. During the class we will discover the adventure of cowboy action shooting and how to join in on the fun. The classroom portion will consist of safety rules, regulations, style, methods of shooting, appropriate clothing, firearm choices and much more. Then we will head to the range and work on our shooting skills and techniques. You may bring your own handguns for this class. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines. Must be 18 years of age or older.

From the ancient atlatl and early wooden bows to today’s modern compound bows and crossbows, archery equipment has consistently proven itself as one of the most effective ways to hit a target and harvest game. Experience each of these remarkable tools, discover how they’ve changed over time, and learn what makes each one unique at this hands-on program. Dress for the weather in closed-toed shoes. All equipment is provided. Participants should be prepared to stand or bring a camp chair as there is no seating at the archery range.

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.

Registration required by visiting https://mostateparks.com/basic-page/learn2-aim (ages 10+) Begin your archer journey by attending a hands-on workshop this summer! Take a step back in time and join Missouri State Parks for one or more of our Learn2 Aim events This is a great opportunity to learn new skills with instruction on the basics of archery. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor at least one week prior to the program.

Discover the basics of archery shooting. We will cover bow nomenclature and shooting techniques before we go shoot on the static archery range. You may bring your own bow to the program or use ours.