Hunting

Don’t know where to hunt? Or maybe you just don’t know where to look. Come learn about opportunities that may have been under your radar. This information table will give you the know-how to register for Missouri managed hunts. There are hunts designated for youth, people with disabilities, specific species and seasons and more. During the month of July only, you are able to sign up for hunts on areas including Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs Lake, Watkins Mill and many more!

Are you looking to take up bowhunting this fall but are unsure of where or what to begin with? Join our staff for this new program where we will put you through “Bowhunter Bootcamp”. This is a series of programs spanning three weeks, however, participants are welcome to sign up for any of the offerings that they choose. Topics covered will include basic archery equipment and accessories, ground blind and tree stand safety, scouting, and shooting fundamentals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment (bows and arrows) that they plan on hunting with to become more familiar with it.

Handling a firearm can feel like a barrier if you're interested in hunting but haven't tried it before. We have a safe and fun way to help ease people into those activities. Our Lasershot system is a fun and engaging way to use realistic simulated firearms and get more comfortable or build skills in shooting. Join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and give our Lasershot system a try.

Hand carved and painted duck decoys have long been used in hunting and artistic displays. In this program we will be painting functional duck decoys made of foam. With dozens of duck species present in the state you will have many patterns to choose from or you make your own duck. So, join us at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center to practice an old and uncommon skill while learning about the ducks that visit our state.

Open to ages 13-17.

Join us to learn how to use the atlatl. This traditional hunting method is making a comeback! Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with family/friends or are hoping to learn an alternative hunting method, this is a great activity to get outdoors.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) invite landowners and others interested in managing deer on their properties to join them online for a free webinar on R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) deer hunting programs and venison donation to help with deer management goals for your property.

This live Zoom webinar on “Hunting for Venison” will be held Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. It will begin with a presentation from an NDA Outreach Specialist followed by MDC and NDA staff answering participants’ questions. The zoom link will be provided to registered participants on Monday, July 27th.

This webinar is the second of MDC’s and NDA’s free 2026 Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series via Zoom. The final webinar in the 2026 series on Wildlife Food Plots in Missouri is scheduled for Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. Previous webinar recordings are available at https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/deer-management/deer-management-assistance-program-dmap.

Learn more about deer management at mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/deer-management.

Are you looking to take up bowhunting this fall but are unsure of where or what to begin with? Join our staff for this new program where we will put you through “Bowhunter Bootcamp”. This is a series of programs spanning three weeks, however, participants are welcome to sign up for any of the offerings that they choose. Topics covered will include basic archery equipment and accessories, ground blind and tree stand safety, scouting, and shooting fundamentals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment (bows and arrows) that they plan on hunting with to become more familiar with it.

Getting started in deer hunting, Want to learn how to find the deer? This will be the program for you. It will teach how to find game trails, feeding areas, and bedding areas to help you locate good positions to set up for your hunt.

MDC Staff will open the Deer Ridge Trap house for anyone to practice their shotgun shooting skills. Prior shotgun shooting experience a must, this opportunity is for people looking to practice their shooting ability, whether for trap shooting or to get ready for upcoming hunting seasons.

Participants must: bring their own shotgun, ammo, eye and ear protection, and register online.

MDC will provide one round of 25 clay targets per person registered.

11 -17-year-olds are REQUIRED to have an adult with them throughout their time on the range.