Discover Nature

7 Ideas For Family Fun

To find more events near you, call your regional office, or visit mdc.mo.gov and choose your region.

Fly-Fishing

May 12 • Friday • 6–8 p.m. or May 13 • Saturday • 9–11 a.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Registration required, call 573-290-5218 beginning May 2. Ages 16 and older.

Learn the basics of fly-fishing or pick up a few new technical skills. We’ll cover equipment selection and use, reading the water, matching the hatch, fly-casting, fishing techniques, and essential knots. Fly-fishing equipment available for loan.

Wild Edibles

May 13 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–Noon Ozark Region, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, 483 Hatchery Road, Branson, MO 65616 Registration required, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0 by May 11 Families, ages 12 and older.

This short outdoor hike will introduce you to many of our native plants that are edible or have medicinal uses. We will teach you proper collection techniques and ethics. There will also be a few items for you to sample. Dress for the weather. Bring a bottle of water and bug spray.

Discover Nature — Families: Free Shooting Day

May 14 • Sunday • 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Southwest Region, Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 4859 N. Farm Road 61, Ash Grove, MO 65604 No registration required, call 417-742-4361 for more information. Families.

In honor of all mothers on their special day, enjoy one free hour or round of trap or skeet shooting on us. All range rules apply.

Basic Archery for Families

May 18 • Thursday • 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Central Region, MDC Central Regional Office, 3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201 Registration required, call 573-815-7901, ext. 2867 All ages, families; children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn the basics of archery safety, shooting techniques, equipment, target shooting, and much more. The program will consist of a brief classroom lesson, followed by a mentored shooting experience. All equipment will be provided.

Fantastic Fish

May 20 • Saturday • 10 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Kansas City Region, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required All ages.

Join us to learn about the different species of Missouri fish and where to find them. You can also practice your knot-tying skills so the big one doesn’t get away next time.

Women’s Beginning Trap Shoting

May 25 • Thursday • 6 –9 p.m. St. Louis Region, Jay Henges Shooting Range, 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration required, call 636-938-9548 beginning May 11 Ages 16 and older, experienced shooters only.

Join us as we learn the basics of trapshooting. Topics include appropriate guns, ammunition, rules, and etiquette. We’ll have hands-on practice then shoot a round of trap for fun. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided.

Primitive Skills Day

June 10 • Saturday • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Central Region, MDC Central Regional Office,

3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201 Registration required, call 573-815-7901, ext. 2867 All ages, families, children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

From hunting to camping, learn to incorporate primitive techniques to make your next adventure in the outdoors more successful. Activities will include atlatl, archery, fire making, cordage, muzzle loading, wildlife ID, and campfire cooking.