Busch Shooting Range offers effective wingshooting class Aug. 30

DEFIANCE, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has a new regulation that now requires hunters to use non-toxic ammunition while hunting for doves and other game species on many conservation areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires the use of non-toxic ammo on waterfowl hunting areas as well.

To help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills using non-toxic ammunition, MDC is offering an Effective Wingshooting class Monday, Aug. 30 from 4-7 p.m. It will be held at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance. The class is designed to prepare hunters for the upland bird and waterfowl hunting seasons ahead. It will help them become more efficient and ethical harvesters of waterfowl and other species while using nontoxic ammunition.

This program includes an introduction to wingshooting fundamentals, non-toxic ammo selection for hunting, and shotgun patterning. Instructors will show participants how to choose the correct choke, load, and shot size for different game, how to estimate shooting distances, and how to effectively lead their target.

Participants will have the chance to practice shooting skills and technique. They should bring and use their own shotgun and choke approved for use with nontoxic ammunition. MDC will provide ammunition and safety equipment at no charge.

Proper wingshooting technique and understanding ammunition characteristics are both crucial to successful migratory and upland game bird hunting. They’re also critical to reduce the unwanted wounding of birds.

The Effective Wingshooting class is free; however, advanced online registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9L. The class is open to ages 11 and up, however participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D in Defiance, approximately five miles west of Highway 94.

As this is an in-person activity, MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

For more information on the nontoxic ammunition regulation visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9b.

Program registrants should note that families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members to an event at the same time.

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.