Discover nature with MDC at youth dove hunt in Callaway County

WILLIAMSBURG — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites youth to discover nature with a youth dove hunt on Sept. 1 from one-half hour before sunrise to noon at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area (CA) in Callaway County. This program is open to youth ages 8 to 15 and their parent or adult mentor. Youth must be hunter education certified or accompanied by a hunter education certified adult and attend a mandatory clinic from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 31 at Prairie Fork CA.

The clinic will consist of information on dove biology and management practices, regulations, dove hunting strategies, safety, wing shooting practice and distance judging. A dinner will be provided and there will be a prize drawing. Shotguns and ammunition will be available for youths to use on the hunt. They are also welcome to bring their own shotguns.

“This type of hunting is not like your normal deer/turkey hunting, where you sit for hours waiting for one animal to walk by,” said MDC Wildlife Biologist Jeff Demand. “Dove hunting can be a fast paced, exciting sport with little down time to rest. This keeps kids alert and always on the lookout for their next target.”

The MDC’s “Discover Nature” programs are an ongoing series of seminars designed to help both youths and adults learn the techniques, regulations and ethics involved with the state’s hunting activities.

Whetstone Creek CA is located near Williamsburg. From I-70 Williamsburg exit 161, take Route D north to the stop sign. Turn west and continue on Route D to County Road 1003. Go north two miles on County Road 1003 to the entrance.

Pre-registration is required and the workshop is limited to 15 participants. For information or to register, call the MDC Whetstone Creek CA office at 573-254-3330 by August 30.