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ASH GROVE, Mo. – When it comes to deer hunting, having the proper scope on your rifle can make the difference between having a successful hunt or a long day in the woods.
People interested in learning more about rifle scopes should sign up for the Sept. 18 Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Learning to Shoot: Optics Familiarization” at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This free program will be from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and will include a classroom portion and a hands-on session at the shooting range. People can register for this program at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178651
At the Sept. 18 program, MDC Outdoor Education Center Specialist Ali Underwood will discuss how to select the right optic for your firearm, mounting options, and how to mount it. She will also discuss how to bore sight and how to zero in a new scope.
Participants can use firearms provided by Dalton Range staff or they can bring their own firearms. Those who bring their own firearms should bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition in the caliber of the rifle they bring. Participants will be required to leave all firearms in their vehicles until the classroom portion ends and they proceed down range to shoot. There should be no live ammunition or uncased firearms inside the classroom. This includes concealed carry handguns and magazines. Participants should make sure their rifles are unloaded before arriving at the range.
Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Program registrants should note that they 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 for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.
MDC’s Andy Dalton Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. For more information about the Sept. 18 program or other upcoming events at the Dalton Range, people can call 417-742-4361.
Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.
