Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription
Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
ROLLA, Mo. – Learning the fundamentals of shooting a shotgun or a handgun and how to keep these firearms in good working order is important whether you’re a hunter or a recreational shooter.
People can learn more about shooting and caring for shotguns and handguns at three free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) programs in June. All of these programs will be at the Rolla Shooting Club, which is located at Phelps County Road 3240 near Rolla. All three will include instructional sessions and hands-on shooting opportunities. Here is more information on these programs:
Shotgun: Beginner Shotgun Shooting: 9-11 a.m., June 11. After a short lecture, participants will try their skills at five-stand shooting. No open-toed shoes will be allowed. Participants must be at least 12 years old and individuals ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered for the class. MDC staff will provide shotguns, ammunition, and eye/ear protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own unloaded, cased shotgun, but they will be required to provide their own new factory ammunition (no reloads). People can register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/183148
Handgun: Women’s Only Beginner Handgun Class: Noon-1:30 p.m., June 11. This is for women ages 16 and older. Participants ages 16-17 must attend with a parent or guardian who is also registered for the workshop. No open-toed shoes will be allowed. MDC staff will provide handguns, ammunition, targets, and eye/ear protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own handgun as long as it is unloaded and cased. People bringing their personal handgun will need to provide their own ammunition if it is a caliber other than a.22 long rifle. After a short lecture session, participants will practice shooting at paper targets. People can register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/183149
Handgun: Beginning Handgun Class: 2-3:30 p.m., June 11. This is for ages 16 and older. Participants age 16 and 17 must attend with a parent or guardian who is also registered for this class. No open-toed shoes will be allowed. MDC staff will provide handguns, ammunition, targets, and eye/ear protection. Participants are welcome to bring their own handgun as long as it is unloaded and cased. People bringing their personal handgun will need to provide their own ammunition if it is a caliber other than a.22 long rifle. After a short lecture session, participants will practice shooting at paper targets. People can register at:
https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/183150
Topics that will be covered at all three sessions will include gun safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, gun maintenance and safe storage. For more information about these programs, contact MDC Conservation Educator Dwight Warnke at Dwight.Warnke@mdc.mo.gov.
Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding both in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.
