MDC continues 12 months of beginning Hunting, Angling, & Shooting programs for St. Louis region in March

St. LOUIS, Mo.—The hardest part of taking on something new can often be taking the first step.  If that “something new” has anything to do with hunting, fishing, or shooting sports, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to extend a helping hand throughout 2024.

MDC is offering A Year of New Beginnings in Hunting, Angling and Shooting, a special series of free programs during 2024 designed to help newcomers get an easy, fun, and safe start in outdoor recreation.  Each class is taught by MDC experts and tailored to the needs of beginners.  Every month, MDC will announce a new set of programs geared specifically to the season at hand.

Featured programs during the month of March include:

• Hunting
  • Hunter Education Skills Session: March 2, from 9 a.m. – noon @ Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Deer Hunting: Deer Scouting 101 - How to get started: March 7, from 1 – 4 p.m. @ Shaw Nature Reserve - Adlyne Freund Center
  • Turkey Hunting: Introduction to Turkey Hunting: March 26, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ August A Busch Shooting Range
• Angling
  • Pond to Plate: Rainbow Trout:  March 7, from 3 – 5 p.m.
  • Learn to Fish: Introduction to Fly Fishing: March 16, from 9 a.m. – noon @ St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA
  • Learn to Fish: Master the Baitcaster!: March 12, from 1 – 2 p.m. @ Forest Park Hatchery
• Shooting
  • Rifle: Family .22 Rifle: March 9, from 8 – 9:30 a.m. @ Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Firearm Selection: March 12, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ August A. Busch Shooting Range
  • Reloading: Beginning Metallic Reloading (Handgun): March 19, from 5 – p.m. @ August A. Busch Shooting Range

MDC will supply needed equipment for all classes.  Each program is free, however online preregistration is required using the links provided. 

“Our St. Louis Education team is excited to highlight programs each month for 2024 on hunting, shooting, and angling,” said Jake Hindman, MDC Education District Supervisor.  “While these programs are designed for beginners and will be introductory in nature, anyone is welcome to attend.”

For the latest on MDC programs and events in the St. Louis region, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4sg.