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DEFIANCE, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help young hunters discover the fun of duck hunting. MDC is holding a free youth duck hunting clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance. Participants will have the chance to go beyond the classroom for first-hand field experience at their choice of two youth duck hunts following the clinic.
This program is for youths, age 11-15, who have not duck hunted before and want a safe gateway into the sport. It will cover all the basics of duck hunting. These will include safety measures, duck habitats and migration, proper cover, clothing, firearms and equipment, and tips on using duck hunting blinds and decoy placement. The class will also look at duck hunting regulations, limits, and identification. Attendance at the clinic is required before participating in the hunts.
To attend the clinic, preregistration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zy9.
Youth duck hunters will then have two options for participating in a hunt:
Interested participants should register online for the hunt of their choice using the links provided above. They must also be hunter education-certified by the date of the hunt. MDC will provide all equipment, firearms, and ammunition needed for the hunts. Participants may also bring their own equipment if they have it. Both hunts will take place on the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles.
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 COVID-19 social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
MDC offers many free educational events and programs in the St. Louis region to help people discover nature, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Stay informed by subscribing to the free monthly Conservation Connections e-newsletter at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJT.
