MDC invites public to learn about turkey hunting basics

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Spring turkey hunting involves a variety of skills. Knowing how to locate a gobbler, call him into shotgun range, handling firearms in a safe fashion, and knowing the regulations are all parts of a successful and safe hunt.

Hunters can learn more about the fundamentals of this popular spring pastime at two free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) clinics in the upcoming weeks. Topics covered at these programs will include calling, locating, firearms safety, hunt preparation, identifying legal birds and improving your shooting skills. They will provide good preparation for those wishing to participate in Missouri’s youth-only turkey season, April 6-7, or the state’s regular spring turkey season, April 15-May 5.

Spring Turkey Hunting Basics will be offered March 30 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Greene County west of Springfield. This program is from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and is for hunters of all ages. People can register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/163452. To get more information on this program or other range events, call the Andy Dalton Range at 417-742-4361 or e-mail daltonrange@mdc.mo.gov. The Dalton Range is located near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61.

On April 4, a turkey hunting seminar will be held from 6-8 p.m. at MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. The program is for ages 6-adult. Register for this program at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/166337. The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. Get more information about this program and other upcoming events by calling 417-888-4237 or by going to www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents.

More information about turkey hunting can be found at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey