MDC offers bowhunter education class on Aug. 13

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A bowhunter education class provides several benefits to archery enthusiasts. Bowhunter education certification is not a mandatory part of Missouri’s statewide hunting regulations, but it is a requirement to participate in some archery hunting opportunities in the state. It also allows archery hunters to get tips on shooting techniques and safety.

On Aug. 13, The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a bowhunter education class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This course is open to people age 11 (by July 25) and older. All participants need to bring photo identification. If they don’t have a photo ID, students need to bring a birth certificate or some other proof-of-age document. The Andy Dalton Range is located near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. People can register by calling 417-742-4361. People can register for this class online by going to mdc-event.3licensing.comEvent/Allevents?EventTypeId=3.  

Even though bowhunter education is not a mandatory element of Missouri’s state-wide archery regulations, taking a course is still a good idea for several reasons.

• A number of cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require the hunter to be bowhunter education certified to take part.
• Some owners of special corporate landholdings may require hunters to be bowhunter-education certified before they’re allowed to hunt on their property.
• A number of other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in archery hunts in those states. (Missouri’s courses satisfy these requirements.)
• The courses can provide good information for newcomers to bowhunting and can be an excellent refresher for veteran archery hunters.

More information about upcoming bowhunter education classes and other educational opportunities can be found by contacting your nearest MDC office or online at mdc.mo.gov.