MDC, partners offer turkey hunting clinic for youth with terminal, chronic illnesses April 22–24

UNIONVILLE, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in partnership with Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, the Outdoor Dream Foundation, Dead End Game Calls and the Rest Inn Him Lodge and Retreat Center, will offer a unique opportunity for youth with terminal or chronic illnesses to participate in a hunting clinic and mentored turkey hunt this spring in northeast Missouri. 

The clinic will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 22, at the Rest Inn Him Lodge and Retreat Center in Unionville. Participants will learn about turkey biology and habitat, hunting safety and shooting skills, ammunition and firearm selection, methods, and regulations. Participants will also have time for fishing and other activities around the lodge. Over the weekend, youth will head afield for a mentored hunt in some of Missouri’s best turkey habitat. 

MDC and partners will provide meals, hunting gear, track chairs for those with mobility impairments, as well as all necessary equipment and staff to assist. Rest Inn Him Lodge will provide lodging and activities for participants throughout the weekend.

“This event provides an opportunity to experience the outdoors for kids that may otherwise never get to,” said MDC Conservation Educator Rob Garver. “It is a chance for them to relax, have fun, and just be a kid.”

Applicants must be age 8–21 years of age by April 22. Space is limited for this clinic and participants must apply by April 15. Application forms are available at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182705.  

To help ensure public health and safety, MDC asks all participants to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC strongly encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.

For more information about this event, contact Garver at (660) 785-2420 or Rob.Garver@mdc.mo.gov.