MDC welcomes spring with new Beginning Hunting, Angling, and Shooting Programs for St. Louis region in April

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 off 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 April include:

• Hunting
  • Hunter Education Skills Session: April 2, 5 – 8 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range
  • Shotgun: Introduction to Patterning: April 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range
• Angling
  • Learn to Fish: Introduction to Fly Casting: April 2, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook: April 13, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Suson Park - Rearing Pond
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling:April 23, 6 - 8 p.m. at the St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial Conservation Area
• Shooting
  • Family .22 Rifle: April 20, 8 – 9:30 a.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Handgun: Introduction to Handgun: April 23, 5 – 7 p.m. at the August A. Busch Shooting Range
  • Beginning Archery: April 27, 10 a.m. – noon at 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.