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ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering the opportunity for youths to discover upland gamebird hunting at the Beginning Youth Pheasant Hunt and Clinic. The program will introduce new hunters between the ages of 11-15 to the sport with the emphasis on ring-necked pheasants.
The program begins with a classroom clinic at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6-8 p.m. Participants will then take to the field for the pheasant hunt itself, hosted at the Missouri Gun and Quail Club located in Wright City. The hunt will occur on Saturday, Feb. 24.
“The clinic will cover some biology, firearm handling, and how to clean the birds. We’ll even give participants some recipes to help them prepare the pheasants for eating,” said Bryant Hertel, MDC Busch Outdoor Education Center manager. He also added that the hunt itself would be a great way for first-timers to sample the sport of upland bird hunting.
All participants must be Hunter Education certified and have not attended the program in the past. The guided hunt is for first-time participants only. Participants must attend the clinic to attend the hunt, and should have some familiarity with shotgun handling.
“This is an excellent chance for young people who want to get introduced to hunting to do it in a supportive, safe and controlled environment,” Hertel said.
The clinic and hunt are both free. However, advanced registration is required by going online to https://goo.gl/zYs96B. The August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94.
