Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
Southeast Missouri youth waterfowl clinic and hunt set for Oct. 1
PUXICO, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is giving youth hunters a chance to learn all of the skills needed to try waterfowl hunting. The free clinic is scheduled for Oct. 1, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area (CA) on Highway 51 north of Puxico.
“This is a very hands-on course and is an environment where anyone can learn, even if they’ve never fired a gun before,” said Dee Dee Dockins, MDC’s southeast region outdoor skills specialist.
The hands-on clinic will cover wing shooting, waterfowl hunting techniques, distance estimation, waterfowl identification, bird retrieval, ammunition selection and much more. After participants complete the clinic, they will be eligible for a waterfowl hunt during the regular season at their choice of Southeast Missouri waterfowl areas. No prior hunting experience is required and equipment will be provided if needed.
"The target shooting and one-on-one instruction is really helpful," said Will Leonard of Sikeston. Leonard is a graduate of the course and a new waterfowl hunter.
After a short presentation about waterfowl hunting, experts lead the group in a field trip to acquire the skills needed for their upcoming waterfowl hunt. Participants and mentors will then enjoy a lunch of various waterfowl.
The event is free to participants but requires pre-registration and a $25 deposit that will be refunded the day of the event. Applicants must be 11 to 15 years of age and must have an adult guardian attend with them. Participants must also be Hunter Education certified before the day of the event. For more information or to sign up for the 2016 Youth Waterfowl Clinic, call the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at (573) 290-5730. For more information about waterfowl hunting in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov.