Welcome autumn with an MDC Beginning Hunting, Angling, & Shooting program in St. Louis region this September

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.

The following are programs being featured during the month of September.  Online preregistration is required using the supplied links.

• Hunting
  • Migratory Bird Hunting: Introduction to Duck Hunting: 10, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4aT 
  • Deer Hunting: Virtual Deer Hunting 101: Sept. 25, from 6 – 8 p.m., virtual/online only. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4aq  
  • Hunter Education Skills Session: Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ac  
• Angling
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling: Sept. 3, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ap 
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook: Sept. 7, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Suson Park - Rearing Pond. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4aN
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures: Sept. 17, from 6 – 8 p.m. at MDC St. Louis Regional Office/Busch Memorial CA. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ax
• Shooting
  • Archery: Beginning Archery: Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. – noon at August A. Busch Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4af 

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.