Hunting

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Two hunters in safety orange sit by a tree. One is taking aim at a deer.
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A successful hunting trip involves planning, scouting, and patience. Missouri offers a variety of hunting opportunities to hone your skills.

If you plan to hunt with a firearm, you will need to complete a hunter education course before you can buy a permit. If you plan to bow hunt, MDC offers optional bow hunter education. 

Great Places For Hunting

Events

Find events near you.
Registration period: April 11 - May 7
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 9, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: MDC Headquarters
Are you interested in learning about black bear hunting in Missouri? This introductory class teaches you about Missouri black bears and what it takes to have a successful bear hunt. Topics included in this class are black bear biology, the permit application process, and general black bear hunting strategies. This class is suitable for Missourians trying to decide whether they should apply for a black bear hunting permit or those simply interested in learning more about black bear hunting.
Registration period: April 11 - May 7
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 9, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: MDC Headquarters

Are you interested in learning about black bear hunting in Missouri? This introductory class teaches you about Missouri black bears and what it takes to have a successful bear hunt. Topics included in this class are black bear biology, the permit application process, and general black bear hunting strategies. This class is suitable for Missourians trying to decide whether they should apply for a black bear hunting permit or those simply interested in learning more about black bear hunting.

A link for the program will be sent via email on the day of the course. Please make sure you check your Junk folder.
Registration period: April 1 - May 9
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, May 11, 2024 12:00 pm
Location: Teal Lake
Join us for beginner kayaking and a relaxing time on the water. During this kayaking program you will learn about paddling equipment, paddling safety, and how to paddle a kayak on a lake. Life jackets, kayaks, and paddles will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and closed toed shoes that can get wet. We will meet at the boat ramp area at Teal Lake off Huntingfield Rd in Mexico. Minimum age to participate is 9 years old. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration period: February 16 - May 5
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, May 11, 2024 11:30 am
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve

This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and how to cook using a tin can. Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned.

All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than fifteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions, please contact the host.

We look forward to having you join us!
Registration period: April 30 - May 16
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024 6:00 pm - Thursday, May 16, 2024 8:00 pm
Location: Online only
Spring is a great time to get outdoors and pursue Missouri’s largest gamebird, the Wild Turkey. If you harvested a turkey this spring; mounting the fan is a great way to create a decorative keepsake that will last for years to come. This virtual program will show you the supplies you will need and take you step by step through the process.
Registration period: May 1 - May 16
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 am - Saturday, May 18, 2024 2:00 pm
Location: United Sportsmen's Club
Come to the range to improve your shotgun shooting for hunting. This is a free workshop that will help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills with non-toxic shot. Topics include how to select the best ammunition and choke combination for hunting, how to improve your shooting skills, general information on the latest non-toxic shotgun ammunition, how to improve your range & distance estimation skills, and how to properly pattern your shotgun. There will be a presentation inside followed by clay bird shooting and shotgun patterning. Bring your own shotgun that you typically use hunting. We will provide ammunition for you. Please leave all firearms your vehicle until the shooting portion begins. We will break for lunch inside the classroom. Bring your own lunch and any drinks.
Registration period: May 1 - May 23
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024 1:00 pm - Thursday, May 23, 2024 3:30 pm
Location: Runge Conservation Nature Center
An atlatl is a hunting tool created more than 20,000 years ago. It was often used to hunt megafauna such as wooly mammoth. Join us as we explore the history of the atlatl and how it is used today. Create you very own atlatl to take home, learn the technique for using it, and give it a try at Runge. Registration required. Ages 13-17
Registration period: April 15 - May 28
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 12:00 pm - Wednesday, May 29, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Online only
This virtual program is part two of a multi part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part two, "Atlatl: in Missouri’s hunting history and present” we will discuss this fascinating hunting technique, where they come from, how to build one, modern usage, and more. Start time will be 12:05 PM using the Webex platform and all registered participants will receive a link with the log in information 24 hours prior to the event.
Registration period: March 15 - June 6
Date: Friday, June 7, 2024 12:00 pm - Friday, June 7, 2024 1:00 pm
Location: Online only

Does your neighbor always seem to fill their deer permits when you don’t? Are squirrels the only thing you see when you’re in the stand? Well, a food plot may be the answer. Learn about the basics of putting in food plots for deer and how you can still actively prepare for deer season during the summer.

Please ensure your account has a valid email address to receive the link to the program. Links are sent at least 30 minutes before the program starts.
Registration period: December 7 - June 7
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024 8:30 am - Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:30 am
Location: Online only

Hunting may not only be a family tradition, but a personal privilege that everyone can enjoy. Hunting is basic to our nature. Hunting allows us to help control wildlife populations and fun projects for wildlife management. Hunting is also a safe and natural way to help each of us reconnect with nature and our surroundings. In this class, we will cover all the reasons to hunt, why its important, and explore myths about hunting.