Events

Welcome Summertime with a guided public tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! Join a Naturalist to learn the difference between the Rainbow and Brown Trout raised at the hatchery, then visit the raceways and discover the amazing trout-raising process! And for just a quarter, you can feed the fish, too! Tours will meet at the large trout aquarium inside the Conservation Education Center.

Tours will be held four times daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning May 26th and continuing through Friday, September 4th. (The Hatchery will be closed for state holidays on June 19th and July 4th.)

All ages are invited, and no registration is required. For questions, call us at 417-334-4865 ext. 0, or email Shepherd@mdc.mo.gov.

Are you looking for a “jumping" good time, while learning and enjoying the outdoors? Frog gigging! This program will include all you need to know to get started gigging frogs. Including topics such as; basic frog facts, legal species to harvest and their identification, seasons, limits, regulations, and methods to harvest. Participants will practice what they’ve learned on a short frog gigging trip at Bois D" Arc Conservation Area ponds. Participants will learn all the basic of cooking frog legs as well as strategies to be successful on your next frogging adventure! Participants must be at least 8 years of age; all minors will need to be accompanied by an adult with a driver’s license. Participants, not exempt, must possess a Missouri fishing or hunting permit. Participants will need to appropriate clothing and foot wear (rubber boots) for frog gigging. All equipment will be provided.

What do moles, snakes, insects, and badgers all have in common? They all spend part of their lives underground. Join us at the Newton County Library in Neosho to unearth the story of these unique creatures. No registration is required.

What do moles, snakes, insects, and badgers all have in common? They all spend part of their lives underground. Join us at the Newton County Library in Seneca to unearth the story of these unique creatures. No registration is required.

What are those fish darting beneath your feet in rivers or creeks? Join us for a virtual program all about Missouri darters. Missouri is home to more than 40 species of darters. Learn what makes these fish unique, where to find them, their conservation status, and how to identify them. All ages. This program is open to all ages but is designed for 6th grade and up. Registration required. Please include a valid email address when you register so we can send a virtual program link. This link will be sent the week of the program. This program will not be recorded.

Dive into the cool world of Missouri's creek chubs. Learn what makes Missouri's largest minnow so special, then make a craft to take home! Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Dive into the cool world of Missouri's creek chubs. Learn what makes Missouri's largest minnow so special, then make a craft to take home! Ages 3 to 6. Registration required.

Ancestral Skills Specialist Don Brink will demonstrate traditional methods for weaving plant fibers into cordage. Ages 8 and up. Registration required.

Learn the basics of fly-tying in this introductory class led by members of the Missouri Trout Fishing Association. Participants will explore materials used to tie flies and the insects they mimic. All tools and materials will be provided. This is a two-part series, and you must register for both. Ages 16 and up. Registration required.

Parents, grandparents, and adult mentors bring your youngster(s) to learn a new skill and spend time practicing. You don’t have to be a hunter to become a skilled archer. No experience is necessary and archery equipment will be provided We will teach and practice the basics and help you perfect your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately.