Prepare for fall with MDC’s 12 months of Beginning Hunting, Angling, & Shooting programs in St. Louis region this October

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 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.

Featured programs during the month of October include:

• Hunting
  • Deer Hunting: Deer Hunting 101: Oct. 1, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rt
  • Deer Hunting: Deer Rifle Sight-In: Oct. 23, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rj
  • Migratory Bird Hunting: Youth Duck Hunt: Oct. 26, from 5 am - 11 a.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4RF
• Angling
  • Family Fishing: Fishing & Nature Day for People with Disabilities: Oct. 5, from 9 - noon at Bellefontaine Conservation Area. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ry
  • Family Fishing: Cane Pole Fishing: Oct. 13, from noon - 2 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4RC
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lessons 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures: Oct. 18, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4R9
• Shooting
  • Deer Hunting: Deer Rifle Sight-In: Oct. 23, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range. http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Rj

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.