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. 

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Registration period: June 11 - June 23
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, June 25, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Take a nice, crispy chip, dip it into a bowl of melty, buffalo-flavored goodness, and plop it in your mouth. Yum! This delicious appetizer is called Buffalo Squirrel Dip in this outdoor spin-off of the familiar favorite. Learn just what makes squirrels “limb chickens” in this easy-to-assemble recipe. Participants see a demonstration of how to prepare squirrel meat for this recipe, assemble a small batch to take home, and sample the finished product.
Registration period: November 10 - June 24
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, June 25, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range

You have decided to begin hunting, but don't know who, what or where to start. Let us help you get started with this class. We will explore the correct way to go about selecting the method, the game, and the equipment to have before you step out the front door. We will discuss topics like the safety of private versus public hunting, permits and licenses needed to harvest game animals and even have a question and answer session.

Registration period: November 10 - June 24
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, June 25, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Online only

You have decided to begin hunting, but don't know who, what or where to start. Let us help you get started with this class. We will explore the correct way to go about selecting the method, the game, and the equipment to have before you step out the front door. We will discuss topics like the safety of private versus public hunting, permits and licenses needed to harvest game animals and even have a question and answer session.

Registration period: June 15 - June 30
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 6:30 pm - Tuesday, June 30, 2026 9:30 pm
Location: Andy Dalton Shooting Range
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.
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 8:00 am - Friday, July 31, 2026 5:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Don’t know where to hunt? Or maybe you just don’t know where to look. Come learn about opportunities that may have been under your radar. This information table will give you the know-how to register for Missouri managed hunts. There are hunts designated for youth, people with disabilities, specific species and seasons and more. During the month of July only, you are able to sign up for hunts on areas including Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs Lake, Watkins Mill and many more!
Registration period: June 8 - June 30
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 6:00 pm - Wednesday, July 1, 2026 7:00 pm
Location: Online only
Have you ever wanted to hunt in Missouri but didn't know where to start? Join us virtually as we discuss the requirements to get certified, deadlines for hunts, different places to hunt, and upcoming programs to help you on your journey.
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 3:00 pm - Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:00 pm
Location: ATSU
Visit MDC's information booth to learn more about our public lands and bodies of water! We will have information to help you learn about opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities!
Registration period: November 10 - July 9
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 5:30 pm - Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:30 pm
Location: Online only
Tree stand Safety: Tree stand accidents are one of the major causes of hunting related injuries. Find out steps that you can take to ensure your safety while hunting from, and setting up, a tree stand. Several examples of different tree stands will be mentioned in this class. This is a beginner's program. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the class. Be sure to check your Spam or Junk box for the email. If an email is not received, please send an email to the instructor to let them know.
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 2:00 pm - Saturday, July 11, 2026 3:00 pm
Location: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

*Participants meet at KC Public Library at 14 West 10th St in Kansas City*

Mushrooms aren’t just weird and wonderful—they’re essential to healthy forests and a favorite find for curious explorers and adventurous eaters alike. Dive into the world of fungi to learn how mushrooms support ecosystems, recycle nutrients, and connect life underground. You’ll also discover which species are safe to forage and how they can level up your next meal. Whether you’re into nature, sustainability, or great food, this is your chance to see why mushrooms are having a moment. Please register for program upon arrival.

Registration period: June 15 - July 16
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 8:00 am - Saturday, July 18, 2026 9:30 am
Location: Lake City Shooting Range

Discover the world of alternative hunting methods in this hands-on introductory course! Learn the fundamentals of archery, slings, and atlatls, three time-tested tools used for hunting and survival across cultures and history. This class covers the mechanics, techniques, and practical applications of each method, providing a unique opportunity to develop your skills and understanding of primitive projectiles.

Perfect for beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike-come challenge yourself and explore the past through these traditional hunting techniques!