Whether you’re honing your skills for hunting or testing your prowess for the fun of it, the sport of shooting is directly tied to conservation. The Missouri Department of Conservation has shooters covered with resources for all different skill levels.
Unstaffed ranges on MDC areas offer opportunities for shooters to practice their shooting skills at their own pace. No fee required.
Staffed Shooting Ranges and Outdoor Education Centers
Staffed shooting ranges and outdoor education centers help you become a sharper, safer hunter or outdoors person regardless of your experience or skill level. Our staff of specialists and trained volunteers can help you or your group master firearms and archery. The centers also host educational public programming on many other outdoor skills.
Fees and reservations at staffed MDC shooting ranges
Rifle/pistol range use is $5 per hour. Shotgun sports, where available, are $5 per round. All fees are payable only by cash or check.
Staffed shooting range and outdoor education centers are available for group use by purchasing a special use permit for $20 per hour. For details about reservations and using the centers, call the center.
Date:
Saturday, June 27, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, June 27, 2026 1:00 pm
Location:
Parma Woods Shooting Range
Sporting Clays is a challenging, yet fun shotgun shooting game that can be best described as playing golf with a shotgun. Shooters move from station to station and shoot at clay targets presented in a dizzying array of angles. It is some of the best practice for shooting at gamebirds. Bring your shotgun and enjoy a sampler of what this game entails. Non-Toxic shot is required. We can provide any gear needed to participate; however, this program is not intended for new shotgun shooters.
Date:
Saturday, June 27, 2026 10:00 am - Saturday, June 27, 2026 12:00 pm
Location:
August A Busch Shooting Range
This program will teach the fundamentals of archery including equipment, safety, stance, and shooting techniques. This event will take place on the static archery range. All equipment will be provided.
Date:
Monday, June 29, 2026 3:00 pm - Monday, June 29, 2026 7:00 pm
Location:
August A Busch Shooting Range
This is a free Open House event at the Busch Shooting Range. There will be activities to try including shooting .22 rifles, shotguns, archery, atlatl, and disc golf and BB guns for smaller youngsters. There will also be educational exhibits, members from diffiernt organizations including NWTF, Smallmouth Bass Alliance, and Trout Unlimited. Agents will be present.
Come anytime between 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. All equipment willb be provided.
Date:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 6:00 pm - Tuesday, June 30, 2026 7:00 pm
Location:
Jay Henges Shooting Range
We will discuss the correct shot placement on North American game animals along with the correct safety protocol, used when shooting on a 3D archery range. We will shoot a variety of game animal targets. This program is not for the beginning archery shooter as it is an intermediate level program, so unless you are beyond the basics in archery this program is not for you.
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:
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, July 9, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Lake City Shooting Range
This program is designed for those who have had some experience with shotguns. We’ll cover safety, appropriate firearms and ammunition, rules of the game, etiquette on the field, and field layout. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or you may bring your own. Anyone under the age of 16 is REQUIRED to have an adult with them throughout the class and shooting session.
Date:
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:00 pm - Thursday, July 9, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Lake City Shooting Range
Introduction to Handgun Shooting is a two-day, two-part course designed for adults ages 18 and older who want a safe and comprehensive introduction to handgun use. Part One focuses on classroom instruction covering the rules of firearm safety, basic handgun operation, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. Students will also be introduced to common types of handguns and calibers. No experience is necessary to enjoy this course.
Date:
Friday, July 10, 2026 6:00 pm - Friday, July 10, 2026 8:00 pm
Location:
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Archery is a fun, lifetime sport that all can enjoy. Learn the basics of archery and how to shoot safely, then practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of staff. Dress for the weather in closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Education pond at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. All equipment is provided. Registration required. Ages 18+
Date:
Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:00 am - Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:30 am
Location:
August A Busch Shooting Range
This program is designed as a basic course to provide youths ages 9-15 an opportunity to become familiar with shooting. We will provide .22 caliber handguns and rifles and ammunition for them to shoot. There will be a short class covering safety, parts of a firearm, and fundamentals of marksmanship. Due to time constraints we will not have any time to provide individuals an opportunity to shoot their own firearms.
Date:
Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:00 am - Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:30 am
Location:
Lake City Shooting Range
This course picks up right where the Basic Handgun course leaves off. You’ll learn the essentials of buying and owning a firearm, understand ammunition basics, and explore safe storage options. Most importantly, you’ll get more hands-on time at the range to build confidence and sharpen your marksmanship skills. Bring your own firearm, or use one of ours—we’ve got you covered.