MDC invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20

 Participants will learn about owls before observing owls in their natural habitat.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center Jan. 20 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Participants will learn through presentations about owls, owl pellet dissection, and naturalist-led owl prowls. Owl presentations and prowls will begin every half hour from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The owl prowls, which are optional, will include a short hike on the nature center’s grounds so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

The University of Missouri’s Raptor Rehab will be bringing several species of owls for participants to view up close before their hike.

This event is free to the public and open to all ages with no prior registration necessary. Questions can be directed to Sarah Easton at sarah.easton@mdc.mo.gov. Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.

Jan. 26 MDC program to focus on rabbit hunting

 

Participants will have a chance to take part in a rabbit hunt at the Bois D'Arc Conservation Area.

ASH GROVE, Mo. – Rabbit hunting doesn’t get as much hype as some of Missouri’s other hunting events, but it’s a season that’s special to many Missourians.

People who would like to take up the sport of rabbit hunting can get helpful tips at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) program “Rabbit Hunting Basics” Jan. 26 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education. This class will be taught from 6-7:30 p.m. and is for ages 11 and up. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/189449

Among the topics this free class will cover are regulations, safety, equipment, hunting techniques, and care and processing of harvested game. This portion of the program will be in the Dalton Range’s classroom, but participants will be invited to return later in the week to participate in a rabbit hunt at MDC’s Bois D’Arc Conservation Area, which surrounds the Andy Dalton Range. Participants ages 16-64 will need to be properly licensed to participate in the hunt. (Permit requirements will be covered in the Jan. 26 class.) Missouri’s rabbit season runs from Oct. 1-Feb. 15.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. MDC’s Andy Dalton Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Andy Dalton Range and Outdoor Education Center and other nearby MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about upcoming events or how to sign up for text alerts from the Dalton Range can call 417-742-4361.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Learn fishing skills with MDC’s free fly-tying classes in Jefferson City

 

MDC staff will guide participants through the skill of fly-tying

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to spend a few relaxing hours with MDC staff learning the art of fly-tying. Many different materials will be available for use, and participants will be taught how to fly-tie. This free event will be held at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City on Jan. 26 from 5:30-7:30 in the evening.

Fly-tying is a great way to customize a fishing lure to a specific type of fish or to a particular stretch of stream. It is also a way to get an added sense of accomplishment when a fish is caught with the handmade lure.

All participants must be older than 12 and register prior to attending one of these classes. Registration can be done at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4fw.  All questions can be directed to the instructor, Ashley Edwards, at ashley.edwards@mdc.mo.gov.

Runge Nature Center is located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City.