MDC offers bowhunter education class on Aug. 13

Free course will be taught at MDC's Andy Dalton Shooting Range in Greene County.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A bowhunter education class provides several benefits to archery enthusiasts.

Bowhunter education certification is not a mandatory part of Missouri’s statewide hunting regulations, but it is a requirement to participate in some archery hunting opportunities in the state. It also allows archery hunters to get tips on shooting techniques and safety.

On Aug. 13, The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a bowhunter education class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This course is open to people age 11 (by July 25) and older. All participants need to bring photo identification. If they don’t have a photo ID, students need to bring a birth certificate or some other proof-of-age document. The Andy Dalton Range islocated near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. People can register by calling 417-742-4361. People can register for this class online by going to mdc-event.3licensing.comEvent/Allevents?EventTypeId=3.  

Even though bowhunter education is not a mandatory element of Missouri’s state-wide archery regulations, taking a course is still a good idea for several reasons.

·        A number of cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require the hunter to be bowhunter education certified to take part.

·        Some owners of special corporate landholdings may require hunters to be bowhunter-education certified before they’re allowed to hunt on their property.

·        A number of other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in archery hunts in those states. (Missouri’s courses satisfy these requirements.)

·        The courses can provide good information for newcomers to bowhunting and can be an excellent refresher for veteran archery hunters.

More information about upcoming bowhunter education classes and other educational opportunities can be found by contacting your nearest MDC office or online at mdc.mo.gov.

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Archery Skills taught by experts - Free in KC

lex Mullock, MDC resource assistant, monitored target archery shooters on Tuesday, July 14, in a program at Gladstone's Happy Rock Park. MDC works with schools, youth groups, and parks programs to teach archery. Nature centers and shooting ranges also offer target and hunting archery programs

Archery is a sport accessible to a wide range of ages and physical abilities

Kansas City, Mo. – Archery’s ancient skills are finding modern roles. The bow and arrow once signified survival. Today, archery is still used in hunting and plays a role in food gathering, especially deer hunting. But also, target archery is growing in popularity. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers training and shooting ranges that makes the ancient art accessible to anyone.

   “Archery literally is available for anybody,” said Nathan Woodland, MDC’s Parma Woods Range Supervisor. “Our three-hour workshops have two hours of shooting time. In that time, most people are able to shoot a respectable grouping at 10 yards.”

   Kaizley Williams, 13, of Kansas City was one of 35 youngsters shooting archery onTuesday, Jan. 14, at Gladstone’s Happy Rock Park.

   “It’s something that helps keep me focused, and I know I can do it really well,” Williams said.

   Chris Capps, MDC outdoor skills specialist, gave lessons and monitored the shooting range at the one-day event in a partnership with the city’s summer parks programs. MDC staff can train parks staff, school coaches and youth group leaders in how to offer archery using affordable, standardized target gear.

   Archery equipment is available that is adaptable to all ages. People with physical challenges will find ranges accessible to wheelchairs. Specialized gear enables people with other physical challenges to shoot archery, too.

   MDC offers a variety of ways for people to learn and enjoy archery. Conservation Department shooting ranges and nature centers offer archery classes at various times during the year. Both staffed and unstaffed archery target shooting ranges are available in the Kansas City metro area.

   MDC’s Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center will offer an Adult Summer Camp archery session 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21. The course will teach adults the basics of target archery shooting with compound bows. Discovery Center is located in the heart of Kansas City at 4750 Troost Ave. This program is free. But advance registration is required by calling816-759-7300.

   The Lake City Shooting Range will offer a Beginning Archery course 9 to 11:30 a.m. onWednesday, Aug. 5. An archery class designed for teenagers is from 6 to 8 p.m. onThursday, Aug. 13. Both classes are free. But advance registration is required by calling 816-249-3194. The Lake City Range is part of Landahl Park east of Independence and north of Blue Springs. The address is 28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner, Mo.

   Parma Woods Shooting Range offers archery classes for beginners and for experienced shooters who want to sharpen their skills. An Intermediate Archery course will be offered 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 30. Parma Woods will offer a basic archery class 5:30 to 8 p.m. onThursday, Sept. 24, and from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. This class will introduce participants to equipment, safety precautions and skills. The stance, draw, aim and arrow release techniques produce accuracy. Basics are fairly simple to learn, and with practice good technique produces accurate shooting. For information, call 816-891-9941. Parma Woods is west of Parkville at 15900 N.W. River Road.

   A Bowhunter Education class is scheduled at Parma Woods 6 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 10. This class teaches safety and archery skills useful in bow hunting for deer, turkey or small game. The course will cover archery gear, shooting skills, conservation, hunting regulations pertaining to archery, tree stand safety, shot placement, trailing game and field dressing game. Those who complete the course will be Bowhunter Education certified. The course gives people the necessary skills to be successful at bowhunting for game, but it also is a useful refresher course for veteran bowhunters.

    Both the Parma Woods and Lake City ranges offer target archery ranges. There is a charge of $3 per hour for archery range use for shooters over age 16.

    The Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs will offer families with children ages 7 and older a chance to make and shoot homemade bows and arrows from Noon to 2:30 p.m.on Saturday, Sept. 26. The program is free but registration is required, call 816-228-3766.

    Once an archer learns how to shoot a bow and arrow, practice makes accurate. MDC provides unstaffed target ranges for free public shooting. These ranges provide a chance to shoot for fun and to tune up skills for hunting seasons.

    A popular archery range is at the Platte Falls Conservation Area, about one mile east of Platte City off Route HH. That range has targets set at various distances.

   James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area has a field archery range. This range is on the area’s southeast corner. It can be reach off Smart Road. For a map, visithttp://extra.mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/5501map.pdf

   MDC also offers the Missouri National Archery in Schools Program, also known as MoNASP. This target archery program for schools provides a safe and simple way for youths to learn and enjoy archery. The gear is basic and standard for all participants. The target range protocols can be used for indoor or outdoor shooting. MoNASP includes competitive matches and tournaments. But the bottom line is target archery is fun and enjoyed by a wide variety of youths. For more information, visit http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3813. Anyone interested in the program can also call Outdoor Skills Specialist Chris Capps at 816-622-0900.

   For more information on MDC outdoor skills programs, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.

Bowhunter education course in Columbia

MDC's Bowhunter Education Course provides participants the opportunity to become safety-certified. 

This free course will provide participants with the opportunity to become safety-certified.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a Bowhunter Education Class at its regional office in Columbia. This free course will provide participants with the opportunity to become certified in bowhunter safety.

The course will be offered over two evenings, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 25-26, from5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Attending both sessions is necessary to receive certification. It is open to anyone 11 years and older. Registration is required by Aug. 21. Applicants can register online at www.register-ed.com/events/view/64005.

Though not required by statewide hunting regulations, achieving bowhunter education certification has a number of advantages. Many cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require that bowhunters be certified to take part. Many other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in bow hunts in their state. Additionally, the course is an excellent refresher for veteran bowhunters.

Topics covered during the class will include:

• Modern bowhunting history and development
• Bowhunter responsibility and ethics
• How archery equipment works, bowhunting and tree-stand safety
• Wildlife identification, game care, survival and first aid skills
• Shot placement, game recovery, trailing and field dressing
• Awareness about wildlife conservation and management
• Rules and information unique to Missouri

This class is an International Bowhunter Education Foundation (IBEF)/ National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) course and recognized by all states and Canada.

To learn more about the bowhunter education class, contact MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers at brian.flowers@mdc.mo.gov or (573) 815-7901 ext. 3388. For more information about Missouri's Bowhunter Education program visit mdc.mo.gov/node/9723.

MDC schedules bowhunter education classes

Archery hunting is a popular method for putting wild game meat on the table in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation will conduct bowhunter education classes in Branson and Rogersville. Bowhunter education is required to archery hunt in some urban areas of the state. The free classes can also provide good information for all bowhunters.

Free courses planned for July 25 in Rogersville and Branson.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bowhunter education is not required by Missouri’s statewide game regulations. However, Branson is one of several Missouri communities that require individuals to be bowhunter education certified before they can archery hunt inside city limits.

To prepare people for this and other archery opportunities, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will conduct bow-hunter education courses this month in Branson and Rogersville.

On July 25, MDC will hold a bowhunter education class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Branson Joint Emergency Training Center, located at 1000 Pat Nash Drive in Branson. This course is open to people age 11 (by July 25) and older. Students age 15 and younger must bring a birth certificate or other proof of age. Individuals can register for this class athttp://www.register-ed.com/events/view/55509

Also on July 25, a bowhunter education course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Logan-Rogersville Fire Station near Rogersville, The address is 3427 S. State Highway 125. The requirements for this class are the same as the Branson course. Individuals can register for this class at http://www.register-ed.com/events/view/63698

Even though bowhunter education is not a mandatory element of Missouri’s state-wide archery regulations, taking a course is still a good idea for several reasons: 

• A number of cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require the hunter to be bowhunter education certified to take part.
• Some owners of special corporate landholdings may require hunters to be bowhunter-education certified before they’re allowed to hunt on their property.
• A number of other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in archery hunts in those states. (Missouri’s courses satisfy these requirements.)
• The courses can provide good information for newcomers to bowhunting and can be an excellent refresher for veteran archery hunters.

More information about upcoming bowhunter education programs can be found by contacting your nearest MDC office or online at http://mdc.mo.gov/node/9723.

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• Two Kansas Hunter Education Instructors Make Hall of Fame (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Help UBM Replenish Stolen Supplies

As a Federation, we help each other in our times of need. Today, the

United Bowhunters of Missouri needs your help. 

Just days before the UBM annual conference, their trailer was stolen from the yard of UBM President, Darren Haverstick. The UBM lost all their merchandise and supplies, including the bows they use to train youth archers. Please don't let this evil deed diminish all the good work the UBM does for archery and bowhunting. We hope you will consider donating what you can to help the UBM replenish their supplies so their efforts with our youth will not be interrupted. 

Donating is simple. Just click the link below, and then please share the link so others may learn of this important fundraiser. 

Donate Here

MDC offers Bowhunter Education Certification Course for Southeast Region

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Bowhunter Education Certification Course, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Perryville.

According to DeeDee Dockins, an outdoor skills specialist with the MDC, this will be the only Bowhunter Education Certification Course offered this year in the southeast region.

“Most of the demand for bowhunter certification stems from hunters who are traveling out of state to bow hunt, because Missouri doesn’t require bowhunter education,” Dockins said. “As of now, 20 states have regulations requiring bowhunter education certification in order to purchase permits.”

Dockins said she encourages all bow hunters to attend the class.

“The number of tree stand accidents continues to rise and we address safety issues when hunting from an elevated position,” she said.

The course provides comprehensive information about the knowledge, skills, safety and additional opportunities available to bow hunters.   Topics covered include different types of bows and equipment, opportunities available to the bow hunter, safety information related to hunting from an elevated platform,  the role of the hunter and hunting in wildlife management and conservation, responsibilities of the outdoorsman, distance estimation, ethical practices of the hunter, and much more.

Those successfully completing the course will receive a Bowhunter Education Certification Card from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Students must be 11 years of age or older to attend.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit mdc.mo.gov. For further information, call the MDC Southeast Regional Office at (573) 290-5730.

Conservation Department hosts Youth Bowfishing Clinic

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the United Bowhunters of Missouri will host a Youth Bowfishing Clinic for ages 11 to 17 on June 13 and 14 in Cape Girardeau.

“This will be an exciting and educational experience where young people will have an opportunity to learn a new method of fishing with their bow,” said Dee Dee Dockins, an MDC outdoor skills specialist. “Bowfishing is a specialized method of fishing that is very popular in southeast Missouri, so we’re pleased to introduce this new skill to our area’s youth.”

Dockins said participants will learn the basics of bowfishing in the clinic before the fishing field trip. The clinic,  scheduled for Friday, June 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature qualified instructors who will share bowfishing shooting techniques, types of specialized equipment needed, fish identification, bowfishing strategies, fish preparation, regulations and more.  On Saturday, June 14, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., students will try bowfishing from boats on a private fishing lake in Cape Girardeau County.  

Dockins said this program is a response to rising interest in archery that’s resulted from an increase of school participation in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools program. 

"This event takes the participant from the gymnasium to the water and gives students an opportunity to apply the skills they’ve likely already learned in school,” Dockins said. “Our ultimate goal is to get the kids submerged in nature and learning a valuable outdoor skill.”

Dockins said participants must have some basic experience in archery and be able to draw a 25-pound bow.  An adult guardian is also required to attend with each student.  All equipment will be provided and pre-registration is required in order to attend.  For more information or to register, contact the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730 or email Dee Dee Dockins atdeedee.dockins@mdc.mo.gov.

ARCHERY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CLASS PLANNED

2013 NASP State Championship - Montgomery, Ala. (Photo credit: Outdoor Alabama Photos)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) basic archery instructor training class in Springfield in September.

The class will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17 at the O’Reilly-Tefft Gym (1408 E. Pythian St., Springfield).

To register or to get more information about this event or to get information about upcoming MoNASP basic archery instruction classes elsewhere in the state, contact Greg Collier at 417-895-6881, ext. 268 or atGreg.Collier@mdc.mo.gov Information about the MoNASP and NASP programs can also be found atwww.mdc.mo.gov/education or www.archeryintheschools.org

These free training classes are meant for teachers who are interested in incorporating MoNASP instruction into their school’s curriculum. Teachers must attend the training to receive instructor certification. Basic archery instructor training is required for schools to participate in the MoNASP and to qualify for related grant money. MoNASP programs must be a part of a school’s curriculum for at least two weeks to qualify that school for regional, state, national and international NASP competitions.

MoNASP is the Missouri branch of NASP, a national program that uses archery to boost students’ physical dexterity and self-confidence. Participants also learn an activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives in the form of recreational target shooting or bow hunting.

Bowhunters needed for MDC wildlife observation survey

Survey is easy and valuable way for bowhunters to get involved in helping MDC manage Missouri’s wildlife resources.

By Joanie Straub, MDC

Courtesy MDC

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages all bowhunters to participate in its annual bowhunter observation survey. This survey provides valuable information that assists MDC in gauging the health of wildlife populations, such as deer and turkey, and helps staff make harvest management decisions.

“This is an easy and very valuable way for bowhunters to get involved in helping MDC manage Missouri’s wildlife resources,” says MDC Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer. “Information provided by the survey helps us assess trends in animal populations and determine if numbers are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. This information also has important implications on the establishment of harvest regulations.”

MDC mails surveys to participating bowhunters in early September. From Sept. 15 through Nov. 9, participants record the date, county, number of hours spent bowhunting, and the number of deer, wild turkeys and furbearers observed during their hunts. After Nov. 9, participants mail the postage-paid surveys back to MDC so the information can be analyzed.

To participate in the 2012 survey, email Paul.Rogers@mdc.mo.gov and write “Bowhunter Observation Survey” in the subject line. Participation requests must be received by Sept. 1. Include name and mailing address in the body of the email. Bowhunters can also send their name and address to: Bowhunter Observation Survey, Missouri Department of Conservation, 3500 E. Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201.

MDC began conducting its bowhunter observation survey in 1983. Beringer said more than 190,000 bowhunting permits were distributed in 2011 but only approximately 7,000 bowhunters participated in last year’s survey.

“To maintain the high quality of information we receive from these surveys, it is very important more bowhunters participate,” says Beringer. “I encourage all Missouri bowhunters help keep Missouri a great place to hunt by participating in the survey.”

For more information about deer and turkey archery hunting regulations, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “archery hunting.”

Related articles

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• Deepening drought affects forests, fish, wildlife (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
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• Indiana Bowhunting workshop helps adults teach outdoor skills to kids (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
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Discover Hunting-Bowhunting

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So you’ve tried your hand at archery and you’ve determined that bowhunting is something you want to pursue.  Now it’s time to invest in the equipment you’ll need to make this a reality.  Proper equipment selection is key to successful bowhunting and archery.  Everything from choosing the right bow, to arrow matching, points and other equipment will be covered during this second session of our ongoing, four-part bowhunting series at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center on Saturday, April 14 from 9-11 a.m. or Noon-2 p.m.  Ages 16 and up.  Registration is required.  Call 573-290-5218 to register or for more information.

Other upcoming sessions will include learning the anatomy of the game you are hunting for shot placement and distance estimation in Session 3 on Saturday, May 12 at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center.  Then, we will conclude this series with a practical 3D target shooting in hunting scenarios (along with blood tracking) at Maintz Conservation Area in June (date to be determined).  Call 573-290-5218 for more information about this and other Discover Hunting programs.

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Bowhunting 101 course offers expert tips without the cost

 by Candice Davis MDC

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Bowhunters of every skill level are invited to the upcoming Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Discover Hunting event, Bowhunting 101. Experts from the United Bowhunters of Missouri, On Target Christian Archers and MDC will host the course on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Maintz Wildlife Area Archery Range from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This will be a great day to showcase practical skills all bowhunters need in their repertoire when they head to the woods,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist DeeDee Dockins.

Dockins said this “exciting day in the woods” will include opportunities to shoot bows and simulate hunting scenarios, all for free.

“This free course is one way the Conservation Department is helping people to enrich their quality of life and discover hunting as a way to discover nature,” Dockins said.

During the interactive workshop, bowhunters 11 years of age and older will test and improve their distance estimation, shot placement, blood-trail tracking skills and much more. Demonstrations of various bowhunting equipment, techniques and tree stand use are scheduled. There will also be a 3-D archery shoot in the afternoon.

Participants should bring their hunting bow and field arrows with practice tips. Dockins said bows will be provided if needed. Lunch will also be provided, so pre-registration is required in order to participate. Participants younger than 15 must attend with an adult.

For more information, call Dee Dee Dockins at 573-290-5858, ext 235 or email Deedee.dockins@mdc.mo.gov. To register for the course, call the Cape Girardeau Nature Center at (573) 290-5218.