Missouri Outdoor Notes

Missouri anglers opinions are being solicited by the MDC. They'd love to have your input...or you could just complain later. (:-)  Follow this link... https://moconservation.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_74GYIpjY5YYyDsO?Q_DL=P9uh6Mi3EZlaMUE_74GYIpjY5YYyDsO_CGC_bQMktHSUvv3DPL0&Q_CHL=email.  It took me less than 3 minutes.

If you want to learn more about public hunting areas in the Springfield area, consider attending this event on Julky 20th...get more info by following this link... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178561

If you get confused bout snake species and want to learn more, this event is also in the Springfield area on July 16th. This one is virtual, so anyone can attend... Follow the link here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178546

Still in the Springfield area, there's a wingshooting clinic at the Andy Dalton Range on July 17th...Dove season isn't that far down the road!  Here's where to get more info... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178560

By the way...the Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting books are out. You can get them at retailers where you get licenses or online here... https://mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/fall-deer-turkey-hunting-regulations-information

Youth over on the East side of the state can get some good dove hunting at Columbia Bottoms for September 1st.  The link for more info is here... https://mdc.mo.gov/columbia-bottom-conservation-area-managed-dove-hunt-application

Another even over on the East side of Missouri is for people who want to develop food plots for wildlife. It'll be held August 3rd at Jay Henges Shooting range...info here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178847

Learn to navigate via compass and map at a Warrenton Missouri event on July 30th.  Event details are here... https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178321

Another event in Warrenton will provide useful info on backpacking. It's to be held on July 30th as well and the info for it is at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178328

MDC to offer free virtual wingshooting program July 11

Andy Dalton Shooting Range staff will host online program on how to improve shotgun skills.

ASH GROVE, Mo. – If you’re a waterfowl hunter or a quail hunter, the ability to hit a target in flight is the difference between a good hunting day and one where you come home empty-handed.

People interested in getting shotgun shooting tips on how to improve their wingshooting skills should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Effective Wingshooting.” MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education staff will offer this program July 11 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Among the topics this free class will cover are the fundamentals of wingshooting, distance estimation, non-toxic shell ammunition selection for hunting, and shotgun patterning. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/171717

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

MDC’s Andy Dalton Range, which is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61, has re-opened to the public. For more information about the Dalton Range, call 417-742-4361.

Effective Wingshooting workshop in Southeast Missouri

Participants at the Effective Wingshooting Workshop at Duck Creek Conservation Area will have the opportunity to be evaluated on their wingshooting skills and gun fit during the all-day shooting event. (MDC photo)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will present an Effective Wingshooting workshop Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area.

“One complaint from hunters is that their shooting skills are inconsistent but they can’t determine the cause,” said Dee Dee Dockins, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist. 

This advanced shotgunning education program is designed first to evaluate wingshooters and identify problem areas. After evaluating these issues, modifications are applied to existing shooting techniques to improve wingshooting skills.  This course is designed for upland bird, waterfowl and turkey hunters.

“Most of the wingshooters had no formative shooting instruction.  Corrections to existing shooting techniques, gunfit, gun mount can make huge improvements resulting in more consistent performance in the field.  Taking fewer marginal shoots, spending less money on equipment and ammunition and most importantly reducing the wounding loss of the resource are paramount to being an ethical and successful hunter,” Dockins said.   Distance estimation, equipment and ammunition selection will also be topics covered in the course.

In addition to boosting wingshooting performance and conservation results, this training can help save money on expenses with fewer wasted shells, Dockins said.

Participants will have the opportunity to be evaluated on their wingshooting skills and gun fit during the all-day shooting event. Registered attenders should bring their hunting shotgun, choke tubes, nontoxic shotgun ammunition to pattern, eye and ear protection, a stool or chair, a sack lunch and drink. Clay targets, 12 and 20 gauge non-toxic practice ammunition will be provided.

Dockins said the course is free, but pre-registration is required since space is limited. Participants must be at least 15 years of age. The MDC’s Southeast Regional Office is taking registrations at (573)290-5730.

For information on other conservation related events in southeast Missouri, go online tomdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

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Effective wingshooting workshop offered for hunters in Boone County

Wingshooting clinic at the MDC Charles Green Conservation Area (CA) in Ashland. The workshop is free, but registration by August 7 is required.

The workshop is free, but registration by Aug. 7 is required.

COLUMBIA—Hunters have long been leaders in conservation, helping Missouri develop regulations, improve habitat, and control wildlife populations. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites migratory and upland bird hunters to hone their skills at an effective wingshooting clinic from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the MDC Charles Green Conservation Area (CA) in Ashland. The workshop is free, but registration by August 7 is required.

Participants will learn about wounding rates in waterfowl and performance differences of nontoxic vs. lead shot. Additionally, the clinic will cover how to select the best ammunition and choke for game birds and hunting conditions, how to sharpen shotgun shooting skills including improving range and target distance estimation, shotgun patterning, and how to pick the best load for your gun.  

“This workshop is an excellent opportunity for hunters to learn how to use nontoxic shot effectively and with confidence, which can reduce wounding loss, especially while waterfowl hunting,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. “In addition to boosting your wingshooting performance and range estimation skills, the Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter workshop can help you save money on expenses--fewer wasted shells mean more money in your pocket!”

The workshop will also help migratory and upland bird hunters improve their wingshooting skills, including effective use of shotgun shells with non-toxic alternatives to lead shot, such as steel shot. Lead is the most common material used in shotgun ammunition. Because lead shot has been found to poison waterfowl and eagles that feed on waterfowl, federal law requires duck and goose hunters to use nontoxic alternatives to lead shot.

Hunters should bring their shotguns, choke tubes and non-toxic ammunition if they wish to pattern their guns or practice skills. Also, they will need to bring eye and ear protection for use on a shooting range, and a stool or chair. Clay targets and non-toxic 12 and 20 gauge practice ammunition will be available.

This program is open to adults age 18 or over. To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/odra9xb or contact Flowers at 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

The Charles Green CA is located at 5611 E. Minor Hill Rd. For more information about this and other Discover Nature programs, go online to mdc.mo.gov/events.

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MDC offers Effective Wingshooting workshop in Southeast Missouri

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents an Effective Wingshooting workshop March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area. This course is designed for upland bird, waterfowl and turkey hunters and is an advanced shotgunning education program designed to evaluate wingshooters and identify problem areas.

“One of the complaints from hunters is that their shooting skills are inconsistent but they can’t determine the cause,” said DeeDee Dockins, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist. 

After evaluating shooting skills, modifications will be applied to existing shooting techniques to improve participants’ wingshooting skills. 

“Corrections to existing shooting techniques, gun fit, and gun mount can make huge improvements resulting in more consistent performance in the field,” Dockins said. “Taking fewer marginal shoots, spending less money on equipment and ammunition, and most importantly reducing the wounding loss of the resource are paramount to being an ethical and successful hunter.”

Distance estimation, equipment and ammunition selection will also be topics covered in the course. In addition to boosting wingshooting performance and conservation results, this training can help save money on expenses with fewer wasted shells, she said.

Registered attenders should bring their hunting shotgun, choke tubes, nontoxic shotgun ammunition to pattern, eye and ear protection, a stool or chair, a sack lunch and drink. Clay targets, 12 and 20 gauge non-toxic practice ammunition will be provided.

Dockins said the course is free, but registration is required since space is limited. The MDC’s Southeast Regional Office is taking registrations at (573) 290-5730. For information on other conservation related events in southeast Missouri, go online tomdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

Related articles

• Apply for MDC spring managed turkey hunts (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Share the Harvest deer meat helps feed hungry Missourians (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)