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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MDC offers Effective Wingshooting classes in KC area

Improve game harvest with sharpened shotgun skills and shot shell knowledge

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter courses in the Kansas City and Warrensburg areas. These courses help shotgun hunters improve shooting skills, understand shot shell loads and choke patterns, estimate range, and understand the benefits of nontoxic shot.

   Registration is now open for an Effective Wingshooting course 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the University of Central Missouri Shooting Range, 454 S.E. Division St., in Warrensburg. The course is free but limited to 20 participants. Registration closesSept. 13. Refreshments will be provided but participants are on the own for lunch. For more information or to register, call 660-530-5500.

   MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range in Jackson County will offer a two-day Effective Wingshooting course on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The course is free but pre-registration is required. Registration opens Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 26. The Oct. 2 session will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the range, 28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner, Mo. On Oct. 3, the session will be from 8 to 11:30 a.m. To register, call 816-294-3194.

   Participants in Effective Wingshooting must bring their own shotguns and choke tubes. They can bring hunting ammunition if they wish to test patterns. MDC will provide nontoxic steel shot free of charge. The courses will including shooting on trap ranges.

   For more information on Effective Wingshooting course benefits and class schedules, visithttp://on.mo.gov/1Lg89Y3. Missouri is a great place to hunt and for information on upcoming autumn hunting seasons, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.

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