MDC offers online firearms class for beginners July 29

Participants will learn the basics and proper loading of firearms with multiple types of actions during this free virtual program.

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Learning the safe and proper use of firearms can enable one to enjoy a full range of hunting and recreational shooting activities. There are several different types of actions used by a variety of firearms, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when just starting out with shooting sports.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents Semi-automatics and Other Actions: Loading 101, an online program to help new shooters sort out how different kinds of firearms work. This free virtual program will be held Wednesday, July 29 from 6-7 p.m.

This virtual class is for anyone just getting into hunting, considering shooting sports, or is simply curious about how to load a firearm. It will cover how to properly load and unload various handguns, rifles, and shotguns, including semi-automatics, revolvers, a bolt action, and more. The class will touch on the difference between magazines and clips as well as the main parts of a firearm.

At the end of the program, there will be a chance for participants to submit their questions via chat during a Q&A session.  

Semi-automatics and Other Actions: Loading 101 is a free program, but online pre-registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8H. An e-mail will be sent out to all registered participants prior to the program with the link to join in virtually.

MDC offers many free educational programs in the St. Louis region to help people discover nature, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Stay informed by going to the MDC St. Louis reginal events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

Free outdoor skills event for youth

Participants get hands-on help with archery, trap shooting, fishing and other skills at the J.A.K.E.S. Outdoor Event in Warrensburg.

Instruction and equipment for fishing and shooting provided at Warrensburg event

Warrensburg, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Stealth Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will offer a free outdoor skills event for youth 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the University of Central Missouri Trap and Skeet Range.

   MDC staff and volunteers will provide instruction on outdoor activities such as fishing, trap shooting, shotgun patterning, game calling, archery and more. Shotguns and ammunition will be provided, but youths are also welcome to bring their own firearms. Lunch and door prizes will be provided. The trap and skeet range is just west of 501 Road and Division Road near Warrensburg.

   This event is an excellent chance to introduce youths ages 8 to 17 to outdoor sports. Participants ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required by Aug. 12. To register or for more information, call 660-530-5500.

   MDC connects people with nature. This J.A.K.E.S. Outdoors event is an annual partnership between MDC and the Stealth Gobblers Chapter. The acronym stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship.

MDC offers Youth Basic Rifle Marksmanship course

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a Youth Basic Rifle Marksmanship course for ages 8 and 9.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host a Youth Basic Rifle Marksmanship course for ages 11 to 15 June 8 and 9.

“This is a hands-on opportunity for these young hunters to expand their learning from the Hunter Education classroom to the range and the field,” said DeeDee Dockins, MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist.

Hunter Education certification is a prerequisite for anyone attending this course, she said.

“This comprehensive rifle basics course will zero in on learning the proper rifle shooting fundamentals from skilled instructors so novice shooters can improve their shot,” Dockins said.

The first night of the course will be held at the nature center and cover principles of rifle design, metallic ammunition, ballistics, shooting positions and field hunting. The second night will be held at Apple Creek Shooting Range where participants will shoot rimfire and centerfire rifles, learn how to sight in rifles and practice range safety. Dockins said each participant is required to have an adult guardian present with them at all times throughout the course. Firearms and ammunition will be provided.

“We’re excited to offer this further level of education to these young hunters,” Dockins said. “It’s an important part of our mission to help them discover nature through hunting and to continue the rich tradition of hunting.”

Registration is required by June 6 for this program by calling 573-290-5218. For information on this and other programs hosted by the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.