Several hunter education skills sessions in central Missouri
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to finish their hunter education certification in Central Missouri this September. This training session is the final step to becoming hunter education certified, and the class is designed for participants ages 11 and older. MDC staff will be hosting several events throughout the month.
● Sept. 12 in Moberly from 6 to10 p.m.. This skills session will be held in the Randolph County Extension Office located at 509 W. Reed Street. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4v8.
● Sept. 25 in Jefferson City from 5 to 9 p.m.. This skills session will be held at Runge Conservation Nature Center at 330 Commerce Drive. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4vB.
● Sept. 25 in Columbia from 5:30-9:30 p.m.. This skills session will be held at the Boone County Nature School at 8989 S. Tom Bass Road. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4vV.
Prior to attending the class, participants will need to complete the knowledge portion of the certification process. To do so, participants can either complete the online version for a fee or fill out the student manual chapter review questions. Those who choose to fill out the student manual chapter review questions will need to bring the booklet to the event for the instructor to review at no cost. The online knowledge portion and information about the student manuals can be found on MDC’s website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCt. Student manuals are also available at any MDC office.
Learn more about hunter education in Missouri at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCt.
Art of navigating by map and compass
Knowing how to navigate through the woods and countryside is an important skill for outdoor adventurers. GPS technology is very helpful, but what happens when the batteries die? There’s no substitute for the tried-and-true map and compass and mastering the art of orienteering.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is presenting an Orienteering class Wednesday, Sep. 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The program is free and open to those ages ten and above and will be held at Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area just outside Washington.
The compass is an excellent tool for hikers, hunters, and others who travel into the field. It can help travelers reach their destination, identify their location, and map a route. Attendees will learn how to do all three at this hands-on orienteering program. It will cover the parts of a compass and how to properly hold one for an accurate reading. How do the compass points relate to cardinal directions? What’s the difference between true north and magnetic north? Why does it matter? These are some of the questions the class will address.
Participants will then put their new skills into action with practical navigation activities using a compass, which will be a treasure hunt for free giveaways. This event will take place outdoors, so attendees should have proper footwear, plenty of water, and prepare for the weather.
This Orienteering class is a free program, but advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4vL. All planning to attend the event should register separately. Children younger than 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
To reach Caldwell Memorial Wildlife Area from Washington, take Highway 47 south 1.5 miles, then Bieker Road south two miles.
Trapping clinic planned for Oct. 4-5
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Trappers Association will hold a free two-day trapping seminar from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 7 a.m. to noon on Oct. 5 at the Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area in Lawrence County. Part of the class will consist of instruction and part will be hands-on practice.
People attending this workshop will have an opportunity to gain a fundamental knowledge of trapping. Topics covered will include learning about the types of traps used today, trap setting, regulations, skinning, and complete fur handling. The entire class will be taught outside so people should dress for the weather. Participants should gather at the Talbot Area shop, which is located at 7031 Highway 96.
Preregistration is required because class size is limited to 50. Individuals can register at:
They can also register by contacting Lawrence County Conservation Agent Andy Barnes at 417-461-4586 or at Andrew.Barnes@mdc.mo.gov.
Trapping information can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.
Cooking in Nature class being offered Sept. 18
Cooking outdoors is a great compliment to many other outdoor activities. Whether camping, fishing, hunting, or enjoying a backyard night out, many people feel food simply tastes better when it’s cooked outdoors.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a class that will help take the mystery out of cooking outdoors. MDC will hold a Cooking in Nature class on Thursday, Sep. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Rockwoods Reservation. The program is free and open to ages 5 and up. Children younger than fifteen years of age should be accompanied by an adult.
The class will focus on simple fire-making methods, cooking utensils, food options, and feature a cooking demonstration. The emphasis of the course will be on using a basic backpacking wood stove. Toward the end of the program, participants will have the chance to get hands-on experience with the skills they learn in the class, and to sample oatmeal and hot chocolate made outdoors.
There’s certainly an ambiance that can’t be found inside, and this program will add another element to any outdoor experience.
Cooking in Nature is a free class; however, advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4v6. All those planning to attend the event should register separately. As this class will be held outdoors, participants should dress for the weather.
Rockwoods Reservation is located at 2751 Glencoe Road, off Highway 109 between I-44 and Highway 100.
Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4sg.
