Events

Clay target shooting is a fun and exciting way to further your shotgun shooting knowledge. We will spend time talking about the 5-stand sporting clays. We will be talking about the different birds that are thrown and how to shoot them. We will go over hold points, break points, forward allowance, and many more of the mechanics as it pertains to 5-stand sporting clay shooting. This program is not for the beginning shotgun shooter as it is an intermediate level program so unless you are beyond the basics in shotgunning this program is not for you. We will provide 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

We will discuss the correct shot placement on North American game animals along with the correct safety protocol, used when shooting on a 3D archery range. We will shoot a variety of game animal targets, from the ground and from an elevated tower. This class will enable you to master those tough shots when shooting at large game animals. This program is not for the beginning archery shooter as it is an intermediate level program, so unless you are beyond the basics in archery this program is not for you.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 28 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.

At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 30. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 and Zone 3 fishing areas will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF)- Each year on the forth Saturday in September we celebrate NHF day by providing one free hour of shooting on the rifle/pistol range, shotgun patterning range, or the archery range and for shotgun shooters we allow one free round of trap or skeet. Bring your own firearms and ammunition to participate and regular check in, hours, and fees apply for other hours/rounds needed.

Learn the basics of hunting a whitetail deer. We will cover scouting, setup, taking the shot and much more.

Learn the basics of hunting a whitetail deer. We will cover scouting, setup, taking the shot and much more.

Join us to learn the basics of safely loading and shooting a modern in-line muzzle loading rifle. We will discuss all aspects of loading, shooting, and cleaning. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Discover the joys of shooting one of the all-time favorite rifles–the .22 rifle. We will discuss rifle nomenclature, dominant eye, sight picture, sight alignment, breath control, trigger squeeze, shooting positions, plus much more. We will provide rifles and ammunition for those who do not have one. If you plan to use your own, bring a minimum of 50 rounds of new ammunition for your firearm. Make sure all firearms are unloaded before arriving at the range. There should be no live ammunition, or uncased firearms inside the classroom. Please leave all firearms in the vehicle until the class is dismissed including all concealed carry handguns and magazines.

Ever wonder what people mean when they say their deer scored 170? Have you wanted to know if harvest was a trophy setting animal? Join us for this class to learn how to score your harvest and what animals can be scored. This class does not qualify you to become a scorer yourself, an official scorer must score your animal to be eligible for any record setting.

Ever wonder what people mean when they say their deer scored 170? Have you wanted to know if harvest was a trophy setting animal? Join us for this class to learn how to score your harvest and what animals can be scored. This class does not qualify you to become a scorer yourself, an official scorer must score your animal to be eligible for any record setting.