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WILLIAMSBURG, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites new youth deer hunters to apply for a free mentored deer hunt in Callaway County Oct. 30–31.
Participants will learn about deer biology and habitat, hunting safety, use of camouflage, ammunition and firearm selection, how to improve hunting and shooting skills, as well as regulations, and methods.
Saturday morning, prior to hunting, participants will have a chance to spend time on the range together to work on safe firearm handling, equipment familiarization, identification, and sighting-in their rifles.
Each youth participant must be accompanied at the hunt by a parent or adult guardian who will hunt together with an experienced hunting mentor provided by MDC. MDC will provide firearms and ammunition, but participants are welcome to bring their own cased and unloaded firearms if they wish.
“This is a great opportunity for new youth hunters to learn and experience deer hunting in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere,” said MDC Conservation Educator Rhys McCracken. “Missouri is a great place to hunt, and participating youth will have a great chance at harvesting their first white-tail deer. Deer hunting is a lifelong activity and something you can share with friends and family, as well as putting great food on the table.”
Participation in the hunt is limited to youths age 11–15 years old at the time of the hunt, who have never Telechecked a deer.
Youth who have not completed their hunter education certification are still eligible for this hunt, but they must be in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult mentor who is hunter education certified. First-time hunters chosen for the hunt must purchase a Youth Firearms Any-Deer Permit for $8.50. To purchase or learn more about permits, visit mdc.mo.gov/permits/hunting-permits.
Space is limited for this mentored hunting opportunity. To attend, participants must apply no later than Oct. 15. To apply, contact McCracken by email at Rhys.McCracken@mdc.mo.gov and request an application form.
Scheduled plans are subject to change according to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To help ensure public health and safety, MDC asks all participants to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate.
MDC Discover Nature programs, such as this workshop, aim to help Missourians explore nature and master outdoor skills together. To learn more about other Discover Nature programs, visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/. For more information about this youth deer clinic and mentored hunt, contact McCracken at (573) 815-7901, ext. 2866.
