Enjoy springtime with MDC’s new Beginning Hunting, Angling, and Shooting Programs for St. Louis region in May

St. LOUIS, Mo.-The hardest part of taking on something new can often be taking the first step. If that "something new" has anything to do with hunting, fishing, or shooting sports, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to extend a helping hand throughout 2024.

MDC is offering off A Year of New Beginnings in Hunting, Angling and Shooting, a special series of free programs during 2024 designed to help newcomers get an easy, fun, and safe start in outdoor recreation. Each class is taught by MDC experts and tailored to the needs of beginners. Every month, MDC will announce a new set of programs geared specifically to the season at hand.

Featured programs during the month of May include:

• Hunting
  • Hunter Education Skills Session:May 6, from 5 - 8 p.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range
  • Hunter Education Skills Session:May 15, from 6 - 9 p.m. at Powder Valley Nature Center
• Angling
  • Learn to Fish: Introduction to Fly Tying:May 2, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, & Proper Fish Handling:May 2, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot & Bait a Hook:May 18, from 9 - 11 a.m. at Suson Park - Rearing Pond
  • Discover Nature - Fishing Lesson 3 & 4: Intro to Pond Life and Fishing with Lures:May 30, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Forest Park Hatchery
• Shooting
  • Shotgun: Introduction to Trap Shooting:May 7, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at August A. Busch Shooting Range
  • Atlatl: Learn Atlatl:May 13, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range
  • Handgun: Beginning Handgun:May 20, from 6 - 9 p.m. at Jay Henges Shooting Range

MDC will supply needed equipment for all classes. Each program is free; however, online preregistration is required using the links provided.

"Our St. Louis Education team is excited to highlight programs each month for 2024 on hunting, shooting, and angling," said Jake Hindman, MDC Education District Supervisor. "While these programs are designed for beginners and will be introductory in nature, anyone is welcome to attend."

For the latest on MDC programs and events in the St. Louis region, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4sg.