Events

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 .

Ages 11+

NO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP! This class is for those of you who wonder why... Why do different lots of the same brand of ammo shoot differently? Why is it important to shoot the same ammo you will hunt or practice with? Why do two of the same calibers of firearms shoot the same manufacturer’s ammunition differently? Why do bullets rise? These questions and much more will be discussed. Come and ask lots of WHY? questions! The class will begin at 8:00AM. THIS IS A NON-SHOOTING CLASS! However, bring your hunting rifle and ammo to practice what you have learned in this session. Anyonw under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Discover what the river has to offer you! Hands-on activities will teach you the importance of the Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands. This event is fun for the entire family featuring live river animals and free boat rides on the Mississippi with Missouri Department of Conservation river experts. Boat rides are first come, first served, and will take place between 10 am and 1:30 pm. This event is located at Riverfront Park depending on river levels.

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.

Our Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance, and safe storage. We start with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center.

Join George and Jan Serigos as they perform in their nature-related band, Wild Heart. Thier lighthearted music is sure to be a joy to all ages! If you have not had the chance to hear their presentation, you are in for a treat!

Music will be outdoors if weather permits. The nature center doors will open at 6 pm to give you an opportunity to explore the exhibits.

What a great way to spend an early October morning! Come join us for a delicious breakfast from a Dutch oven cooked over coals and learn how to make a tasty Dutch oven dessert for later. While we wait for the dessert to cook, there will be fun activities for the kids and adults. Bring your camp chairs and an appetite!

Ages 11+

NO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP! This class is for those of you who wonder why... Why do different lots of the same brand of ammo shoot differently? Why is it important to shoot the same ammo you will hunt or practice with? Why do two of the same calibers of firearms shoot the same manufacturer’s ammunition differently? Why do bullets rise? These questions and much more will be discussed. Come and ask lots of WHY? questions! The class will begin at 8:00AM. THIS IS A NON-SHOOTING CLASS! However, bring your hunting rifle and ammo to practice what you have learned in this session. Anyone under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Registration required (adults) This thru hike will be roughly 8 miles long through several neighborhoods in the city. The exact route will be determined by June. If accommodations are needed, please e-mail the instructor after registering and at least one week prior to the program.

Did you know Archery is one of the safest sports in which to participate? It is rated more accident-free than every ball sport except table tennis! This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of archery including safety rules, stance, equipment used, and, of course, how to shoot a bow and arrow. The instructors will also discuss the nomenclature of the bows and arrows. Join us for this fun and very informative class