MDC to hold hunter education course in Stockton

The Missouri Department of Conservation will conduct a Hunter Education Skills course on Oct. 16, at the Stockton United Methodist Church. Hunters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1967 and are 16 or older must successfully complete an approved hunter-education course to qualify to buy firearms hunting permits. Class size is limited to 25 and certification is limited to those students 11 years of age or older.

The hunter education course now consists of two parts. Step 1 is acquiring the necessary knowledge about hunting equipment, safety and ethics. This can be done one of three ways:

1. Completing a convenient online course that provides information in written form augmented with illustrations, graphs, audio, videos and interactive animation or

2. Obtaining a student manual online at mdc.mo.gov/node/23045 or by calling or visiting one of the Conservation Department offices and completing the course at your own pace or

3. Registering for and attending a four-hour instructor-led classroom session.

After completing Step 1, hunters can obtain their certification by attending a four-hour skills session that fits their schedule. This session will consist of instructor-led, hands-on exercises designed to help students put their knowledge into practice. After the session, students take a 35-question exam.

This course will only offer an instructor-led skills session and exam from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. You must preregister at mdc.mo.gov. Individuals must have completed Step1 prior to the Skills Course. Those completing the online method or home study need to bring certification of the completed course or book with completed review questions. For question please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation office in El Dorado Springs, at 417-876-5226 or me, Derek Farwell at 417-830-6162.