MDC invites public to learn about turkey hunting basics

Free clinics near Springfield and Lebanon will have tips for youths and adults.

Spring turkey hunting involves a variety of skills. Knowing how to locate a gobbler, call him into shotgun range, handling firearms in a safe fashion and knowing the regulations are all parts of a successful and safe hunt.

Hunters can learn more about the fundamentals of this popular spring pastime at two upcoming free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) clinics. Topics covered at these programs will include calling, locating, firearms safety, hunt preparation, identifying legal birds and improving your shooting skills. They will provide good preparation for those wishing to participate in Missouri’s youth-only turkey season, April 8-9, or the state’s regular spring turkey season, April 17-May 7.

“Turkey Hunting Basics” will be March 25 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Greene County west of Springfield. This program is from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and is for hunters of all ages. To register or to get more information on this program, call the Andy Dalton Range at 417-742-4361 or e-mail daltonrange@mdc.mo.gov. The Dalton Range is located near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61.

On April 6, a turkey hunting seminar will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Laclede County Electric Building auditorium, 1400 E. Route 66, in Lebanon. To register for this program, call 417-532-7612, ext. 6359.

More information about turkey hunting can be found at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.

Spring turkey hunting is a great way to add variety to the dinner table and, at the same time, enjoy the outdoors. People wanting to learn more about this popular pastime can attend free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) clinics at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range near Springfield in March or at the Laclede County Electric Building in Lebanon in April.