For young hunters who want to experience something different—or for those who want to see if hunting is a hobby they might enjoy—the Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation is offering a free, two-day clinic and hunt in Urich on December 16th and 17th.
The event is open to all, no matter their level of hunting and firearms skills; beginners especially are invited to apply. “It’s ideal for those who want to learn how to hunt,” says MHHF executive director Colton Zirkle. “We want to create the next generation of Missouri hunters, and this clinic is a great way to start.”
The clinic is intended to give youth who think they might like hunting a chance to experience it in a safe environment. The first day is oriented toward the skills needed for waterfowl hunting, including firearm safety. A supervised live-fire session will be held afterwards.
The second day will be a mentored waterfowl hunt.
The clinic will be held at Duckhorn Outdoors in Urich. It is sponsored by the MHHF and the Department of Conservation. “What we are trying to do,” says Colton Zirkle, executive director of MHHF, “is ensure that first-time hunters have a good experience. Our goal is to create the next generation of Missouri hunters.”
The Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation is a group of volunteers who are dedicated to introducing youth and their families to the outdoors in a responsible and safe fashion. It holds several clinics during the year covering many of the hunting opportunities in Missouri.
Each participant must have completed either the Missouri Department of Conservation hunter education course or the completed book. There is an online course: www.hunter-ed.com/missouri, The MDC will mail hunter’s education books for free, or one can be picked up at the Clinton office at 2010 S. Second Street.
The clinic is open to youth from 11 to 19. Each participant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must attend all of the two-day course. There is a refundable $20 registration fee. Participation is limited to the first six applicants.
For youth who are new to hunting, and aren’t equipped, the clinic will supply a shotgun and ammunition and can provide waders for those who have none. However, all participants should bring weather-appropriate clothing—think camouflage here—and since the hunting portion will be a blind over water, the chances are it will be cold in the morning if not all day.
Hunters will also learn how to process the waterfowl that are taken during the hunt.
For those who can’t attend the clinic, there is a hunting and goose-hunt clinic scheduled for January 20th and 21st in Harrisonville.
Registration forms for both clinics can be found online at www.mhhf.us/clinics.
