MDC offers bowhunter education course at Jay Henges Shooting Range

HIGH RIDGE, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a bowhunter education course at its Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This free course will provide participants with the opportunity to become certified in bow-hunter safety.

The course will be offered over two evenings, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 12 and 13, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Attending both sessions is necessary to receive certification. It is open to anyone 11 years and older.

Though not required by statewide hunting regulations, achieving bowhunter education certification has a number of advantages. Many cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require that bowhunters be certified to participate. Many other states also require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in bow hunts in their state. Additionally, the course is an excellent refresher for veteran bowhunters. Topics covered during the class will include:

Bowhunter responsibility and ethics
How archery equipment works, bowhunting and tree-stand safety
Crossbow safety
Wildlife identification, game care, survival and first aid skills
Shot placement, game recovery, trailing and field dressing
Awareness about wildlife conservation and management
Rules and information unique to Missouri

This class is an International Bowhunter Education Foundation (IBEF)/ National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) course and recognized by all states.

For more information on the class, call 314-301-1500. Participants must register by going to https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/104209.

Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located off the I-44 Antire/Beaumont Road exit at 1100 Antire Road in High Ridge.