In our state of Missouri, we have a unique landscape for the men and women who enjoy hunting and other sporting activities, from our flowing rivers to rolling hills lined with greenery. As a state senator from a rural district in Missouri, I understand and appreciate the rich tradition of spending time with friends and family outdoors. There’s nothing quite like the bonding experience of teaching your son or daughter how to set up camp or seeing them catch their first fish.

Participating in outdoor activities is not only fun for the family, but strengthens our economy, as well. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri is home to 600,000 hunters, and hunting contributes more than $1.4 billion of economic impact to the state. In addition, it supports more than 24,000 jobs. Whether you’ve lived in our state for a lifetime or have just recently named Missouri home, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves, pack a backpack, and enjoy some time outside.

The MDC hosts various seminars throughout the year to encourage citizens to spend some time out in nature. Not only do these workshops teach families about various activities in which they can participate, but instructs citizens on how to keep themselves safe. Here are some workshops scheduled by MDC for you and your family to enjoy.

Orienteering Clinic for Women
Saturday, Feb. 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Springfield, Mo.

Guests have the opportunity to learn the basics of using a compass and topographic maps during the indoor portion of this program. After lunch, ladies can test their newfound orienteering skills at Compton Hollow Conservation Area. Guests need to bring a sack lunch and water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The hike is approximately four miles and of moderate difficulty. This program is for women only; girls ages 12 to 17 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult female. Please call (417) 888-4237 for more information.

Deer Management Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Marshfield, Mo.

Landowners and property managers have the opportunity to attend a white-tail deer management workshop. The workshop will cover food plots and green browse to attract deer, the benefits of timber stand improvements, and using warm-season grass plantings for bedding and browse. MDC staff will demonstrate how to remove jawbones and incisors to determine the age of a deer and diseases affecting deer will be discussed. Attendees are encouraged to bring their photos of deer to discuss estimating the age and antler scores for deer. Dinner will be provided for guests. Please call Matt Curry at (417) 468-4176 (ext. 110) for more information. 

I hope this information will encourage you to go outside and connect with nature. I will continue to keep my constituents updated with MDC workshops as they come up in the schedule. As always, thank you for your interest in the well-being of the state of Missouri.