MDC offers women and youth pheasant hunting clinic Feb. 16

St. CHARLES, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering the opportunity for women and youth to discover upland gamebird hunting at the Youth and Women Pheasant Hunt. The program will introduce new hunters to the sport with the emphasis on ring-necked pheasants.

The program begins with a classroom clinic at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area classroom adjacent to the visitor center on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.   Participants will then take to the field for the hunt itself, hosted at the Missouri Gun and Quail Club located in Wright City.  The youth hunt will occur on Saturday, Feb. 25, and the women hunt on Saturday, March 4.

“The clinic will cover some biology, firearm handling, and how to clean the birds.  We’ll even give participants some recipes to help them prepare the pheasants for eating,” said Bryant Hertel, MDC Busch Outdoor Education Center manager.  He also added that the hunt itself would be a great way for first-timers to sample the sport of upland bird hunting.

The hunt is open to youth age 11-15 and women age 15 and up.  All participants must be Hunter Education certified and have not attended the program in the past.  The guided hunt is for first-time participants only.  Participants must also attend the clinic to attend the hunt, and should have some familiarity with shotgun handling.

“This is an excellent chance for women and youth who want to get introduced to hunting to do it in a supportive, safe and controlled environment,” Hertel said.

The clinic and hunt are both free.  However, advanced registration is required by calling 636-441-4554.  The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, approximately two miles west of Highway 94 in St. Charles. For more information on upcoming events in the St. Louis area, go online at mdc.mo.gov.