Powder Valley gears up for hunting seasons with free workshop

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News from the region
Saint Louis
Published Date
07/29/2011
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Kirkwood, Mo – Most hunters are keenly aware that Missouri’s major hunting seasons are right around the corner. To help prepare hunters to get the most out of their time afield, the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will host a Discover Nature: Hunting Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“Conservation makes our state a great place to hunt and trap,” said MDC Powder Valley Naturalist Terri Eggers. “That’s why we are providing this hunting workshop.” Eggers is organizing the workshop, which will be geared for both beginners and seasoned hunters alike. “Everyone can benefit from attending the program,” she said.

The hunting workshop will feature experts on a variety of hunting-related topics, as well as booths participants can visit to gather information on improving hunting skills. Topics will also include the growing sport of trapping.

Presentations will be:

9:30 a.m. – Duck Hunting where experienced duck hunters Fred McCall and Tom McCrackin from Ducks Unlimited will share their helpful techniques for success in the duck blind.

10:15 a.m. – Trapping with Doren Miller from Miller Fur Company of Clarksville who will conduct a discussion to help those interested in pursuing the sport of trapping.

11:00 a.m. – Taxidermy with taxidermist Marcus Deitring of Art Tech Studios in Farmington who will discuss how to prepare an animal in the field for the best quality mounts and furs. Caring for mounts and pelts will also be presented.

11:45 a.m. – Game Calling with expert caller Jake Hindman of MDC who will demonstrate effective ways to call in game.

Information booths will be open during the entire workshop. They will be staffed by representatives from Ducks Unlimited, Big Game Hunters Inc., The Missouri Trappers Association and the Quality Deer Management Association.

Eggers said hunting is a vital conservation tool to help keep Missouri’s wildlife populations balanced and healthy and would like to see the workshop engage a variety of hunters.

“I hope the beginners go away with excitement to begin their hunting experiences,” said Eggers, “and that seasoned hunters go away with new techniques to use in the field.”

The workshop is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested by calling 314-301-1500. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located in Kirkwood at 11715 Cragwold Road, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.

The Discover Hunting: Hunting Workshop is part of Powder Valley's 20th Anniversary Celebration. The Nature Center will continue to feature special events each month this year to commemorate the anniversary.