The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is hosting a final hunter education skills session in Jefferson City on November 12, providing a last-minute opportunity for residents to meet certification requirements just two days before the start of the state’s November firearms deer season.
Final Certification Steps Before the November Opener
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the clock is ticking toward the November 14 start date of Missouri’s firearms deer hunting season, which runs through November 24. As reported by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the upcoming skills session at the Runge Nature Center on November 12 serves as the mandatory final step for those seeking to complete their hunter education certification. The session is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the facility located at 330 Commerce Drive.
This event is specifically designed for participants ages 11 and older. According to coverage from KOMU, the session is free to attend, though registration is strictly required. Attendees are requested to arrive at least 15 minutes before the 5:00 PM start time to complete the registration process. In the event of a cancellation, participants will be notified via email or phone.
Meeting the Knowledge Requirement
The skills session is only Part Two of the certification process. Before stepping foot into the Runge Nature Center, participants must have already completed the “knowledge portion” of the course. There are two primary ways to satisfy this prerequisite:
- Complete the online version of the course, which requires a fee.
- Fill out the student manual chapter review questions, which is available at no cost.
Those opting for the manual route must bring their completed booklet to the session for instructor review. Students must also bring their skills session qualifier certificate if applicable. Student manuals can be obtained at any MDC office, and further information regarding these materials or the online knowledge portion is available at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCt. As noted by JCMO Today, students who are 16 or older and have already finished the all-online hunter education course are considered fully certified and do not need to attend this in-person skills component. For those who do attend, parents or guardians are welcome to accompany their children without needing to register themselves.
Request Accommodations Through the MDC Portal
The MDC maintains a policy of accessibility across its regional facilities and nature centers. Individuals requiring specific accommodations to participate in this or other MDC programs can review available options through the MDC accessibility portal.
