PUXICO, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a free Warmup Sporting Clays Shoot for hunters Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Duck Creek Conservation Area on Hwy 51 north of Puxico.
“This year, we’re aiming to provide opportunity for duck hunters to practice shooting clay targets in scenarios that mimic types of shots they may encounter while waterfowl hunting,” said Dee Dee Dockins, MDC outdoor skills specialist. “They’ll use different types of blinds and layout boats as part of this event.”
Hunters will have the opportunity to shoot 25 clays at five different stations. In addition to the sporting clays course, there will be a distance estimation course, game retrieval, wing identification and a patterning station. Expert staff will coach hunters and provide information about duck hunting.
Hunters are asked to bring their firearms unloaded and cased with nontoxic ammunition. Shotguns will be available to borrow if needed. Ammunition will be provided to youths 15 years of age and younger free of charge. Duck calls will also be given to youth hunters.
“There is no other course set up like this in southeast Missouri,” Dockins said. “Our goal is to help hunters hit these targets consistently on the course and reduce crippling loss of waterfowl in the field.”
Dockins said participants will enjoy camaraderie, shared adventures, and excitement.
No registration is required for this free event. Hunters 16 and over must bring their own nontoxic ammunition. For more information about waterfowl hunting in Missouri, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov. For more information about this event, call MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730.
