OUTDOOR CORNER: CLINICS AVAILABLE TO HELP PREPARE FOR FALL HUNTING

Fact: There are only four more days remaining in the month of September.

If you hunt in Missouri, then that fact is significant. It means that teal season is over (as of sunset today). It means that dove season closes at sunset on Thursday, September 30, only to reopen on November 1.

It also means that it is time to start preparing for the wide variety of hunting seasons that are scheduled to open in the next few weeks.

Friday morning, Oct. 1, marks the start of Missouri's's archery deer and turkey hunting season. October is also the month when waterfowl season begins in much of the state. If that's not enough to keep you busy, then how about fall firearms turkey season which opens Oct. 11 and runs through Oct. 24. Firearms deer season is less than seven weeks away and opens on Nov. 13.

We will discuss many of these seasons, in detail, in future columns. This week we will talk about a couple of opportunities that are available to Southeast Missouri residents: a Youth Waterfowl Clinic and Sight-In Day for firearms deer hunters.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will conduct its annual Southeast Missouri Youth Waterfowl Hunt Clinic. The clinic is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Duck Creek Conservation Area on Highway 51, north of Puxico.

The clinic is designed to provide a quality learning and waterfowl hunting experience for the youth of Missouri. Requirements for youth participants include the following: must be between the ages of 11 and 15; must be (or be able to become) Hunter Education certified prior to the actual hunt; and must have a parent or guardian attend the clinic with them.

Interested parties may call (573)290-5730 and ask to register for the clinic. Participants must supply their name, address, phone number, age, proof of hunter education, parent or guardian's name, and whether they need a loaner shotgun or waders (include shoe size). MDC will provide shotguns, waders and guides for those drawn to participate in the hunt.

Hunts will be held at Duck Creek, Ten Mile Pond and Otter Slough Conservation Areas. A special drawing will be held to select hunt participants, if necessary.

A parent or guardian must attend both the clinic and the hunt, but will not be allowed to shoot during the hunt. Class size is limited to 40 youth. The clinic involves both indoor/outdoor activities, and will be held rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Participants must supply their own lunch (brown bag). Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotguns (12 or 20 guage), and the guns must be unloaded and cased.

Classroom topics include: waterfowl hunting traditions and ethics; waterfowl appreciation and identification; hunting strategies and actual shooting practice.

On a different note, Apple Creek Conservation Area will be the site of the first annual Sight-In Day for firearms deer hunters. On Saturday, Oct. 16, the shooting range will be staffed by volunteer Hunter Education instructors from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The instructors will provide paper targets and the use of spotting scopes at no charge. Perhaps even more valuable will be their availability to assist shooters with sight adjustment and familiarization with their firearms. Apple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County three miles east of New Wells on State Highway CC.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.