Since MHHF’s first Hunter Education Clinic in 2007, 593 families have been introduced to Missouri’s outdoor way of life and hunting traditions.
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. (MHHF), a 501(c)(3) organization, celebrated its 100th Youth Hunter Education Clinic the weekend of April 9, 2022. Six families participated in the Clinic, which included a mentored turkey hunt. Since its first official Clinic in 2007, MHHF has introduced 593 families to Missouri’s outdoor way of life and hunting traditions.
The idea behind MHHF developed in the spring of 2006. Motivated to action by reports of students graduating from hunter education classes and never experiencing their first hunt, a handful of Missouri’s volunteer instructors organized a turkey hunt for five youth. Mentoring youth on their first hunt was a gratifying experience for these volunteer instructors and that led to three additional events that year.
In 2007, the youth hunts evolved and expanded into “clinics” that included the classroom course, a live-fire session, a mentored hunt, and a group meal, all conducted in a single weekend. Shortly after that, MHHF was incorporated as a 501(c)(3).
“It’s coincidence that our first youth hunt was for turkey and our 100th Clinic was also turkey,” says co-founder and past president Lee Vogel. “What’s not coincidence is the growth of MHHF and the commitment of our sponsors and volunteers.”
Each year, on average, more than 35 volunteers share approximately 1,000 hours supporting MHHF’s mission to “pass along Missouri’s hunting heritage in the best and safest way possible.”
"We're fortunate that we have the support of many like-minded individuals and partners who recognize the importance of getting youth outdoors," says MHHF President Stacie Hubler.
This year several organizations have confirmed the value of MHHF either through grants or other types of recognition. This includes:
MHHF received a David A. Risberg Grant for the 4th consecutive year. This grant, which awards money in honor of David A. Risberg, helps fund projects that CFM believes will have a lasting impact on the lives of Missourians for years to come.
The Peculiar Charitable Foundation sponsored four MHHF Clinics.
The Friends of NRA, which supports the shooting sports, issued a grant to MHHF.
"We appreciate their support, and that of all our sponsors, members and volunteers. It's because of them that we're able to achieve the milestone of our 100th Clinic," says Hubler.
Acknowledging MHHF's contribution to the outdoor way of life, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) recently recognized MHHF as the CFM Conservation Organization of the Year. "This recognition is the result of MHHF’s continued efforts to be a strong promoter of the outdoors in Missouri," say CFM executive director Tyler Schwartze.
While MHHF Clinics are intended to introduce youth to hunting, the result often exceeds the goal. "The concept behind our clinic model is more than just getting kids outdoors," says Vogel. "We see this as an opportunity for families to connect with each other while they learn about hunting and the shooting sports together. Few things can create a family bond better than time spent in the field anticipating the first harvest of the season."
MHHF Clinics are held several weekends a year, and are all free of charge to each student. Click for more information about upcoming Clinics. Photos of prior clinics.
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MHHF is a 501(c)(3) service-oriented organization of volunteers who are passionate about Missouri's hunting history. MHHF introduces youth to an outdoor way of life featuring our hunting tradition, the shooting sports and the enjoyment of being in Missouri's natural landscape. Through education and hands-on training, youth learn how to safely handle firearms, gain an understanding of wildlife conservation and are introduced to the many enjoyable aspects of Missouri's hunting heritage.
Clinics are conducted throughout the year during Missouri's hunting and trapping seasons. Classroom courses and clinic activities are tailored to match the seasons. Hunter education, bowhunter education, and trapper education classroom courses are each taught by volunteer instructor members of MHHF certified by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).