What we do

The Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation (MHHF) is a service-oriented organization committed to preserving Missouri’s outdoor traditions by connecting youth with the natural world. Through hunting, shooting sports, and conservation-focused activities, we introduce young people to a way of life that fosters respect, responsibility, and a lasting love for the outdoors.

At the heart of MHHF is a dedicated network of members and volunteers who give their time and knowledge, not for recognition or compensation, but to serve a greater purpose. Our members organize and lead hands-on hunts, skill-building clinics, and educational events that reflect the values of ethical hunting and land stewardship. We welcome and support all legal, ethical hunting methods and believe every experience in the field is an opportunity to teach, inspire, and build character.

We believe that the next generation plays a vital role in protecting Missouri’s natural heritage. Through immersive education and real-world training, youth learn how to safely handle firearms, understand wildlife conservation, and participate in the traditions that have shaped Missouri’s identity for generations.

By investing in young hunters today, we’re preserving more than a pastime—we’re protecting a way of life.

Young woman being shown how to properly use a shotgun before the squirrel hunt
A young boy and his mentor with his harvested buck from the mentored youth deer hunt in Missouri

Purpose

The Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation (MHHF) exists to introduce youth and their families to the hunting experience.

We believe these shared moments in the field create stronger families, build lasting values, and foster a deeper connection to the land. By engaging both kids and parents, we’re not only passing down skills—we’re preserving a culture rooted in community, stewardship, and a love for the outdoors.

A group of kids being shown how to properly handle a shotgun by a mentor prior to their guided turkey hunt
A mentor adding face paint to a boy's face prior to their waterfowl hunt.

Mission

The Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation (MHHF) introduces youth to an outdoor way of life that features hunting and the shooting sports through free, weekend clinics. In this way we pass along Missouri’s hunting heritage in the best and safest way possible.

Our mission is carried out through free, weekend clinics designed to be accessible, educational, and immersive. These clinics offer youth the opportunity to learn safe firearm handling, ethical hunting practices, and outdoor skills—all under the guidance of experienced mentors. By removing financial barriers and focusing on hands-on learning, we ensure that every young person has the chance to experience the outdoors and become part of Missouri’s hunting legacy.

Mentors helping a young man with his shooting off the deck.
A mentor showing a young man how to properly place his arrow on a crossbow in the hunting blind.

Vision

We look to the future with one clear goal: to create Missouri’s next generation of hunters.

By fostering curiosity, confidence, and respect for the natural world, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re shaping lifelong conservationists and responsible outdoorsmen and women. Our vision is a Missouri where the hunting tradition continues to thrive because today’s youth are prepared to lead it forward.

A mentor and two kids waiting in their natural blind during a teal hunt.
A group of kids and their mentors with their dog before a fall chukar hunt.

Values

Our work is grounded in the values of safety, consistency, integrity, and ethics.

These principles guide every decision we make—from how we train mentors to how we teach youth in the field. We uphold the highest standards to ensure every participant not only learns the skills of hunting, but also understands the responsibility and respect that come with it. These values are the foundation of the legacy we aim to pass on.