Clinics
The Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation’s Hunter Education Clinic offers youth a safe and structured introduction to the outdoor lifestyle, with a focus on hunting and the shooting sports.
These free clinics are designed for youth ages 11 to 19 (occasionally 11-15) who are new to hunting and may not have someone to guide them into the outdoors.
Each participant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the full weekend, creating an opportunity for families to share the experience together.
Our clinics provide a safe, structured, and ethical introduction to an outdoor way of life centered around hunting and the shooting sports. No prior certification or experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and explore.
UPCOMING CLINICS
Experience the thrill of your first deer hunt while learning the foundations of safe, ethical hunting. Our Youth Hunter’s Education Clinic & Mentored Deer Hunt pairs classroom instruction with real-time, in-the-field mentorship—perfect for young, first-time hunters ready to take their first step into Missouri’s hunting tradition.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake, in partnership with the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc., Mark Twain Lake Forest Council, Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, and the Missouri Department of Conservation will host the 2026 Youth Deer Hunt Special Event at Mark Twain Lake. This opportunity will give 8 Missouri residents an introduction to deer hunting and promote the value of public land experiences. The Mark Twain Lake Youth Deer Hunt is designed for Missouri youth, between the ages of 8 and 15, that have little to no experience deer hunting. Hunters will be accompanied by a mentor for the event (provided). Additionally, all participating youth hunters must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian during the special event. Friday, October 23, 2026, participants will meet at David C. Berti Shooting Range for brief introductions and practice sighting in rifles. Hunting will take place all day Saturday and Sunday morning at Indian Creek Recreation Area. All hunters must comply with the 2026 Missouri Department of Conservation hunting regulations. Mentor or accompanying parent or guardian serving as a mentor must possess a valid hunter education certification. Youth hunters must possess a valid Missouri deer hunting permit. To ensure a safe hunting experience, special event rules will be in effect throughout the two-day hunt and will be outlined for participants prior to the hunt. Rifles and ammunition will be available for use by the participants. If bringing your own firearm, it is recommended to limit the size of the rifle to .243 caliber. Firearms must be traditional rifles. No AR platform rifles will be permitted.
Don’t miss our Youth Hunter Education Clinic & Mentored Waterfowl Hunt, December 12-13 in Sweet Springs, MO! Youth participants will earn their Hunter Ed certification and enjoy a guided waterfowl hunt.