Events

Calling all photographers! Whether you’re a professional or just like snapping photos on your phone, the Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to head on out to one of our largest Conservation Areas in the state this summer. With nearly 7,000 acres of land and a wide variety of habitats, Busch Conservation Area is host to hundreds of species of wildlife. From Cormorants on the lake, Turkeys in the fields, and Beavers in creek, the possibilities of spotting some of our incredible Missouri wildlife are endless!

Starting May 1st, photos submitted via email to Sabrina.Hansen@mdc.mo.gov will be printed and displayed in the entrance of the St. Louis Regional Office within Busch CA for visitors to view and vote for their favorite photo of the week! You can also post your submitted photos on Facebook or Instagram using #BuschWildlifeoftheWeek. Fan favorite photos will be hung in the hallway of the Regional Office for all to enjoy throughout the summer season. The last day to submit summer photos will be August 31st.

Photos submitted MUST be taken at August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area, or our next-door neighbor Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Description of the location on either Conservation Area must be included in your email submission. Photo must include native Missouri wildlife, trees, or plants.

While we encourage participants to spot and photograph our flora and fauna, we ask that you remain at a healthy distance from any wildlife and respect all living things on our areas while also following all area regulations.

MDC photographers offer the following tips to help create the best photos: Try going during the early morning, or later into the evening. The light is usually much better during these times than the harsher, midday sun. Soft, cloudy days can also make for some pleasing light. Don’t forget to fill the frame with your subject—close-up photos tend to be much more engaging that subjects seen from a distance. Consider pulling out a macro or closeup lens. There are amazing details to be discovered in our native plants, and a host of tiny and cool insects and pollinators. And finally, be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment.

You can also consult MDC’s online Field Guide at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide for more information about native wildlife and their habitats and behaviors.

Raised on a farm in the Missouri river bottoms, Dan Brueggeman developed an early appreciation of wildlife and the out-of-doors. It wasn't until 1984 that the artist encountered his future vocation, when he met a decoy carver and was fascinated by the amount of realism obtainable in wood sculpture. Dan's first decoy, although it bears little resemblance to today's works, is still the most prized piece in his collection. In addition to the original waterfowl, Dan has expanded his focus to encompass songbirds, fish, game birds, mammals and raptors. He has been honored with numerous awards, including several "Best of Show" awards. His carvings currently grace many private and corporate art collections. The exhibition is located in the west wing at Runge and can be viewed through June 30, 2024.

Artwork on display in lobby.

Come visit during the month of June to see artwork from Perryville High School featured in our auditorium.

Patricia Littlefield is a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau with a passion for art and birds. She is "Committed to promoting conservation through art." It is her hope that through art she can inspire a love for birds and nature in others, especially young people.

This is a two day clinic, participant are required to commit to BOTH days. Please do not register if you can not attend both days of the clinic.

Join us for a "Big Muddy" Alternative Methods Catfish Clinic on the Missouri River.

We'll start the clinic off on Saturday morning with an orientation at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center where we'll learn all about building various types of set lines and how to use them to target the Missouri River's Blue, Flathead and Channel catfish.

Then in the afternoon, we'll head out on the river in Missouri Department of Conservation boats to set some trotlines, jug lines and limb lines for catfish.

We'll meet again bright and early on Sunday morning and head out on the river to collect the fish that we caught overnight.

We'll also finish the clinic off with a catfish cleaning demonstration.

This program is appropriate for adults and families with children 9 and older.

On Saturday, participants will have an opportunity to eat lunch between the orientation and our time on the river. Otherwise, please bring snacks, water and dress appropriately for the weather. Afternoon is likely to be hot, morning will be cool.

MDC will provide all equipment including PFD's (life vests) for each person. Participants are welcome to bring their own Coast Guard approved PFD if they prefer. PFD'S will be required on MDC boats at all times.

This program is dependent on safe weather and river conditions. Participants will be contacted if conditions are not acceptable on the weekend of the event.

All participants MUST register separately. Do to limited space in the boats, please do not bring any participants who are not registered for this event.

Contact John Rittel for additional information or for assistance with registration.

john.rittel@mdc.mo.gov

This program includes rifle safety, operation, shooting fundamentals, maintenance, and safe storage. Equipment and ammunition will be provided; you may bring your own firearm and ammunition to the live-fire session.

Join us at Busch Conservation Area for Camp Hellbender-no newts allowed! This summer camp is designed to let adults feel like a kid again and have some fun in the outdoors while exploring some of the best conservation areas in the region that MDC has to offer! At Busch CA, we will start off our morning with some kayaking on the lake and BB Gun target practice with our Busch Shooting Range staff, following by lunch at the picnic pavilion. To end our day, we will cool off in the classroom to meet some of our resident cold-blooded critters and learn about the reptiles and amphibians of Missouri.

Please bring your own water bottle and lunch. Refrigeration is available if needed. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water-resistant shoes for kayaking are recommended.

Please register each participant individually. Meet at the classroom in the main building at Busch CA.

This program is part of our ongoing Camp Hellbender Series! We encourage you to participate in as many Camp days as you’d like. Registration is required for each individual camp. Campers will receive a special button to commemorate each activity they participate in throughout the summer, and all Campers will be invited back for our Closing Campfire at the end of the Summer! Please only register for one day per site.

Camp Hellbender Summer Camp Schedule:

Sunday, June 2nd- August A Busch CA

Friday, June 14th- Rockwoods Reservation

Friday, June 21st- Powder Valley Nature Center

Saturday, June 22nd- Rockwoods Reservation

Friday, June 28th- August A Busch CA

Friday, July 12th- Columbia Bottom CA

Friday, July 19th- Tower Grove Park

Saturday, July 20th- Tower Grove Park

Saturday, July 27th- Columbia Bottom CA

Friday, August 2nd- Closing Campfire at Busch CA

Like most beginner fly anglers, do you struggle with the art of fly casting? Have you learned the skill in the past but have grown a little rusty? Join us at the Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center to learn, or relearn, the basics of fly casting. In this class we will focus on the mechanics and techniques of fly casting. We will also cover rod and line selection as it relates to casting and then practice, practice, practice! You will need to bring a hat, eye protection, and a folding chair. If you have your own fly rod you are welcome to bring it or we will provide equipment for you to use.

This is an introductory course on how to shoot 5-stand. You will learn safety, stance, etiquette, and technique. We will proceed to live fire on the 5-stand course. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided.