Events

Fishing is a great way for kids and families to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make happy memories. Our Discover Nature-Fishing program is a hands-on, four-part fishing instruction series that helps families gain the skills and confidence they need to go fishing on their own.

This program will cover lessons 3 and 4 which are best completed after lessons 1 and 2. Participants will learn about Missouri freshwater ecosystems, common fish, artificial lures, and the regulations regarding fishing in Missouri. The Discover Nature-Fishing program is available for ages 7 and up. We will host this program at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Participants will not be required to have a valid fishing license and those who have already completed lessons 1 and 2 will receive fishing related rewards.

Is it hard to find time in your busy schedule to make time for exercise? Let alone, motivate yourself to get up early to exercise when you’re the only one? Join us on this sunrise hike before work and enjoy the beauty of nature and a community of other early-morning walkers as you hike one of our nature center trails. We will be hiking along one of our nature center trails, which is moderately difficult with steep grades of over 15% and is not ADA-accessible.

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1

This first class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn parts of a fishing pole, how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing pole, how to fasten basic fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women to fish for free Saturday Sept. 28 at Bennett Spring State Park’s Women’s Free Fishing Day event.

At Women’s Free’ Fishing Day, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., There is no license or daily tag fee. Female anglers can pick up their free daily trout tag at the park store on the evening before or any time during the day of the event on Sept. 30. During the event, a part of the park’s Zone 2 and Zone 3 fishing areas will be reserved for female anglers. Volunteers will be available to help anglers throughout the day, along with members of the Bennett Spring Fly Tying Group who will be hosting live fly-tying demonstrations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.

This event is sponsored by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bennett Spring State Park Store, and the Bennett Spring Fly Tying group. For more information about the event, call the Bennett Spring Hatchery at 417-532-4418 or e-mail Hatchery Manager Ben Havens at Ben.Havens@mdc.mo.gov .

*Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 1 is required before attending this program*

Discover Nature Fishing Lesson 2

Participants will learn intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will be taught how to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks.

All fishing gear will be provided by the instructors. Please wear clothing and close-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. It is recommended that participants bring sunglasses, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

This class is for Children and Families of all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants who complete all 4 Discover Nature Fishing Lessons will go home with a free fishing reward to encourage fishing with the family.

To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make you child their own, separate account.

Ages 11+

NO SIGN-UP, JUST SHOW UP! This class is for those of you who wonder why... Why do different lots of the same brand of ammo shoot differently? Why is it important to shoot the same ammo you will hunt or practice with? Why do two of the same calibers of firearms shoot the same manufacturer’s ammunition differently? Why do bullets rise? These questions and much more will be discussed. Come and ask lots of WHY? questions! The class will begin at 8:00AM. THIS IS A NON-SHOOTING CLASS! However, bring your hunting rifle and ammo to practice what you have learned in this session. Anyonw under age 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Discover what the river has to offer you! Hands-on activities will teach you the importance of the Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands. This event is fun for the entire family featuring live river animals and free boat rides on the Mississippi with Missouri Department of Conservation river experts. Boat rides are first come, first served, and will take place between 10 am and 1:30 pm. This event is located at Riverfront Park depending on river levels.

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF)- Each year on the forth Saturday in September we celebrate NHF day by providing one free hour of shooting on the rifle/pistol range, shotgun patterning range, or the archery range and for shotgun shooters we allow one free round of trap or skeet. Bring your own firearms and ammunition to participate and regular check in, hours, and fees apply for other hours/rounds needed.

Our Beginning Handgun program includes handgun fundamentals, operation, safety, maintenance, and safe storage. We start with classroom instruction then move to the range for a live-fire session. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment are provided however, you may bring your own handgun and ammunition to the live-fire session. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the Education Center.