By Blake Jackson
Missouri hunters who enjoy spending time with their dogs can learn valuable skills during an upcoming Hunting Dog Basics workshop hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with experienced local hunting dog trainers.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Ash Grove.
The workshop will introduce participants to essential topics, including choosing the right breed, obedience training, and techniques for working with flushing, pointing, and retrieving dogs.
“Combine your love for man’s four-legged best friend and hunting. For many hunters, hunting with pointing and retrieving dogs brings even greater joy than the harvest,” said MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker.
The program will feature a combination of field activities, classroom instruction, and water demonstrations led by three professional hunting dog trainers. Participants will gain practical knowledge to improve their training methods and strengthen their partnership with their dogs.
Hunters with young dogs are welcome to attend and bring their pets, provided the dogs have up-to-date vaccinations.
Registration is required, and those needing help can contact Whittaker at 417-895-6880 ext. 1644 or email lyle.whittaker@mdc.mo.gov.
For registration, visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/219735.
Photo Credit: missouri-department-of-conservation
Categories: Missouri, General