News – Wednesday, October 29th 2025

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons. According to Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire, safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter. Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound. McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. Here are some safety tips for non-hunters: Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack; place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed;   avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown; be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active; and be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim. McGuire also says to stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas, plus don’t forget to let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. McGuire says hunters or non-hunters need to identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find out more information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping. If you are not sure which conservation areas allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places. Going on now, Archery deer and turkey hunting and that season runs through November 14th, then opens again November 26th through January 15th, 2026. The Firearms turkey hunting season is now open until October 31st. Firearms deer hunting season opens with the early antlerless portion October 10th through the 12th followed by several other hunting portions through January 6th, 2026.

Healthy Dent County will be having their 7th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser this Saturday, November 1st at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory with a “Red Carpet Glamour” theme. If guests dress to match the theme, they will receive an additional $1,000 in gaming money when they arrive. Doors will open Saturday evening at 5:30 with the gaming beginning at 6:30 and lasting until 9:00. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as a number of professional dealers to run the games. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and blackjack are available, alongside a cash bar. An additional blackjack table has been added and new this year, reservations are available! Eliminate the hassle of arriving early to grab a table! Now, you can reserve a table for you and your friends for just $100! Returning this year will be the simulated horse races provided by KSMO Media throughout the evening. The winners of these races will receive special tickets for a drawing to win a stay at the Crown Lake Resort in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, featuring a two bedroom, two bath condo with a full kitchen for Sunday, July 6th through Saturday, July 11th! At the end of the evening, prizes will be drawn including a $300 Wal-Mart gift card; Virtual Reality Metaquest; Wood Barrell, Waver Vibration Plate, Book Shelf, three piece Lounge Chair Set; Customized Name Log; Futon Chair/Bed; King Size Quilt, Vacuum, Stevens 243 Rifle Furniture, 55-inch TV, Propane Gift Certificate, Missouri State Park Map, Charcoal, and more. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in “gaming” money to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. At the end of the evening, prizes are drawn after exchanging gaming money for tickets. The event would not be possible without many local businesses sponsoring the event with American Family Insurance agent Jonah Schafer being the main event sponsor. Casino Night tickets are still available at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. For more information, please call 729-8163.

Governor Mike Kehoe announced the application for Missouri’s Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship is now open. The scholarship delivers tuition support for first responders and their families. Full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service may be eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, the dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including be a Missouri resident and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. In addition to the application, individuals will be required to upload and submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency, and other eligibility requirements. The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) by November 5th, 2025, to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year. This covers tuition and fees for the entire academic year, including the current fall semester. For more information about the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship, visit the MDHEWD website. 

Firearm deer season will begin soon in Missouri with the Early Youth Portion to be held this weekend, November 1st and 2nd. The regular November portion runs from November 15th through the 25th followed by the CWD Portion which will be held November 26th through November 30th in open counties. The Late Youth Portion runs from November 28th through November 30th. Archery deer hunting in Missouri continues through November 14th. It reopens November 26th and runs through January 15th, 2026. Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.