College of the Ozarks will host a free hunter education course for the Missouri National Guard (MOARNG) Child and Youth Program on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Patriotic Education Building on campus. This one-day camp allows Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) dependent youth to obtain their hunter’s safety certification and practice their shooting skills with pellet guns.

Participants should register by Oct. 3, 2025 at https://www.cognitoforms.com/CYP5/FY26HuntersEducation. Lunch is provided for all participants.

The MOARNG Child and Youth Program will partner with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the College’s agriculture department, conservation and wildlife management department, and patriotic education program. Participants will learn firearm safety and handling, ethical hunting practices, and state hunting laws and regulations.

“Hunter education provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics,” said Ashley Exendine, assistant professor of biology and conservation and wildlife management. “Our goal is to help young people enjoy the outdoors even more by introducing enjoyable outdoor hobbies, such as trapping and hunting, by helping them acquire skills and hunting knowledge, and by fostering responsibility and stewardship.”

This workshop is available to all Missouri Army and Air National Guard dependents ages 11 to 17 registered in DEERS. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Tier one priority is for children of actively serving Missouri Army and Air National Guard Soldiers and/or dependent parent/guardian. Tier two priority is for dependent children of current or prior service members of all service components and/or dependent parent/guardian.

For questions, contact the Missouri National Guard Child and Youth Program Coordinators at (573) 638-9500 ext. 37729 or 37739.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.