Neosho National Fish Hatchery

08/30/2026

Our archery class at the Hatchery last Thursday night was a total hit! 🎯

We had 24 folks come out to learn the basics — safety, parts and pieces, and of course, plenty of time on the shooting line. Even though the class was open to everyone, this group picked things up quick and we saw plenty of bullseyes along the way!

We had such a good time that we’re nocking another class onto the calendar. Join us on September 22nd if you want to give archery a shot! The class will be posted on the MDC event page, and you’ll need to register.

Anyone 10 and up is welcome — come hang out, have fun, and see if you can hit a bullseye! 🏹💥

08/29/2026

The McDonald County Commission has issued a COUNTY WIDE BURN BAN effective IMMEDIATELY for all outdoor burning. After polling the fire chiefs in the county, the drought monitor that indicates we are in severe drought, and the recent grass fires in the county they felt it necessary to enact this. It will be in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by the County Commission.

08/28/2026

With school back in session, we are sprucing up the place for our fall field trip season. Want to bring your class? Just give us a call 417-451-0554

08/22/2026

They are coming! fill the feeder, and make sure there is a safe, clean water source

About 150-230M birds are predicted to migrate across the U.S. each night this weekend!

Lights at night can be very disorienting to birds during their long fall migration. To help prevent deadly bird collisions, turn off or dim unnecessary lights!

Graphic: CornellLab, BirdCast

08/22/2026

08/20/2026

remember this

**SCHOOL IS BACK — SLOW DOWN & STAY ALERT!**

As students across our community head back to the classroom, we’re asking everyone to use a little extra caution on the road.

School buses will once again be making frequent stops to pick up and drop off students, and school zones will be busy with children, parents, buses, and increased traffic.

A few reminders for drivers:

🚌 **Watch for school buses.** Be prepared to stop when a bus is loading or unloading students and its warning lights and stop arm are activated.

🚸 **Expect children near the roadway.** Kids can be unpredictable and may enter the street unexpectedly around bus stops, crosswalks, and school entrances.

⚠️ **Slow down in school zones.** Posted school-zone speed limits are there for a reason. A few extra miles per hour can make a major difference in your ability to react and stop.

📵 **Put the phone down.** Give your full attention to the road, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal times.

⏰ **Give yourself extra time.** Traffic may move a little slower during the first few weeks of school. Leave early, be patient, and don’t let being in a hurry put someone else at risk.

Our students deserve to start and end every school day safely. **Slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our school zones and bus stops safe.**

08/20/2026

🎯 The Hatchery is Hosting an Archery Course! 🎯

Join us for a FREE Beginning Archery Class at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Open to anyone 10 and up, whether you’re brand new to the sport or already love shooting. We provide all equipment — just come dressed for the heat and bring a water bottle!

We’re just ONE WEEK AWAY and there are only 18 spots left — snag yours before it’s too late!

📅 Thursday, August 27
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
✔️ Registration required — scan the QR code or use this link (https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220262)

Come take aim and have some fun! 🏹

08/13/2026

Attention - The hatchery visitor center and grounds will be closed Saturday, August 15th. We will reopen Sunday, August 16th for normal operation hours - 10 AM to 4 PM.

Thank you for your understanding and try to stay cool the rest of this week - you know the Rainbow Trout are! 🥵🌞