Taking his or her first deer or turkey is a landmark event in a young hunter’s life. The Missouri Department of Conservation helps turn those milestones into mementoes.

The Conservation Department’s First Deer/Turkey Program gives participants free commemorative certificates suitable for framing. If the application includes a photograph of the hunter with his or her first deer or turkey, the photo is incorporated into the certificate. Photos are returned with certificates.

The tangible recognition of young hunters’ achievements provide permanent reminders that can either substitute for or complement a taxidermist’s mount.

The Conservation Department issues more than 600 First Deer and First Turkey certificates every year.

Any hunter age 15 or younger who kills his or her first deer or turkey can get a certificate. You can download an application by visiting www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/deer/index.htm and clicking on “First Deer Hunting Award,” or www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey/index.htm . Or contact First Deer/Turkey Certificate, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, phone 573/522-4115, ext. 3293.