Matt, I would not attempt to catch these swarms when they are that high
in a tree. It is not worth the hospital bills. The best approach would
be to put out bait hives to try to provide homes for any swarms. You
could not get a 2-3 inch branch to break off that high up in a tree with
a shotgun or rifle. Shooting into a swarm is not a good idea either.
They would not leave that branch. Where in mid Missouri are you
located. I am located about 9 miles north of Fayette, MO. Have you
checked out our Mid Missouri BeeKeeping web page?
www.beekeeper.missouri.org