Youths can hone their frogging skills at free clinic for the whole family next month in Saline County.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature at a frog-gigging clinic from 8 p.m. until after dark on Friday, July 21, at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery.
The clinic is free and open to youths ages 5-15 and their parent or adult mentors, but preregistration is required by July 18.
Participants will have a classroom session to learn the basics of frog-gigging safety, equipment, identification and regulations. Before the sun goes down, staff will cook some frog legs for participants to taste. Then, the frog giggers will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC staff. Participants also will learn how to clean their catch to take home and cook.
Frogs may be harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. This year’s frog season begins at sunset on June 30 and will continue through October 31.
To register for this free clinic, or for more information, contact Conservation Agent Chase Wright at (660) 641-3345 or by email at Chase.Wright@mdc.mo.gov.
Blind Pony Fish Hatchery is located at 16285 BP Hatchery Drive. From Sweet Springs, you are advised to drive one mile north on Highway 127 and then 6-1/2 miles east on Route ZZ.