Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 11, at Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area. The clinic is free and open to youth ages 7 to 17 and their parent or adult mentor. Preregistration is required by July 6.

“Frog gigging, or frogging, is a great way to enjoy Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife while putting good food on the table,” said Conservation Agent Andrew Mothershead.

The clinic will start with a classroom session on the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification and regulations. Participants will go frogging with the help of MDC personnel and learn how to clean and cook their catch.

“Catching frogs can be a fun and exciting activity for the whole family,” said Mothershead.  “If all goes right, frog legs are the reward after a successful night of gigging.”

Frogs can be legally harvested with either fishing or hunting permits, as long as the method matches the permit. With a fishing permit, frogs may be harvested by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing or pole and line during frog season. With a hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl or by hand or hand net.

This year’s frog season begins at sunset June 30 and continues through Oct. 31. The daily limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs and 16 in possession. Children under the age of 16 and adults over 65 are not required to have a permit.

To register for the frog gigging clinic, or for more information, contact the Southeast Regional Office at 573-290-5730.