SWEET SPRINGS, Mo. –The Missouri Department of Conservation is holding a frog gigging, or frogging course during the month of July.

The department is inviting families to discover nature at a frog gigging clinic 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery, 16285 BP Hatchery Drive in Sweet Springs. The clinic is free and open to youth ages 7 to 17 and their parent or adult mentor, but registration by July 22 is required.

Sweet Springs is about two hours away from St. Joseph, just east of Concordia.

Participants will have a classroom session to learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification, and regulations. Staff will also teach participants how to clean their catch to take home and cook. Then, the lucky frog giggers will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test and go frogging with the help of MDC personnel.

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

Frogs are allowed to be 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 on June 30 and will continue through Oct. 31. 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, or for more information, contact Agent Mothershead at [email protected] or 660-641-3345.