Discover Nature with MDC at fish gigging clinic on Gasconade River

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News from the region
Central
Published Date
11/19/2012
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Columbia, MO. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites families to discover nature with a fish gigging clinic from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 7 on the Gasconade River in Osage County. This program is open to youths and their parents or adult mentors. All participants must attend a mandatory classroom session from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the MDC Central Regional Office in Columbia.

Participants will learn the basics of gigging safety, type of equipment to use, fish identification, fish gigging regulations and much more.

“Fish gigging allows Missourians to enjoy our state’s scenic rivers and streams during the quiet and peaceful winter months,” said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. “The reward of a cold night gigging fish is cooking and eating your catch on a streamside gravel bar.”

Fish gigging involves taking rough fish (suckers, carp, buffalo, etc.) with a barbed gig, typically on the end of a long pole, and at night with the use of lights. Early fish giggers used burning pine knots to illuminate fish. Today electric or gas powered lights are used.

The MDC’s Discover Nature programs are designed to help adults and children explore nature and master outdoor skills together.

To register, or for more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov, or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

The E. Sydney Stephens Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center is conveniently located off of US Highway 63 just west of the Discovery Parkway exit on the south side of East Gans Road.

For more information about this and other Discover Nature programs, go online to mdc.mo.gov.