MDC to hold Discover Nature - Fishing event on June 8

Families will get a chance to learn about the fun of fishing
at a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)
Discover Nature Fishing program (pictured above)
June 8 at MDC's Bois D'Arc Aquatic Education Pond
in Greene County. 

 Free program will be at MDC's Bois D'Arc Aquatic Education Pond in Greene County.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Fishing is a great way to connect families with the outdoors. It’s a great tool to introduce children to healthier lifestyles and it’s a good activity for strengthening family bonds. These are some of the many benefits of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Discover Nature – Fishing Program.

This program provides free lessons to help kids and families gain skills and confidence to enjoy fishing through a series of four instructional sessions:

• Lesson 1: Equipment, casting, proper fish handling
• Lesson 2: How to tie a knot and bait a hook
• Lesson 3: Five common Missouri fish – their anatomy, habitats and life cycles
• Lesson 4: Fishing with lures, fishing regulations

Interested families will have a chance to take Lessons 1 and 2 of the Discover Nature – Fishing program classes at MDC’s Bois D’Arc Aquatic Education Pond on June 8. The program will be from 6-9 p.m. The Bois D’Arc Aquatic Education Pond is part of MDC’s Bois D’Arc Conservation Area and is located at 4045 State Highway UU near Bois D’Arc in western Greene County.

All fishing gear will be provided by MDC staff. Participants should wear clothing and closed-toed shoes suitable for outdoor and water activities. People can register for this event at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/192680

Each participant must register for this program individually. To register your child, you may need to make a family account, or add them to an existing family account. You can also make a separate account for your child. Participants will not need a fishing permit to take part in this program. For questions about this event or about the registration process, contact MDC Community Education Assistant Jeanell Stockton at Jeanell.Stockton@mdc.mo.gov or at 417-737-0698.

People can get information about other upcoming Discover Nature Fishing classes can be found at mdc.mo.gov.

MDC to hold Kids' Fishing Day June 10 at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery Southwest Banner MDC to hold Kids' Fishing Day June 10 at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery

 

Event aimed at anglers age 15 and under.

BRANSON, Mo. – Young anglers will have opportunities to catch fish at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Kids’ Fishing Day on June 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bella Donna Education Pond at MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery near Branson. The event is open to anglers ages 15 and under.

Sunfish and channel catfish will be the fish anglers will be trying to catch at the pond, which is east of the main hatchery complex. (Signs will direct people to the event.) A few loaner fishing poles will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment.  MDC staff will be providing worms for bait, but participants can bring their own, too. No registration is required for this event. For more information, call 417-334-4865, ext. 0. Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery is located at 483 Hatchery Road in Branson.

This event is being held in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend, the annual event in June through which fishing permits are not required at any state-managed fishing location. It should be noted that all other fishing regulations (length limits, possession limits, etc.) still apply for Free Fishing Weekend.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Missouri Fishing

Discover red, white, and blue in nature this holiday weekend

If you are looking for some things to do away from the crowds on this Independence Day, the MDC has some great ideas... Read on for more info:

Find MDC Places to Go and Things to Do online and through the MDC MO Outdoors app.

Male Summer Tanager

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With the Fourth-of-July weekend coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to look for some red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature:

• Red Royal Catchfly Flowers,
• Red Male Summer Tanagers,
• White Beard-Tongues or Foxgloves,
• White Great Egrets,
• Blue False Indigos, and
• Male Indigo Buntings.

Beard-Tongue or Foxglove

Want more information on these and other Missouri plants and animals, including where to find them? Use the handy and helpful MDC online Field Guide at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search.

Need suggestions on things to do for outdoor adventures? Find Things to Do with MDC online at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities. Offerings include: cycling on trails, backyard nature fun, birdwatching, fishing, camping, floating, outdoor cooking, hiking, hunting, nature photography, wildlife watching, and more.

Need to find Places to Go for outdoor adventures? Visit MDC online at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

Take MO Outdoors on Adventures

Male Indigo Bunting on American Feverfew

With MDC’s free mobile app -- MO Outdoors -- users can quickly and easily find MDC outdoor offerings based on the types of outdoor activities they want -- close to home, work, or even while traveling.

MO Outdoors can help users find MDC conservation areas, fishing accesses, hiking trails, and more around the state based on their desired types of outdoor activities. Users can also mark “favorite” locations to quickly find them in future searches.

MO Outdoors also connects users to area regulations and season information; hours of operation; images; area closings; and interactive maps of area boundaries and features, parking lots, boat ramps, and wildlife viewing areas using their device’s GPS. Users can also download maps for offline use.

MO Outdoors is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Celebrate Safely!

MDC reminds everyone to be careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. Fireworks are prohibited on all MDC conservations areas, accesses, and other Department locations.

MDC reminds the public that it is still critical to continue to heed all COVID-19 public-health measures during outdoor activities, such as physical distancing, avoiding overcrowding, handwashing, and others.

MDC’s Nature Center at Night focuses on pond life

Pond life is the topic for the Cape Girardeau
Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night,
Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. (MDC file photo)

This “after hours” event gives working parents an opportunity to bring their family.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Pond life is the topic for the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night, Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Ponds are teeming with life from top to bottom,” said Sara Turner, MDC manager of the nature center. “The display at the July Nature at Night event will explore how some animals live in ponds and others just visit.”

Turner said guests will discover the many layers of life in a pond through the hands on displays. She said one purpose of the monthly “after hours” event is to give working parents a chance to bring children to the center at a time that’s more convenient for them.

“We know that working parents have different schedules and this is our way of making sure we do our best to serve everyone,” she said. “It’s also a chance to see what the center’s reptiles and amphibians are like late in the day.”

All ages are welcome at Nature Center at Night and no registration is required. Youth and adult groups are welcome. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Celebrate the holidays with help from the Cape Nature Center

The center’s popular Nature Art: Nature’s Décor program is scheduled for Dec. 5. Guests will use nature’s resources to create winter wreaths, swags and garlands. (MDC photo)

Events offer experiences that will spice up the holidays for each family member.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – As the seasons change and the holidays approach, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center has incorporated holiday themed events into their program schedule.

“Many natural items accentuate traditional holiday decorations, such as Christmas trees, wreaths and popular centerpieces,” said Sara Turner, manager of the nature center. “We like to take that even further with ornaments, cards and gifts that highlight nature and are eco-friendly.”

The center’s popular Nature Art: Nature’s Décor program is scheduled for Dec. 5. Guests will use nature’s resources to create winter wreaths, swags and garlands. Programs are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. to give multiple opportunities to attend the program. Turner said this program fills quickly, so hopeful participants should call the nature center to reserve a seat. Registration for this program is underway.

“We ask our guests to bring their own grapevine wreath, but we provide the natural items to decorate them with,” Turner said. “Our staff and volunteers are excellent guides to creativity with these decorative items, so be brave and come see what you can make to hang on your door to ring in the season.”

Younger nature enthusiasts, ages seven to eleven, can celebrate the holidays at Snappers: Nature’s Gifts. This program will enable youngsters to make a gift by hand with items they can find in their own backyard. This free program is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 to 11:30. Turner said this program also tends to fill up quickly, so reservations may be made beginning Dec. 1.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with crafts children can make for family and friends for Christmas, but this program will help with that,” Turner said. “And while they’re having fun making crafts, the kids are learning about nature, too.”

The whole family can get involved in making nature related holiday crafts Saturday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Family Craft Fun. Turner said this program is for all ages, it’s free and no registration is required.

“This program is designed for the whole family to enjoy together as they continue the holiday spirit, learn about nature and make memories together,” Turner said. “We’ll have all the supplies needed, we just invite families to come enjoy the season with us.”

For a winter nature experience to warm the holiday spirit, join naturalists Thursday, Dec. 17, for Nature Center at Night: Candlelit Wood Walk. Enjoy the serenity of the winter night along the Nature Center’s paved, lit trail. Warm beverages and time to explore the exhibits will wrap up the evening. No registration is necessary for this event.

Turner said registrations may be made for Nature Art: Nature’s Décor and Snappers: Nature’s Gifts by calling (573)290-5218 beginning Dec. 1. More information about these and other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center can be found online atmdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter. To receive event reminders on a cell phone, text nature to 91212.

MDC offers family fishing class in Columbia

Discover Nature – Fishing builds upon basics with lessons about angling gear, fishing skills, fish biology, and angling regulations. Lessons are based on hands-on methods and MDC provides equipment and instructors.

Discover nature by learning the basics of fishing for free Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31.

COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to gain the skills and confidence to go fishing by participating in a Discover Nature—Fishing class Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bass Pro Shops, 3101 Bass Pro Drive in Columbia. MDC is also holding a class Oct. 30 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 31from 10 a.m. to noon at the same location.

The classes are free and all fishing gear is provided. Registration is required by Oct. 23. Participants must attend the Oct. 23 class to be prepared for the hands-on fishing activitiesOct. 24. Participants must also attend the Oct. 30 class to be prepared for hands-on fishingOct. 31.

This program will cover all the basics of fishing including the following four lessons:

• Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
• Lesson 2: How to tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
• Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish- Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

Lessons 1 and 2 will be taught on Oct. 23, and participants will get to fish Oct. 24. Lessons 3 and 4 will be taught Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 will be a hands-on fishing day.

The primary focus of Discover Nature—Fishing program is kids 7-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement. MDC encourages parents and guardians of youths 16 and over to participate in the program.  All youths must be accompanied by an adult.

“The Discover Nature—Fishing program is based on studies that show a single exposure to an activity is rarely enough to make a lasting impression.  It requires multiple contacts with that activity to get someone to stick with it,” said MDC Angler Education Assistant Don Rahm. “Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, this program provides participants opportunities to get out and catch fish, learn different aspects of fishing, and ultimately acquire a lifestyle.”

Register for the event online at http://bit.ly/1MOzUrm or by contactingDon.Rahm@mdc.mo.gov. For more information about the Discover Nature—Fishing event call (573) 815-7900.

Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. Browse the events calendar on the MDC website: http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175, or call your local Department of Conservation office to find out when Discover Nature — Fishing classes are available.

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MDC offers fishing equipment through loaner program

The first step to experiencing the fun of fishing in Missouri is to have the right equipment. Through the Missouri Department of Conservation's Rod and Reel Loaner Program, individuals can check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free at participating sites around the state.

People can check out fishing equipment to check out angling opportunities.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Organizations in several communities in southwest Missouri have partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to make fishing more accessible through MDC’s Rod and Reel Loaner Program.

Through this program, which is available in select communities across the state, individuals can check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free at participating sites. The fishing poles are equipped with standard spin-cast reels. The tackle boxes are supplied with hooks, sinkers and bobbers for basic fishing opportunities. People need to bring their own live bait or desired lures to bait the hook.

In Springfield, loaner fishing equipment is available at the MDC Southwest Regional Office,MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Valley Water Mill Park and Fellows Lake Marina. Other MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations in southwest Missouri are the Branson Taneyhills Community Library in Branson, the Carthage Public Library, the Geneva Sharp Library in Stockton, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, Christian County Library in Ozark, Dade County Library in Greenfield, Hickory County Library in Hermitage, Joplin Carnegie Library in Joplin, Sarcoxie Library in Sarcoxie, McDonald County Library in Pineville, Neosho Newton County Library in Neosho, Baxter Boat Dock in Lampe, and the Seymour Community Library in Seymour. Check at each site for information on check-out procedures and rules specific to that location.

This program is an effort by MDC to increase fishing opportunities for all Missouri citizens.

To also help people get hooked on fishing, the Department offers its Discover Nature Fishing program. This program is a four-lesson series geared towards families and youths ages 7-15. From May into September, lessons are offered at select sites across Missouri. These lessons cover casting, proper fish handling, tying on hooks, stocking a tackle box, fish identification, how to release a fish, regulations and other topics. Find out more about the Discover Nature Fishing Program by calling the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield, 417-895-6880, or by going online to http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175.

MDC hosts MoNASP teacher training workshop in Osage County

The session is free, but registration is required by Oct. 9.

LOOSE CREEK, Mo.-Teachers can help their students learn responsibility and focus like never before -- all by participating in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC will be holding a training workshop for teachers interested in joining MoNASP from 4:30-8:30 p.m.on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16, at the Immaculate Conception School gym located at 147 County Road 402 in Loose Creek. The session is free, but registration is required byOct. 9.

The certification course is for teachers and school administrators who would like to start a MoNASP program in their school. Participants must score 80% or better on a 100-question certification exam that will be given at the end of the workshop.

"Nearly everyone -- regardless of age, size, or physical ability -- can succeed in archery," said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. "Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase participants self-esteem, physical activity, help kids relate to the learning subject matter, and gets kids outdoors to discover nature."

MoNASP is modeled on the National Archery in the Schools Program, which began with a simple idea; teach kids the basics of archery as part of a school curriculum. MoNASP teaches International-style target archery to students in grades 4-12. Currently, more than 500 Missouri schools and more than 135,000 students participate in this lifetime sport.

To register for the workshop, visit http://naspbai.org/ClassView.aspx?cid=4911. For more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

For more information about MoNASP, visit mdc.mo.gov/education/monasp.

Insect-O-Rama shows bugs can be fun

Free event on September 12 highlights insect roles in nature

St. Joseph, Mo. – Take a close look at insects and you’ll see a fascinating world of colors, shapes, sizes and interactive roles with nature and people. What would a world be without butterflies? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host Insect-O-Rama 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive in St. Joseph.

   All activities are free and fun for all ages. Insects and exhibits about them will be on display. Experts will answer questions about bugs that are fun and those that are pesky.

   Insects are a cornerstone in nature’s complex ecology. They are important food for fish and wildlife. But they also pollinate food crops important to people.

   Insect-O-Rama offers participants a chance to learn how they can help provide habitat for desirable insects such as the monarch butterfly. The MDC Northwest Regional Office is on the campus of Missouri Western State University. Visitors can also enjoy other nature exhibits in the office and some nearby hiking trails.

   For information about Insect-O-Rama, call 816-271-3100. To learn about other MDC programs that connect people with nature, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov.

Family fishing class in Jefferson City

Discover nature by learning the basics of fishing for free Aug. 28-29. (NOTE: High-Res image available at http://mdc.mo.gov/node/31069.)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids to gain the skills and confidence to go fishing by participating in a Discover Nature—Fishing class Aug. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Missouri Department of Conservation Office, 2701 W Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City.

The classes are free and all fishing gear is provided. Registration is required by Aug 27. Participants must attend the Aug. 28 class to be prepared for the hands-on fishing activitiesAug. 29.

This program will cover all the basics of fishing including the following four lessons:

• Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting, and Proper Fish Handling
• Lesson 2: How to tie a Knot and Bait a Hook
• Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish- Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle
• Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

The primary focus of Discover Nature—Fishing program is kids 7-15 years of age, but it also emphasizes family involvement. MDC encourages parents and guardians of youths 16 and over to participate in the program. All youths must be accompanied by an adult.

"The Discover Nature—Fishing program is based on studies that show a single exposure to an activity is rarely enough to make a lasting impression. It requires multiple contacts with that activity to get someone to stick with it," said MDC Angler Education Assistant Don Rahm. "Instead of being a one-time, get in/get out experience, this program provides participants opportunities to get out and catch fish, learn different aspects of fishing, and ultimately acquire a lifestyle."

Register for the event online at tinyurl.com/p5fk42q or by contactingDon.Rahm@mdc.mo.gov. For more information about the Discover Nature—Fishing event call (573) 815-7900.

Don't let inexperience keep you and your kids from enjoying Missouri's great outdoors. Browse the events calendar on the MDC website: mdc.mo.gov/node/27175%20, or call your local Department of Conservation office to find out when Discover Nature — Fishing classes are available.

Bugs may be tiny, but they have big stories to tell

Hercules beetles have amazing strength, as they're able to lift more than 850 times their own weight. Learn more fascinating bug stories at Insectigations, July 18, at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. (MDC file photo)

Join the Cape Nature Center for “Insectigations” and explore nature’s bizarre bugs.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – From the alien-like jaws of dragonflies, to the ant lion’s strange body-type, nature provides volumes of material for the imagination. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces an event, Insectigations, Saturday, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

“We’ve been collecting bugs for our insect zoo for weeks and we can’t wait to show them off at this event,” said Jordi Brostoski, a Cape Nature Center naturalist.

Though they may be tiny, bugs have big stories to tell about adaptations and the many ways they survive. Certain types of cicadas spend more than a decade underground before emerging as adults. Some bugs, like water striders can actually walk on water due to the surface tension of the water and the strider’s brush-like leg structure. A dragonfly nymph may be a bug, but that doesn’t stop it from being a carnivore and devouring a tadpole.

“We may underestimate the lives of bugs, but I think folks will find there’s a lot to discover about these little creatures,” Brostoski said.

This event will explore those stories through insect hikes, a bug zoo and crafts.

No registration is required for this event and all ages are welcome. More information on this and other nature programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

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Night Skies over Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park June 27

Guests are invited to enjoy evening about astronomy at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park on Saturday, June 27. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the event will start at 7 p.m. at the visitor center. Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will offer instruction on identifying various constellations.

The evening will start with a “virtual tour” of the Earth’s orbit. Following the program at the visitor center, members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will set up telescopes at the monument area for viewing the sky. SLAS members will be offering instruction on how to identify various constellations, including the big dipper. The Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus will also be viewable through telescopes.

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, binoculars. Participants with telescopes are encouraged to bring those to the event as well.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood. For more information about the event, call the Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park office at 636-458-3813. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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MDC Cape Nature Center offers naturalist training camps for children

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Registration has opened for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Naturalist Training Camps at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Ages seven to 11 are invited to see if they could handle being a naturalist.

Sara Turner, manager of the center, said MDC naturalists will lead the children as they learn about unique habitats and experience the natural world through a new perspective.

“Summer is a time when children can truly connect with the outdoors,” Turner said. “These camps are all about helping them to discover nature.”

Dates for the free two-day camp sessions are June 9-10, June 11-12, June 16-17, June 18-19, July 7-8 and July 9-10. Each camp day is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Turner said each parent or guardian may only register their own child and children may only attend one camp session each.

“These camps fill up fast and we want as many children possible to have the opportunity to attend,” Turner said.

Registration begins May 15 at 8 a.m. Parents may call 573-290-5218 to register. Find more nature programs at mdc.mo.gov/capenaturecenter.

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Families Invited to Scavenger Hunt at St. Joe State Park May 16

Families are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt May 16 at St. Joe State Park. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the scavenger hunt will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All interested participants should meet at the Blankshire Trailhead at St. Joe State Park. Each family will receive a map, scavenger list and answer sheet, which will take them on a search of St. Joe State Park and nearby Missouri Mines State Historic Site. The hunt will involve some driving and moderate trail hiking as participants learn more about the park and site. Prizes will be awarded for completed hunts.

The park is located at 2800 Pimville Road approximately three miles south of Hwy. 32 in Park Hills. For more information, call the park at 573-431-6226. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Wet a line with MDC at “Reel” time fishing event on June 6 in Columbia

Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation at the 10th annual “Reel” Time with Kids free fishing event from 9am to 1 pm on Saturday, June 6th at Bass Pro Shop Sportsman’s Center, 3101 Bass Pro Dr. in Columbia.

Bait will be provided, as well as fishing poles for those who do not have their own.

COLUMBIA, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in partnership with Bass Pro Shop, Mexico Bassmasters and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite families to discover nature at the 10th annual “Reel” Time with Kids free fishing event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at Bass Pro Shop Sportsman’s Center, 3101 Bass Pro Dr. in Columbia.

Bait will be provided, as well as fishing poles for those who do not have their own. The event will also have educational displays, food, and drawings for prizes.

“This is a great opportunity to introduce kids of all ages to fishing,” said MDC Angler Education Assistant Don Rahm. “Fishing is a great sport and a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors.”

“Reel” time fishing for kids is taking place during Great Outdoors Month, a state and national recognition of the benefits of active fun outdoors, as well as the annual free fishing days in Missouri. Each year, MDC designates the weekend after the first Monday in June as Free Fishing Days in Missouri to encourage people to sample the state's abundant fishing opportunities.

During Free Fishing Days, June 6-7, anyone can fish in the Show-me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout stamp, or trout park daily tag. Normal regulations, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler can keep, remain in effect during Free Fishing Days. Some private fishing areas still require permits on free fishing days, and trespass laws remain in effect on private property. Public fishing areas are available in every county in Missouri. Many state-owned fishing areas also have special facilities for anglers with disabilities.

For questions about the event, contact Rahm at 573-815-7900. For more information about fishing regulations or other outdoor activities in Mid-Missouri visit mdc.mo.gov.

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