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FREE FISHING CLASSES Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kids and families to attend a free series of fi shing workshops in various locations around mid-Missouri this September. The Discover Nature — Fishing (DNF) workshops will cover the basics of fi shing, from tackle to knot-tying, and participants will gain the skills and confi dence to go fi shing on their own. Each of the four lessons will focus on a diff erent topic: Lesson 1 – Equipment, casting, and proper fi sh handling Lesson 2 – How to tie a knot and bait a hook Lesson 3 – Five common Missouri fi sh: anatomy, habitat, and lifecycle Lesson 4 – Fishing with lures and fi shing regulations Lessons 1 and 2 will take place on one evening, and lessons 3 and 4 on a second evening. All classes are free, but preregistration is required at mdc.mo.gov/ centralevents. MDC will off er these clinics, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the following locations: Aug. 31 & Sept. 2 — Credit Union Pond
at MDC Headquarters in Jeff erson City Sept. 7 & 9 — Manito Lake Conservation Area in Tipton Sept. 13 & 15 — Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area in Chamois Sept. 14 & 16 — Marshall Diggs Conservation Area in Wentzville Sept. 20 & 22 — Bass Pro Shops Lake in Columbia Sept. 21 & 23 — Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area in Dixon Sept. 28 & 30 — Veterans Park in Fulton All DNF classes are free for registered participants and MDC will provide all needed fi shing equipment and supplies. Participants should bring their own drinking water, bug repellant, sunglasses, and sunscreen if they wish. To help ensure public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, MDC asks all participants to observe current, local guidelines regarding physical distancing and masking. MDC encourages participants to bring and wear face coverings when appropriate. DNF programs focus primarily on reaching kids 6–15 years of age and emphasize family involvement. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all
18 | SEPTEMBER 3 - 16, 2021 | VACATION NEWS
participants must preregister for each lesson by visiting mdc.mo.gov/central events. Families now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own accounts which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is setup parents will be able to register their children to an event without having to logoff and login for each individual. This functionality will allow parents register their entire family or select family members to an event at the same time. First, users will log into their account and click “My Group Profi le,” then add family members to their account. Setting up a group account today will make program registration quicker and easier for all MDC programs. For more information about these classes, contact Edwards at Ashley.Edwards@mdc.mo.gov, or (573) 815-7901, ext. 2968. MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing workshops help instill basic fi shing skills and knowledge that provide children and families fun adventures in Missouri’s outdoors for years to come. Register to attend an upcoming series of fi shing workshops near you. m
