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HUNNEWELL, Mo. – Due to weather warnings ahead of Winter Storm Gia, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has postponed its fifth annual ice fishing workshop in Hunnewell. Originally scheduled to take place tomorrow, the event will be moved to Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. The free workshop will still take place at the Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, located at 6503 Highway Z in Shelby County.
“While winter can be a great time to get outdoors and enjoy fishing, even on the ice, safety is always most important,” said MDC Angler Recruitment Technician Chelsea Clever. “With active winter storm warnings in place across the region, we’ve decided to reschedule this event to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy learning about ice fishing in a safe environment. This means the registration deadline has also been extended. So, if you’re interested in attending the workshop on Feb. 2, follow the new event registration link, and sign up by Feb. 1.”
To register for the workshop on Feb. 2, visit mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/165402. Those who had already registered for the event on the original date will be automatically signed up for the new date. If unable to attend on the new date, please contact Clever at Chelsea.Clever@mdc.mo.gov, or (573) 248-2530, ext. 6377.
This Discover Nature – Fishing workshop will address basic ice safety, equipment instruction, fish identification, and hands-on experience fishing on the ice. MDC will provide a limited supply of bait and tackle, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gear, including ice cleats, a chair or bucket to sit on, and a packed lunch as there are no local dining options. Participants will need to dress in layers as the first part of the workshop will take place in a heated building followed by an outdoor portion in potentially frigid conditions.
“This is a great way for anyone who has been curious about ice fishing to try it out,” said Clever. “We have all the equipment to try out and a variety of baits. With a little bit of luck, the ice will be thick enough to get out on and try out newly learned skills.”
During the classroom portion, participants will learn about ice safety, fish identification, habitat identification, equipment, and ice fishing regulations. Immediately following the classroom presentation, participants will have the opportunity to venture out onto the ice to practice skills, weather and ice permitting. In the event of insufficient ice cover, the clinic will continue with participants fishing from the ADA dock and catwalk. The class will be canceled in the event of hazardous weather, including freezing rain or heavy snow.
Beginners of all ages are welcome, but participants younger than 16-years old must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 16-years old and older must purchase their fishing permits prior to the class.
MDC works with Missourians to provide educational opportunities and enriching outdoor experiences all year long. Ice fishing allows anglers to extend their fishing season and continue to harvest legal game fish species using unique methods.
For more information about this event, call the MDC office in Hannibal at 573-248-2530. Learn more about MDC’s Discover Nature – Fishing programs at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4y.
