The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about outdoor activities to join more than 40 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses at Maryland’s 2nd Annual National Hunting & Fishing Day Celebration & Expo on Sat., Sept. 27, 2008. Open to the public, this free event sponsored by DNR begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor, located at 16090 Oakland Road in Henderson on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“National Hunting & Fishing Day is an opportunity to celebrate the great family traditions and economic value that sportsmen and women create throughout Maryland,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We hope that Marylander’s take advantage of our National Hunting & Fishing Day event to learn more about the sport’s conservation traditions, connect with other sportsmen and women and pass down their passion for fish and wildlife to the next generation.”
Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl and turkey calling lessons and demonstrations, archery and target shooting on the grounds with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women will enjoy hunting and fishing equipment displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills. Kids will enjoy the clay pigeon and archery shooting range, laser shooting, wood duck box making and fly tying and spin casting, as well as dog demonstrations.
“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy,” said Patty Allen, National Hunting and Fishing Day Coordinator. “It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and management.”
Backwoods Bluegrass Band will provide live musical entertainment for the day-long event. DNR’s Scales and Tales will be on-hand with live animals for children to view up close. There will be a variety of merchandise and food vendors, and lots of free giveaways.
Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. From shopping center exhibits to statewide expos, millions of citizens learned to appreciate the country’s sportsman-based system of conservation funding. Sportsmen and women generates more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefit all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.
Local sponsors of this years event include Quality Deer Management, Maryland Sportsman’s Association, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Md. Wild Turkey Federation, Md. Trappers Association, Md. Outfitters and Guides Association, Cassidy and Association, Tutor Farms, National Wildlife Federation, National Rifle Association, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Chesapeake Chapter of Quails Unlimited and the Caroline County of Arts Council.
For more information about Maryland National Hunting and Fishing Day or for directions, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/NHFD/index.asp.
source: DNR press release
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