Events Across The State On Saturday Commemorate National Hunting and Fishing Day

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Saturday, September 22, marks the 36th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day. To commemorate these great American pastimes, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, sportsmen organizations, conservation organizations, and local businesses have organized events across the state, including the 2007 Maryland Fish Challenge Finale with Governor Martin O’Malley.

“Hunting and fishing are family-oriented outdoor pastimes that everyone can enjoy,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “We are proud that Maryland’s public lands and waterway access sites offer every citizen the opportunity to enjoy our natural resources through hunting and fishing.”

Each year in Maryland, more than 649,000 anglers and more than 158,000 hunters contribute more than 740 million dollars to the State’s economy.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day offers an opportunity to encourage responsible hunting and fishing practices and recognize the important role that hunters and anglers have played in conservation and improving our natural resources,” said Griffin.

A full listing of National Hunting and Fishing Day Events in Maryland can be found at www.nhfday.org.

2007 Maryland Fish Challenge Finale with Governor O’Malley
Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Rain or Shine); FREE
South Beach of Sandy Point State Park
1100 East College Parkway in Annapolis, MD 21401

National Hunting & Fishing Day 36th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE
Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor, 16090 Oakland Road in Henderson (Caroline County)

Join more than 40 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and vendors for hands-on activities including spin casting, archery, and target shooting on the grounds with skilled instructors. There will be displays of hunting and fishing equipment and demonstrations of outdoor skills. Kids will enjoy the clay pigeon and archery shooting range, laser shooting program, wood duck box making, fly tying and spin casting, as well as dog demonstrations. Contact: Patricia Allen at 410-221-8838 x107 or pallen@dnr.state.md.us.

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. That system now generates more than $1.7 billion per year, benefiting all who appreciate wildlife and the outdoors.

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September 19, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov