Junior Hunter Field Day Event Planned For October 17, 2009 At The Western Maryland 4-H Center

Swanton, Md. (September 21, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has partnered with local conservation groups to present a Fall Junior Hunter Field Day Event on October 17, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Swanton, Md. This is an opportunity for young people interested in wildlife activities to experience the fun of the great outdoors and learn how to become involved in the management of our natural resources.

“Under the guidance of wildlife professionals, this event will provide a safe, fun and hands-on opportunity for young people to learn about hunting and its important role in Maryland’s wildlife conservation,” said DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service Regional Wildlife Response Coordinator Clarissa Harris.

Youth with an interest in hunting, trapping and wildlife management will have an opportunity to interact with DNR personnel and local conservationists in a safe, mentored setting learning about shooting sports, such as archery and sporting clays, trapping, grouse hunting and aging deer. Professionals from DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Natural Resources Police will join representatives of sporting and conservation organizations to provide expertise in natural resources stewardship, wildlife biology, safety and ethical conduct in the field. All equipment will be provided. Certified instructors will oversee all shooting activities. A free lunch will be provided by Evergreen Electrical Company in Grantsville.

This event is open to young people, ages 8 to 16. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 100 applicants, so register early. Please contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service Cumberland Office at 301-777-2136 to request registration information. Only applications by mail will be accepted (no phone, faxed, or e-mailed applications please).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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