Maryland Celebrates National Hunting And Fishing Day On September 25

Annapolis, Md. (August 19, 2010) — In conjunction with more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Maryland’s 4th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration and Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 25. Anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about the great outdoors are invited to this event, which will take place at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor, located at 16090 Oakland Road in Henderson on the Eastern Shore. This event is free and open to the public.

“By providing opportunities for Marylanders to celebrate our connection to nature and great traditions, we are also encouraging families to spend time together,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Maryland families are invited to bring their children to experience and learn about our great outdoor sporting opportunities.”

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 displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills. Kids will enjoy the clay pigeon and archery shooting range, 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 Marylanders of all ages to enjoy,” said Patty Allen, DNR’s Natural Resource Manager and Education Specialist who coordinates the National Hunting and Fishing Day. “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.”

The Bay Country Gentlemen will provide live musical entertainment for the day-long event. 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 generate more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefits all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.

Local sponsors of this year’s event include the National Wild Turkey Federation-Maryland Chapter, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International- Chesapeake Chapter, National Rifle Association, Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, and the Maryland Bowhunters Society.

For more information about Maryland National Hunting and Fishing Day or for directions, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/index.asp or call Patty Allen at 410-260-8537.
 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 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