Junior Hunter Field Day Event To Be Held In Charles County

Waldorf, Md. (May 18, 2011) - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is partnering with local conservation groups to present the second-annual Southern Maryland Junior Hunter Field Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday June 11 at the Izaak Walton League in Waldorf, Md. This event will allow young people interested in wildlife activities to experience nature while learning about the management of the State’s natural resources.

“This event will provide a safe, fun and hands-on atmosphere for young people to learn about hunting’s important role in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation under the guidance of wildlife professionals,” said Jim Bennett, DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service Habitat Manager for the Southern Region.

State and local conservationists will give youngsters interested in hunting, trapping and wildlife management the opportunity to learn about shooting sports and hunting – including archery, sporting clays, trapping, dog demonstrations and waterfowl calling demonstrations – while being mentored by certified instructors. DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service staff and the Maryland Natural Resources Police will join representatives of sporting and conservation organizations to provide expertise in natural resources stewardship, safety, wildlife biology, and ethical conduct in the field. Lunch for participants and their parents as well as all equipment will be provided.

This event is open to young people ages 8-16. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 100 applicants, so register early.

To register, contact Jim Bennett with the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service at 301-743-5161or download a registration form at http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Education/youth/index.asp.

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 a 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.