Maryland Celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day September 22

Marriottsville, Md. (July 24, 2012) ─ In conjunction with more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the State’s 6th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration and Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 22 at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore in Marriottsville.

Anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about the great outdoors are invited to this free, public event.

“National Hunting & Fishing Day celebrates family traditions, camaraderie between sportsmen and women, and what it means to be a responsible steward of our natural world,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin.

Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women are invited to try exciting, interactive activities that include spin casting, waterfowl calling lessons, dog demonstrations, and archery and target shooting with expert instructors. There will also be hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations.

“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for Marylanders of all ages to enjoy,” said DNR’s National Hunting & Fishing Day Coordinator, Patricia Handy. “It’s 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.”

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. 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, Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association, Tudor Farms Inc., Maryland Fur Trappers Inc., and the Maryland Bowhunters Society.

The event will take place at the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, 11518 Marriottsville Rd., Marriottsville, Md. 21104. Citizens who would like more information, or those who are interested in becoming a vendor, may call 410-260-8537 or visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/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 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. 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