News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Maureen Wren, 518-402-8000

DEC Invites All to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day

this Saturday, September 22

ALBANY, NY (09/19/2007; 1531)(readMedia)-- Saturday, Sept. 22 is National Hunting and Fishing Day and the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be collaborating with sportsmen and women throughout the state in celebrating the fun and challenging sports of hunting and fishing.

“Hunting and fishing is an important component of New York’s outdoor heritage, and we are very fortunate that our state offers a multitude of diverse, world-class recreational opportunities in every region,” DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. “DEC is participating in activities in several areas of the state, but if you cannot make one of these events or have never explored the excitement of hunting and fishing, this weekend may be a perfect time to experience the challenge.”

A number of events are scheduled across the state and DEC encourages those seeking more information to contact DEC regional offices directly for times, locations and other specific details concerning each event. Additional activities planned by DEC partners can be found at the National Hunting and Fishing Day website www.nhfday.org in the “Events” section listed state-by-state.

Large events are planned at DEC facilities in Region 1 and 8. In Region 1, (Long Island) the Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen will be holding their annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day at the DEC facility in Ridge, New York. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, and will include a host of exhibits and demonstrations including a Rough Rider Cavalry re-enactment, archery lessons for children, and dog training demonstrations. At the DEC Region 8 headquarters in Avon, Livingston County, the Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs will be hosting the 34th annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events and displays will include trap shooting, canoe demonstrations, taxidermy exhibits and over 90 vendors of outdoor recreation products

In Region 5, DEC will participating in a National Hunting and Fishing Day program at the Clifton Park Center Mall in Clifton Park, Saratoga County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bureau of Fisheries will have an exhibit, as well as operate a fun backyard bass casting competition for children. DEC Region 5 Environmental Conservation Officers will be attending a program at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, Hamilton County from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, a DEC Environmental Conservation Officer will be joining members of the Warren County Conservation Council and Boy Scout Troop 22 at the Aviation Mall in Queensbury from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.