SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is partnering with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to host the annual free National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30.
“This family-oriented event is a great way to introduce youth to outdoor recreation they may not get to experience otherwise, such as target shooting, hunting, fishing, and outdoor-focused activities and crafts,” said David Whipple, WDFW hunter education section manager.
The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp Cowles in Pend Oreille County at 4161 N. Shore Diamond Lake Rd, Newport WA 99156. Participants can also enjoy educational displays and hands-on activities including trout fishing, fly tying, rod and reel casting practice, flint knapping, making plaster animal track casts, fish prints, demonstrations by invasive mussel-detecting dogs, a ”back country” camp featuring horses and mules, and shooting Department-owned archery equipment, pellet guns, .22 rifles, and 20-gauge shotguns.
“This is a great opportunity to receive training, guidance, and encouragement from certified Hunter Education Instructors, Master Hunters, and Range Safety Officers,” said Whipple. “Participants will also learn the importance of hunter safety.”
In addition, the first 500 youth participants will receive a reusable drawstring bag with several safety-related items. There will be door prize drawings and giveaways donated by local and national businesses.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation originally created National Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate the conservation successes of hunters and anglers. The day was formalized by Congress in 1971 and signed into law in 1972 by President Nixon.
While the event is free, WDFW asks that you pre-register children at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/hunt-fish-day to ensure there are enough materials and giveaways for all participants. There is also additional information on the National Hunting and Fishing Day event and the role hunters and anglers play in conservation across the nation at that page.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.