OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is introducing today's young people to our state's diverse outdoor activities through sponsorship of The Youth Outdoor Fair, Feb 4 - 8 in Seattle.

The show, presented as part of the International Sportsmen's Exposition, takes place in the Kingdome Pavilion and will provide many hands-on opportunities for youngsters to learn about fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.

"It is especially important for our agency to offer the state's youngsters a sample of healthy outdoor activities," said WDFW Director Bern Shanks. "There are a lot of activities available to kids today that aren't so healthy. The Department of Fish and Wildlife sees this fair, as well as our agency's education programs, as a way of teaching the ethics and opportunities of the outdoors to the next generation."

The fair will feature :

• A catch-and-release fish pond