WDFW and Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club hosts free National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration, Sept. 28

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club are hosting a free National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“This family-oriented event is a great way to introduce youth to target shooting, hunting, fishing, and conservation activities,” said David Whipple, WDFW hunter education division manager.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club, 16409 Canyon Rd E, Puyallup.

WDFW invites youth, with their parent or guardian, to participate in shooting sports with department-owned archery equipment, pellet guns, .22 rifles, .223 rifles, and 20 gauge shotguns.

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, seed balls, and butterfly houses. In addition, all youth participants will receive a reusable drawstring bag with several shooting and outdoor safety-related items. Local and national retailers will also have door prize drawings and giveaways at the event.

“This is a great opportunity to receive training, guidance, and encouragement from certified Hunter Education Instructors, Master Hunters, and Range Safety Officers,” said Whipple. “Youth will also meet with staff and volunteers from the department’s Hunter Education program, to learn the importance of hunter safety.”

The National Shooting Sport Foundation created National Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate the conservation successes of hunters and anglers. Congress formalized the day in 1971.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association is hosting an East Wenatchee celebration at the North Central Washington Gun Club, 2710 Gun Club Rd, East Wenatchee (http://wsassoc.org/contents/event/north-central-washington-youth-fishing-and-hunting-event?parent=About%20WSA). Youth will learn how to shoot a .22 caliber rifle, a 223 rifle, a 20 gauge shotgun, an archery area, and how to experience casting different kinds of fishing rods and reels.

Visit wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/hunt-fish-day to preregister and learn more about National Hunting and Fishing Day and the role hunters and anglers play in conservation across the nation.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities.