Each year, the fourth Sunday of September brings National Hunting and Fishing Day. On this day, celebrated Sept. 24 this year, everyone can enjoy any of 10 free scheduled celebratory events, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
“I encourage you to bring friends and family to a National Hunting and Fishing Day event,” said Rusty Garrison, director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “These are family-oriented, with fun and educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy. It is a great way to introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor sports while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing have for Georgia’s wildlife conservation programs.”
What is National Hunting and Fishing Day? The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established this day in 1973 to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money they donate to wildlife conservation programs.
Events offered in Georgia include kids’ fishing events and Outdoor Adventure Days. Activities will differ at each event – but some highlights include archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, snake shows, wildlife programs, exhibits and more. These events are spread out across the whole state – meaning that one is probably near you.
In addition to these events, a free fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents Saturday, Sept. 24. On this day, residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.
For more information on NHF Day in Georgia, including a complete listing of all events in the state, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday.
