ROANOKE, W.Va. –– Plans are in place for a celebration of West Virginia’s hunting and fishing traditions this weekend at Stonewall Resort State Park. The annual National Hunting and Fishing Day is this Saturday, September 19.
National Hunting and Fishing Day was first recognized by President Nixon in the early 1970’s and has become an annual celebration nationally. Traditionally National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated on the 4th Saturday in September. A few years ago, West Virginia made some changes which moved the opening of the archery hunting season back to the same weekend. The decision was made to move the date of the NHFD celebration back a week so it wouldn’t conflict with the opening day of bow hunting.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources partners with a number of organizations to put on the event, including the National Wild Turkey Federation. But it’s a showcase of the agency and all of the programs they are involved in to protect and enhance the state’s wildlife.
“Fish, wildlife, diversity, law enforcement, it’s a complete agency event. It shows off not only our agency, but our partner organizations. You may not see what we do, but we’re out here doing it every day,” said DNR Spokesman Chris Scraggs.
The weekend includes a long list of exhibits and activities for the young and old. A large number of vendors are on hand for the event, there are demonstrations of skinning, cleaning and butchering game, plus demonstrations and sampling of wild game and fish cooking. Don’t fill up on those samples since the West Virginia State Parks will have staff from ten different parks on hand preparing food for the Taste of State Parks event. Visitors can sample food from each of the parks and decide which one they enjoy most.
The Natural Resources Police oversee the shooting area where visitors get a chance to shoot with assistance. The range is a popular location for youngsters. They can also try their hand a casting a rod and reel or shooting a bow as well. There are various dog demonstrations throughout the weekend.
The Youth Outdoor Challenge is one of the biggest events of the weekend. Children complete a long list of events to go into a drawing for prizes.
“It’s a great way to give kids an opportunity to experience the outdoors and learn if they’ve never been hunting, fishing, or shooting,” said Scraggs.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10 for adults and 14 and under get in for free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at www.wvdnr.gov/nhfd
West Virginia Outdoors will also originate live from the show from 7:06 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.