Authored By Staff report

Each year, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September. This year, on Sept. 22, everyone can enjoy any of the free scheduled celebratory events offered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “National Hunting and Fishing Day events are a great way to introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor activities, while also helping them learn about the important role that hunting and fishing plays in conservation,” said Rusty Garrison, Director of the Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. “These events are family-oriented and fun, with educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy.” Each day, millions of Americans work to conserve and improve our natural resources—they are America's hunters and anglers. The U.S. Congress and President Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1972 to recognize these generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money, more than a billion dollars each year, they donate to wildlife conservation programs. Read more on the history of this event here. Conserving the states natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy. View the NHF Day slide presentation! One of the best ways all of us can create a better public understanding of hunting and fishing is to create a better public awareness of the important role that hunters and anglers have played in conservation and improving our natural resources. Together with hunting and fishing license fees, federal aid programs have funded game animals and sport fish conservation, habitat acquisition and outdoor recreation opportunities both in Georgia and throughout the country. NHF Day events provide opportunities for outdoor-oriented people and urbanites alike to learn more about outdoor skills and activities.So, in celebration of this special day be sure to take someone (especially young people) outside and introduce them to a whole new world of enjoyment at one of the many scheduled events, or through hunting, hiking, birdwatching, fishing or another outdoor activity. 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. In Northwest Georgia, Outdoor Adventure Day is scheduled at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park on Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm. The event is open to all ages. Activities include: fishing, archery, BB range, canoeing, live animal displays, snake show and climbing wall. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. The event is FREE. However, there is a $5 parking fee at State Parks. For more information, contact Lisa Bohannon at 706-295-6041. In addition to special events, Georgia offers a Free Fishing Day in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 22. 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. See a complete listing of all NHF Day events across Georgia here.