DEC Encourages Outdoor Enthusiasts to Participate in National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 23

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to participate in National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 23.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting.
"Hunters and anglers were among the first conservationists who understood the importance of wildlife management and protecting the environment and its natural resources," Commissioner Seggos said. "In 1972, Congress created National Hunting and Fishing Day and all 50 governors proclaimed state versions by year's end. New York has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, so I encourage people to get outside and enjoy the natural wonders of our great state."
Visit the National Hunting and Fishing Day website to take the pledge to get someone out hunting or fishing on or before Sept. 23, and enter to win prizes. New York State events to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 23, include:

• Demonstrations at the Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring gun safety, the Cornell Raptor Program, DEC K-9 unit, fly fishing, and more;
• Open House and Family Day at the Salmon River Fish Hatchery from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring hatchery tours, laser shooting range, fishing demonstrations, and educational opportunities;
• National Hunting and Fishing Day is a designated free fishing day in New York, which means anyone can fish the freshwaters of New York and no fishing license is required; and
• DEC's Youth pheasant hunt on Sept. 23 and 24 in parts of New York.

Getting outdoors to experience fishing or hunting has many benefits. It builds a sense of stewardship of fish and wildlife resources and habitats, provides an opportunity for experienced hunters and anglers to share knowledge, and fosters participation in hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting through the mentoring of a young hunter or angler.
Additional hunting opportunities available on or before Sept. 23, include early goose season, Ruffed Grouse (Northern Zone), or early bear season (Adirondacks and Catskills).
There are also ample fishing opportunities this fall:

• Waters are cooling and trout are becoming more active in ponds and streams. Fall is the perfect time to seek brook trout in an Adirondack pond. Fast fishing can also be found in streams and rivers. Trout season closes on many waters Oct. 15;
• Check out the tributaries of Lake Ontario for Pacific salmon or Lake Champlain for Atlantic salmon. Fantastic steelhead fishing can also be found in many Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries; and
• Look for New York's most widely distributed sportfish, large and smallmouth bass, which can be found throughout the state from Montauk to Buffalo.

Visit National Hunting and Fishing Day on DEC's website to find out more.