Get Out There

Saturday, Sept. 27 has been designated “National Hunting and Fishing Day.” If you are like me, you may be thinking, “Isn’t every day a fishing and hunting day?” However, there are still a few people that have yet to experience the outdoors fully, and this day is a good reminder to get out there.

There are numerous events scheduled around this date. New Hampshire held their Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration last week but other parts of the country are staging free expos this weekend.

For example, there will be a Family Fish Fest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 27 with the first 50 registrants receiving a rod and reel. Besides a free fishing tournament, there are opportunities to learn fly-fishing skills, learn to canoe, and sample game and seafood.

With events galore, the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo also begins on the 27^th and runs through the 28^th. Over 30,000 people will experience a variety of outdoor activities and learn such things as: fish identification, farm pond management, bowfishing, proper boat cleaning, and boater safety. Part of the famous Lazy E area even transforms into a 220 foot lake for kids to kayak. A new event this year is the “simulated noodling session.” I’ve been practicing this simulation with our psycho cat, while searching for the TV remote under the couch.

This is a great chance for kids (and adults) to try some fun outdoor activities that they may not get to experience otherwise. It also helps renew appreciation and conservation of our natural resources. To find a list of events in your area, just click on your state.

Andy Whitcomb

Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.