Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
Public invited to attend free events in Arizona Sept. 17-22

By Tom Cadden, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

People with an interest in wildlife, conservation and the great outdoors are invited to attend several activities in Arizona celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is Sept. 22.

The free events will provide the opportunity for people of all experience levels to learn about or enhance their knowledge of the great outdoors and outdoor recreation pursuits.

Phoenix-area events include a “Get Outside” Outdoor Recreation Expo at Tempe Town Lake from 7-11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 22. The event will offer a free fishing clinic, introduction to archery, live wildlife exhibits, hikes on riparian trails, canoes/kayaks and boating safety information, camping information, and general information on hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation. Other area events include free seminars on small game hunting on Sept. 18, and on deer ecology and biology on Sept 20, both held from 7-9 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops at 1133 N. Dobson Road, Mesa.

Tucson-area events include free seminars from 7-8 p.m. each evening from Sept. 17-21 at the Tucson Sportsman’s Warehouse store at 3945 W. Costco Drive. Topics include fishing in Arizona, deer ecology and biology, reptiles of Arizona, women in the outdoors, and a special kids’ night out. A free outdoor mini-expo will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Tucson Sportsman’s Warehouse parking lot, with exhibit booths, free food and an opportunity to talk with experts on hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

Kingman area events include a Game and Fish booth at the Wal-Mart, 3396 N. Stockton Hill Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 20, and at the Kmart, 3340 E. Andy Devine Ave., from 1-4 p.m. on Sept. 21. Visitors can obtain information on where to hunt and fish, regulations, Arizona wildlife, and Game and Fish programs. A department representative will be on hand to answer questions.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by Congress in 1971 to recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife conservation.

More than 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were among the first to realize that expanding civilization and unregulated market hunting were causing serious wildlife population declines, threatening the sustainability of many species. The efforts of hunters and anglers to change that situation helped pave the way for today’s science-based systems of wildlife management, where regulated hunting/fishing and habitat management programs have restored and maintained sustainable wildlife populations for all to enjoy.

Today’s wildlife conservation efforts are funded primarily by the more than $1 billion annually that hunters and anglers spend on license fees and excise taxes on sporting equipment. These monies support wildlife conservation programs, habitat acquisition and outdoor recreation opportunities in Arizona and throughout the country.

For a complete list and description of activities, visit www.azgfd.gov. For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day, visit www.nhfday.org.