New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

August 29, 2002

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, National Hunting and Fishing Day (NH&F Day) in New Jersey is September 28. The annual event was designed to recognize and commend the sporting community for its leadership and commitment to conserving fish and wildlife resources.

"To commemorate National Hunting and Fishing Day in New Jersey, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will sponsor a Wildlife Heritage Festival at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Warren County," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "The day's activities are designed to get individuals and families outdoors and acquaint them with the area's unique natural resources.

The free event, sponsored by the Division, the Upper Delaware Watershed Management Project, WNTI 91.9 FM and Covanta Energy, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. Highlights include a variety of exhibits and events planned to showcase ways that people interact with wildlife both from an historical and modern point of view.

Visitors can learn about primitive and modern shooting sports as well as early fishing techniques. Children can enjoy spin casting at the education pond area and target shooting on the grounds. Various conservation groups and wildlife artisans will be on hand and demonstrations will focus on black bear research, trout spawning, aquatic insects, pheasants, leather working, cooking wild game and fish, and much more. Live music and food will be available.

The Pequest facility is located on Rt. 46 in Oxford. For more information call 908-637-4125.

For those who can't attend the Wildlife Festival, sportsmen and women are invited to help celebrate NH&F Day by making a special effort to help others understand their role in conservation and their ongoing contributions to the well-being of our natural resources. Individuals are asked to take at least one friend, family member, neighbor, business associate or other acquaintance with them on some type of outdoor activity.

The program, known as Step Outside, is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and is an excellent resource for newcomers and current target shooters, archers, hunters and anglers. Visitors to the website (www.stepoutside.org) can find information and links to further their already established pursuits or find out how to get started. If you enjoy archery, target shooting, hunting or fishing, take time to invite someone you know to Step Outside. It's a great way to share your knowledge and love of the outdoors by being a mentor and ensuring a stronger future for your favorite activity.