THE MANCHIN REPORT: Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days a Unique WV Family Event
By Joe ManchinGovernor of West Virginia
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- The rich heritage of fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation is as much the fabric of West Virginia’s culture as are its mountains, valleys and streams. A majority of our state’s households have a licensed hunter or angler, and nearly 80 percent of our residents enjoy wildlife observation and photography. Outdoor recreation is a part of almost every Mountaineer’s lifestyle.
Which is why I encourage West Virginia outdoor enthusiasts and their families to attend the 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, Sept. 23-24, 2006 at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County. This annual event, held the last full weekend of each September, is like no other family event held in West Virginia since it features hands-on learning opportunities and demonstrations in the areas of wildlife and outdoor recreation for people young and old to enjoy.
Nearly 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts will be in attendance to try their hand at everything from archery, shooting and fly-fishing to a kids fishing derby; making it the state’s largest outdoor hunting and fishing event. In addition to all the hands-on-activities, attendees will also have the opportunity to sit in on several wildlife demonstrations or visit one of the hundred-plus vendors on hand. Seminars include bird dog demonstrations, coyote calling, turkey and deer calling and fishing tips/techniques.
The National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration provides an array of opportunities for those with an interest in hunting and outdoors to hone their skills, while also educating the non-hunting/fishing public on the benefits of these recreational activities and how they support our state’s efforts in the area of wildlife conservation.
I appreciate the efforts of the West Virginia Wildlife Federation and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) in planning this year’s celebration, and thank the many local, regional and national outdoor, conservation and sporting organizations that provide resources and support for this annual event. Admission is $3 for adults, and $1 for children under age 15. Children under the age of three will be admitted free. For more information and for a schedule of activities, visit the West Virginia DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.
The National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration is an event that truly has something for every West Virginian who loves the outdoors. I look forward to seeing many of my fellow sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park Sept. 23-24.