The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 23 with an event for families at the University of Wyoming football game in Laramie. Game and Fish, Sportsman's Warehouse and Shoot and Cast will be at the Tailgate Zone in the Indoor Practice Field facility during tailgate time before kickoff against the the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of every September. Since 1972, the day has been recognized in all 50 states as one to teach about conservation and celebrate the outdoors. This year, that celebration falls on Sept. 23, and states are doing more to reach out to people who may have never considered trying hunting, fishing or shooting sports.
“Today fewer people are connecting with nature through hunting and fishing,” said Kathryn Boswell, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department hunter and angler participation coordinator. “But, we can change that by taking our family and friends outdoors and teaching them how. Look for us in our red shirts before the football game to find out how to get started.”
Game and Fish will be hosting hands-on activities to teach game-goers about Wyoming’s outdoor opportunities and hunting and fishing skills. Activities include casting practice, hide and fur identification, how to use bear spray and more. Two fishing stocking trucks will be on site featuring “Brown and Gold” the brown trout and “Redd” the kokanee salmon, and Game and Fish will be giving fishing tips and answering questions.
“University of Wyoming football games attract people who love Wyoming — the university, as well as our outdoor way of life. Learning how to fish for brown or golden trout with a friend at the football game or visiting with a game warden are great first steps to going afield and making lifelong memories,” Boswell said.
The National Hunting and Fishing Day program is also sponsoring a nationwide mentorship challenge. By pledging online to introduce someone to the outdoors by Sept. 23, mentors will be eligible to win a weekend for two with Richard Childress Racing VIP package or a family stay at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri and passes to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. More information is available on NHFDay.org.
