FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CELEBRATE NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY WITH FUN, FREE EVENTS!

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Aug. 30, 2016)–Each year, the fourth Sunday of September brings National Hunting and Fishing Day.  On this day, celebrated Sept. 24 this year, everyone can enjoy any of 10 FREE scheduled celebratory events, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

 

“I encourage you to bring friends and family to a National Hunting and Fishing Day event,” said Rusty Garrison, Director of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.  “These are family-oriented, with fun and educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy. It is a great way to introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor sports while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing have for Georgia’s wildlife conservation programs.”

 

What is National Hunting and Fishing Day? The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established this day in 1973 to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money they donate to wildlife conservation programs.

 

Events offered in Georgia include kids’ fishing events and Outdoor Adventure Days.  Activities will differ at each event – but some highlights include archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, snake shows, wildlife programs, exhibits and more.  These events are spread out across the whole state – meaning that one is probably near you!

 

In addition to these events, a FREE fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.  On this day, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA).  In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area (WMA) license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

 

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia, including a complete listing of all events in the state, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/get-involved/nhfday .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK ON THE OUTDOORS AT THE NOVEMBER ‘BECOMING AN OUTDOORS-WOMAN’ PROGRAM

MANSFIELD, Ga. (August 30, 2016) – Ladies, if you are uncertain where to begin when thinking about outdoor activities, the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program is a great place to start!  This program provides a practical introduction to a wide variety of outdoor recreational skills and activities.  A BOW workshop, hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is scheduled to take place Nov. 4-6 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

 

“BOW classes give women from all backgrounds the chance to learn outdoor skills in a positive, non-competitive atmosphere where they can feel confident and have fun,” said Jody Rice, BOW coordinator.

 

BOW is an educational program offering hands-on workshops to women of all ages and physical ability levels and aims to break down barriers to female participation in outdoor activities by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

 

Weekend workshops begin on Friday morning and end on Sunday afternoon. Between meals and special presentations and events, participants can choose from more than 25 professionally-led classes, ranging from such topics as firearms, wilderness survival, fishing, orienteering, birding and tree climbing. Sessions range in intensity from leisurely to rugged (strenuous).

 

Although classes are designed with beginners and those with little to no experience in mind, more seasoned participants will benefit from the opportunity to hone their existing skills and try out new activities. All participants will receive enough instruction to pursue their outdoor interests further when the workshop is complete.

 

Registration is now open for a BOW workshop scheduled for Nov. 4-6 at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (located near Mansfield, less than an hour southeast of Atlanta off Interstate 20). Participants can choose to bring their own tents and gear or lodge at Charlie Elliott’s beautiful conference center, part of a popular complex including a wildlife management and public fishing area. Cost per person ranges from $255-300 (dependent on lodging choice).

 

For more information, including registration details and a complete listing of classes offered, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/BOW or call (770) 784-3059.