DEEP to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in conjunction with the Friends of Sessions Woods, is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Education Center in Burlington. This free event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature many outdoor-related activities and demonstrations. 

Activities for all ages are planned, along with interesting programs and workshops about hunting and fishing. Activities include:

• Hunting dog demonstrations
• Turkey Calling Contest
• Target shooting
• 3-D archery
• Casting pools

Attendees also will have the opportunity to speak firsthand with DEEP biologists about wildlife and fisheries topics, as well as with representatives from a variety of conservation, hunting, and fishing organizations.  Children can participate in several fun activities and crafts, such as track making, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and a chance to see live turtles and fish.  The Congress of Rough Riders of Naugatuck, Connecticut, will provide scheduled demonstrations of Cowboy Action Shooting. 

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has recognized Sept. 24 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Connecticut. In an official proclamation marking the day, Governor Malloy said, “America’s hunters and anglers have made outstanding contributions to conservation, recreation, and the economy. Since the turn of the 20th century, hunters and anglers have been leaders in nearly all major conservation programs.”

“Connecticut’s anglers and hunters make a tremendous contribution to ongoing wildlife and habitat research, conservation, and protection activities in the state," DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said. "Hunting and Fishing Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to not only showcase those efforts, but also gives all of the state’s residents the opportunity to experience the great outdoors.”

Said Paul Willis, Friends of Sessions Woods President: “The facilities at Sessions Woods exist today because of financial support from sportsmen through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program,” “The Friends of Sessions Woods wants to show its appreciation by sponsoring a special day to celebrate hunting and fishing.

“Sessions Woods provides outdoor recreational opportunities for all Connecticut residents, not just hunters and anglers.  Families and individuals interested in the outdoors are invited to attend Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Appreciation Day on Sept. 24.”

Financial support for this event is being provided by the Friends of Sessions Woods and the Weatherby Foundation, along with support from a variety of businesses and organizations related to hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

Handicapped and limited public parking will be available on site at Sessions Woods. Overflow free shuttle parking will be available at Lewis S. Mills High School, 26 Lyons Road, off of Route 4 in Burlington. The Friends of Sessions Woods will be selling food and drinks during the event, or you can bring your own picnic lunch.

More detailed information about Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day and Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area can be found on the DEEP web site at www.ct.gov/dep/HuntFishDay or by calling the Sessions Woods office at 860-675-8130 (Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Sessions Woods is located on Route 69 (341 Milford St.) in Burlington.