First fish, first arrow, first adventure
Forrest Fisher Photo Kids can learn the basics of how to fish, bait a hook, catch a fish, and release a fish at Elma Conservation Club this Saturday, all for free, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Forrest Fisher Photo Rain or shine, kids of all ages can learn about basic archery, shoot some arrows with certified safety instruction, and enjoy a first experience that they could look back on for decades.
Forrest Fisher Photo The new phase of early season archery hunting is the crossbow. Kids of all ages (adults too) can try it out with target shooting at the Elma Conservation Club National Hunting and Fishing Day event this Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Forrest Fisher Photo Kids can learn the basics of how to fish, bait a hook, catch a fish, and release a fish at Elma Conservation Club this Saturday, all for free, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Forrest Fisher Photo Rain or shine, kids of all ages can learn about basic archery, shoot some arrows with certified safety instruction, and enjoy a first experience that they could look back on for decades.
Forrest Fisher Photo The new phase of early season archery hunting is the crossbow. Kids of all ages (adults too) can try it out with target shooting at the Elma Conservation Club National Hunting and Fishing Day event this Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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There is also something pretty special about watching a youngster successfully send a first arrow into a target, safely handle a fishing rod, learn to identify wildlife, or simply discover how much fun it can be to spend a day outdoors.
This Saturday, tomorrow, September 26, is National Hunting and Fishing Day with free celebrations in two Western New York locations:
· Erie County – Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Rd. Elma. NY; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, free fishing, archery, face painting, trap shooting, lure making, meet the DEC and more; Presented by the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen. Visit ECSFC.org.
· Niagara County – NY Power Authority Wildlife Festival at the NYPA Power Vista, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Not many things can beat the moment when you watch someone catch their first fish, take their first hike through the woods, or experience the excitement of seeing a deer step from its bedding area and quietly disappear into a nearby meadow. For many of us, those moments become lifelong memories.
This Saturday, Western New York families have a chance to create some of those memories -- for free. There will be supervised hands-on fun and education with the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs who will celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with a family-friendly outdoor education event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road in Elma. The event is being held in recognition of the organization's 55 years of promoting the importance of our outdoor heritage. Young and old alike are invited to explore more than 15 learning stations, meet outdoor experts and try hands-on activities in a safe, supervised environment. The event will be held rain or shine.
For kids, old kids too, there could be plenty of firsts. Children can try hands-on archery and crossbow shooting, air-rifle shooting, fishing and trap shooting, all with qualified and certified instructors providing guidance and emphasizing safe practices. Equipment will be available for visitors to use, making it easy for families to participate without having to own their own gear.
For a youngster who has never held a bow, fired an air rifle, cast a fishing line or tried a shooting sport, that first successful attempt can be pretty thrilling -- and perhaps the beginning of a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Safety is a major part of the day. Certified instructors and experienced outdoor educators will teach participants how to handle equipment responsibly, understand basic firearm and range safety, and enjoy outdoor activities with the proper knowledge and respect. Field-dog demonstrations, trapping and fur-handling lessons also will provide a look at the skills, history and responsibilities associated with outdoor traditions.
There will be plenty to see and learn even for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the sidelines. Outdoor education experts will share outdoor talks on so many topics.
Tick-Time author Sheri Voss will discuss Lyme disease awareness, including practical information about deer ticks and ways to reduce the risk of tick exposure while preparing to stay safe to enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors also can learn about avian and raptor rehabilitation and the important work involved in helping injured wildlife by Messenger Woods.
Wildlife biologists and others from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will be on hand as well, offering visitors an opportunity to talk directly with fish and wildlife experts. They will discuss deer, ducks, fish, birds, invasive species and the important role everyone can play in conservation and stewardship.
There will be plenty of family-friendly extras, including free food, face painting and free prizes. Kids attending the event will also have a chance to win free rod-and-reel packages through a random drawing - drawn throughout the day.
Perhaps most importantly, National Hunting and Fishing Day offers a chance to put down the phones, step away from the screens and reconnect with something wonderfully uncomplicated: the natural world.
This Saturday comes with an added bonus for anyone curious about fishing. Sept. 26 is a designated free fishing day in New York, meaning no fishing license is required to fish in our New York freshwaters that day, this applies for residents and non-residents. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.
Whether you are an experienced outdoorsman, a parent looking for a new family adventure, or someone who has never picked up a fishing rod or bow in your life, this is an opportunity to learn something about all that in a safe environment.
Go make a memory. Catch a first fish. Shoot a first arrow. Learn how to recognize a tick. Meet a wildlife biologist. Ask questions. Try something you’ve never tried before. Most of all, come discover why getting outdoors is something worth passing on to the next generation. I'll be there too, come say hello.
Gotta love the outdoors.
Outdoor Calendar
Sept. 26: NYS FREE Fishing Day, no license required for residents or non-residents.
Sept. 26: National Hunting & Fishing Day, Erie County, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, free fishing, archery, face painting, more; presented by the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen at Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Rd. Elma.
Sept. 26: National Hunting & Fishing Day, Niagara County, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., NY Power Authority Wildlife Festival at the NYPA Power Vista.
Sept. 26: Air Rifle Shoot, 10 a.m. start, Westfield Fish & Game, Ogden Road, Westfield; info: 716-969-8344.
Sept. 26-27: Youth Waterfowl Hunt Weekend, for youth 12-15 years old, must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Visit www.dec.ny.org. Sept. 30: 3D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 4PM start, $10 fee, 15 targets, free instruction 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; Info-call Jerry Gorski, 716-698-3008.
Oct. 1: Opening Day for NYS Early Big Game Archery Season for whitetail deer and black bear.
Oct. 1: Opening Day for small game ruffed grouse and cottontail rabbit in the southern zone.
Oct. 6: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing /4H Program, fly tying/fly fishing classes, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center at SUNY Fredonia; Info: email Alberto@albertorey.com.