The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about the great outdoors to join more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses at Maryland’s 3rd Annual National Hunting & Fishing Day Celebration & Expo on Sat., Sept. 26, 2009. Open to the public, this FREE event sponsored by DNR begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor, located at 16090 Oakland Road in Henderson on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“National Hunting & Fishing Day is an opportunity to celebrate our connection to nature, great family traditions and outdoor experiences passed down from one generation to the next,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Associate Director Bob Beyer. “In keeping with these traditions, we encourage you to bring a youngster to National Hunting & Fishing Day.”

Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl and turkey calling lessons and demonstrations, archery and target shooting on the grounds with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women will enjoy hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills. Kids will enjoy the clay pigeon and archery shooting range, wood duck box making and fly tying and spin casting, as well as dog demonstrations.

“This event offers fun and educational hands-on activities for all ages to enjoy,” said National Hunting and Fishing Day Coordinator Patty Allen. “It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation and management.”

Backwoods Bluegrass Band will provide live musical entertainment for the day-long event. There will be a variety of merchandise and food vendors, and lots of free giveaways.

Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. From shopping center exhibits to statewide expos, millions of citizens learned to appreciate the country’s sportsman-based system of conservation funding. Sportsmen and women generate more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefit all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.

Local sponsors of this year’s event include Maryland Sportsman’s Association, MD Wild Turkey Federation, MD Trappers Association, MD Outfitters and Guides Association, Cassidy and Associates, Tutor Farms, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Chesapeake Chapter of Quails Unlimited and the MD Bowhunters Society.

For more information about Maryland National Hunting and Fishing Day or for directions, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/NHFD/index.asp  or call Patty Allen at 410-260-8537