The 28th annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day will be held September 22-23 at the Department of Environmental Conservation in East Avon. The theme of the occasion is "A Natural Invitation To Step Outdoors." It is a challenge for every outdoors-person to share knowledge and enjoyment of the natural world with "indoor" friends.

For more than 100 years, hunters and anglers have been at the forefront of the conservation movement. Not content with vocalizing their support, they long ago requested special fees and taxes on their equipment to pay for wildlife management, habitat restoration and other conservation programs. These contributions have led to dramatic recovery of many species that have never been hunted, from chipmunks and panthers to songbirds and eagles, as well as game species such as the white-tail deer, elk and wild turkey. In 1972, Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize this vital role that hunters and anglers play in wildlife conservation.

What will be there? Everything related to the outdoors including wildlife art, taxidermy, hunting, fishing and trapping displays and instruction, management exhibits, a living stream exhibit provided by the NYS Caledonia Fish Hatchery, dog training demos and tips (dogs welcome), shooting ranges for trap shooting, archery and computerized shooting, chances to try out canoes and kayaks, a sportsman's flea market with 60+ vendors and much more. Among the normal fare of food - buffalo burgers served by Scott-T-Ranch.

The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the NYSDEC Office located on Routes 5/20, 1.5 miles east of Interstate 390 Exit 10. Free public parking will be provided as will a free shuttle bus. The weekend is sponsored by the Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen and the DEC.