Saturday is Hunting and Fishing Appreciation Day

A Press Release from Connecticut DEEP

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in conjunction with the Friends of Sessions Woods, is celebrating Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 28, at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Education Center in Burlington. This free event will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and feature many outdoor-related activities and demonstrations.

Activities for all ages are planned:

• Field dog demonstrations
• Target shooting (.22 rifles, BB guns, trap shooting)
• Archery (including 3-D archery)
• Casting pools
• Live snake program by Brian Kleinman of Riverside Reptiles
• Cowboy Action Shooting demonstration by the Congress of Rough Riders
• Children’s crafts and activities

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 snakes and turtles.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has recognized September 28 as 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.”

DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “Connecticut’s anglers and hunters make a tremendous contribution to ongoing wildlife and habitat research, conservation, and protection activities in the state. 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.”

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

Willis continued, “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 September 28.”

Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Appreciation Day is made possible due to generous donations from the following: the Friends of Sessions Woods – Paul Petersen Fund, the Clinton S. Roberts Foundation, Jacklin Rod & Gun Club, Northwest Connecticut Sportsman's Council, Orvis, Roberts Orchards & Chuck Bird, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Torrington Savings Bank, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Trailblazers, and the Weatherby Foundation International Hunting Heritage Partnership.

Free shuttle bus parking (with more and bigger buses) will be at Lewis S. Mills High School, 26 Lyons Road, off of Route 4 in Burlington. Only handicapped parking will be available at Sessions Woods. The Friends of Sessions Woods will be selling food and drinks during the event, or you can bring your own picnic lunch. The event will be held rain or shine. 

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