National Hunting and Fishing Day Events Planned in WNY

National Hunting and Fishing Day falls on September 28. Established in 1972 by President Richard Nixon, the day is intended to honor hunting and fishing communities and emphasize environmental protection.

A number of events have been planned in the area to mark National Health Fund (NHF) Day.

Representatives from the Erie County Federation of Sports Clubs will be at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road, Elma, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will be hosting free fishing lessons on the pond at the facility throughout the day.

The free event will feature a variety of outdoor-related booths, including demonstrations by Ducks Unlimited, Erie County Trappers, WNY Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Lake Erie Chapter of Fly Fishers International. Participants will also safely learn how to use a bow, crossbow, rifle, shotgun and air pistol from certified instructors.

Participants will also receive lunch and, by registering for the competition, they will be eligible to win a free, lifetime sports license.

In Niagara County, the New York Power Authority’s Wildlife Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and the event will be held at the Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston.

Many of the same exhibitors will return, including Nickel City Reptiles with Jeff Musial; wildlife rehabilitation groups such as Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Skyhunters, AWARE and Wild Kritters; dog agility and training by the Lewiston Police K-9 unit; and the New York State Conservation Tent, including DEC and New York State Parks booths with a variety of hands-on activities. The Primate Sanctuary returns, as does the Niagara River Anglers Association fishing pond and the Middleport Rod and Gun Club archery. The event is co-sponsored by the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs.

Also, in honor of NHF Day, September 28 is Free Fishing Day in the state. No fishing license is required, but you must follow the regulations of the water where you plan to fish.

DEC will host the 25th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House and Family Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the facility located at 2133 County Route 22 in Altmar, Oswego County.

Admission is free, and behind-the-scenes tours will be held throughout the event. For more information, contact Betsy Ukeritis, DEC environmental educator, at 315-314-0768.

The Western Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt will be held September 28-29 at Western Zone. It is an opportunity to educate young hunters ages 12 to 15 in the art of waterfowl hunting for ducks and geese.

As with all youth hunts in this state, a young hunter must always be accompanied by a licensed mentor.

Adult and youth hunters must have a hunting license and a Harvest Information Program registration number. Adults must also have a federal duck tag. During youth waterfowl hunts, the adult supervising the youth hunter may not carry a firearm, crossbow or longbow and may not take the animal. However, all other hunters in the group who are not supervising the youth hunter may carry a firearm, crossbow or longbow when other seasons are open.

To learn more about general waterfowl hunting regulations, visit the DEC website at dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28503.html.

If you would like to use Beaver Island waterfowl blinds for the youth hunting weekend, you can call 716-773-3271 on Monday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. During the regular duck hunting season, which begins Oct. 12, all blinds will be in-person drawings. Call the same number for details during regular weekday hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

State parks along the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario will hold a drawing to select entries for Youth Weekend at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Fort Niagara Maintenance Building.

To learn what’s happening in the world of waterfowl, wildlife biologists with the state Department of Environmental Protection Region 8 will host a virtual meeting Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendees are asked to register for the meeting at meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/rc245c74be0d9c4cd13ab4042997d8779 , and instructions on how to join the webinar will be provided once approved.

The meeting agenda will include information on upcoming goose and duck hunting seasons, an update on the Atlantic Flyway population, and information on wetland management in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the Tonawanda, Oak Orchard, Northern Montezuma and Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Areas.

For more information, contact the DEC Iroquois Wildlife Field Office at 585-948-5182.