West Virginia Wildlife Federation

ROANOKE, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), together with the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, will be hosting West Virginia’s Annual Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day (NH&FD) on Sept. 22 and 23. The event will again be held at Stonewall Resort State Park near Weston, conveniently located off Exit 91 of Interstate 79.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day is designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts of any age – and is especially beneficial to young hunters and anglers, as well as those who enjoy non-consumptive outdoor pursuits,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “NH&FD is the largest, single-weekend outdoor-oriented event in the state, and is something not to be missed!”

“We are very excited about the line-up of seminars and activities for this year,” stated NH&FD Event Coordinator Krista Snodgrass. “Of course, we are very happy to bring back the outstanding archery showman Byron Ferguson. Byron’s unparalleled archery performances leave audiences speechless as he shoots aspirins and other aerial targets. We’ll also have an exciting shotgun shooting exhibition by Tom Knapp. We’re proud to have both of these outstanding and famous shooters at the same location for the first time.”

Visitors also can check out displays including the West Virginia Big Buck Display and West Virginia Trophy Fish Display, which showcase some of the largest deer and fish taken in the state. 

“Our celebration is especially beneficial to young people, and we encourage youth attendance by keeping prices low and by providing two action-packed days of youth activities,” said Snodgrass.  “The Outdoor Youth Challenge, which is a youth expo and competition relating to wildlife, hunting, fishing, firearms safety and outdoor recreation, has expanded even more this year. The Outdoor Youth Challenge is perhaps the most important event at National Hunting and Fishing Day, because for some youngsters this may be the only opportunity they will have to be exposed to these fun and exciting outdoor activities.” 

Adults and supervised youth can participate in a variety of free, hands-on activities including archery, muzzleloader shooting, .22 caliber shooting, skeet (shotgun) shooting, fly casting, and many other activities.

The popular wild game cooking event will illustrate how wild game is prepared from the woodlot to the dinner table.  In addition to demonstrations of proper techniques for field dressing and skinning deer, skilled professionals will demonstrate how to cut and prepare the wild game while professional chefs prepare their favorite recipes.

Visitors don’t have to leave the premises to satisfy their hunger as vendors will be selling a variety of food. They can also taste free samples of game from on-site cooking demonstrations. 

For more information on NH&FD, including a complete schedule, description of activities, and an event map, go to the website at: www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm.