The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) on September 27. 
 
NHFD is a national event celebrated by all 50 states on the fourth Saturday in September. It was created in 1972 when Congress passed two bills establishing a specific day to celebrate the conservation contributions of our nation’s hunters and anglers. Over forty years later, the events are still going strong. 
 
LDWF introduced its first NHFD event in 1982 at the Monroe district office. In the following years, three more locations were developed in Baton Rouge, Minden and Woodworth. Today, more than 10,000 people statewide attend the celebrations, establishing the overall largest public outreach event for the department.
 
“Our goal to is get people outdoors to enjoy the activities we offer and hopefully, send them home with a renewed interest and appreciation for Louisiana’s natural resources,” said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. “The National Hunting and Fishing Day experience is designed to stimulate greater interest in experiencing and preserving the treasures we have here in Sportsman’s Paradise.”
 
All four events are free. The number and types of exhibits vary at each location but all include exhibits on LDWF management programs, shooting and fishing demonstrations, exhibits from local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club and CCA, and supporting businesses from the local communities. Attendees have the chance to try their skills at the shooting ranges, fishing ponds and boating activities, as well as learn about wildlife through interaction with live animals. 
 
Family Fish Fest
 
In conjunction with the National Hunting and Fishing Day Outdoor Festival on September 27, LDWF will host a Family Fish Fest for youth age 15 and under at the Baton Rouge location. The event is free and registration is on-site only beginning at 9 a.m. The first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary rod and reel, courtesy of Pure Fishing, and the first 100 registrants will receive a fishing goodie bag. Every registrant will automatically be entered into numerous prize drawings. In addition, adults will receive one raffle ticket for each youth they enter into the Family Fish Fest for the chance to win great prizes. All anglers are asked to bring their own fishing equipment and bait.

The schedule for the Baton Rouge Family Fish Fest is as follows:

Registration                                       9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Fishing/weigh-in                                9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Awards ceremony and giveaways   11 a.m.
 
 
Hunting and Fishing Day Activity Book and Scout Patch Opportunity
 
Youth and Scout participants can also obtain and complete an activity book from the Activity Book Registration tent to receive a Hunting and Fishing Day patch (Scouts only) and sticker at the Baton Rouge and Woodworth locations. The booklet includes numerous activities including casting, fish ID, canoeing, fish tagging, archery, and more!     
 

For more information on National Hunting and Fishing Day, contact one of the four locations or go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/nhfd2013? 
 
Baton Rouge
Waddill Outdoor Education Center
4142 N. Flannery Road
(225)765-2800
 
Monroe
OPSO Public Shooting Range
357 Sheriff Fewell Rd?West Monroe, LA 71291
(318) 343-4044 
 
Minden
Bodcau Wildlife Management Area
1700 Bodcau Dam Rd. Haughton, LA 71037
(318) 371-3050 
 
Woodworth
Woodworth Outdoor Education Center
661 Robinson Bridge Rd.?Woodworth, LA 71485
(318) 484-2212