The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will host its annual National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration in Cowlitz County soon.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Cowlitz Public Shooting Range, 1000 Toutle Park Road, Castle Rock.
Attendees can enjoy educational displays, booths from conservation partners and a variety of activities, including trout fishing and rod-and-reel casting practice. Youth under 18, accompanied by an adult, can shoot WDFW firearms for free. Archery gear, 20-gauge shotguns and .22 and .223 air rifles will be available.
“This free event is a great, family-oriented way to introduce youth to target shooting, hunting, and fishing,” David Whipple, WDFW’s hunter education manager, said in a news release. “It’s also a chance to highlight the ongoing role hunters and anglers play in wildlife management and conservation.”
While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to pre-register so WDFW can adequately prepare. Session one will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and session two is from noon to 2:30 p.m. Registration is available at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/requirements/education/h. Volunteer applications are also open for National Hunting and Fishing Day. To volunteer for this and future WDFW events at wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/volun teer/event-list.
