CT Hunting & Fishing Day on September 23 features FREE events for the whole family

Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Divisions of Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, State Parks, and State Environmental Conservation Police present: Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day. 

This FREE event will take place on  Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM at Cabela's in East Hartford!

Cabela's has graciously offered their grounds and parking area at 475 East Hartford Blvd. N., in East Hartford, for the event.

Lineup of Events

Live Birds of Prey and Waterfowl:
10:00 - 11:00 AM -- The Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy will be bringing ducks, hawks, and owls. There will also be a presentation of the birds (not in flight).

1:00 - 2:00 PM -- Christine's Critters will be featuring Christine Peyreigne, the youngest falconer in Connecticut. She will be bringing a red-tailed hawk, barred owl, American kestrel, and a Cooper's hawk.  

Backyard Fishing Game:
Kids who catch a tagged fish will be entered into a drawing to win one of 160 Zebco fishing poles donated by Cabela's! Thirty-two (32) fishing poles will be given out every hour beginning at 11:00 AM.
 
Field Dog Demonstrations: 
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. See various breeds of hunting dogs and watch them in action. Jennifer Broome from Quinebaug Kennels (located in Canterbury, CT) will be giving bird dog demonstrations throughout the day.
 
Food:
Food and beverages will be available for purchase all day.
 
 
All Day Activities for All Ages
  • BB Gun Range: Target Shooting and Instruction (CT Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation) 
  • Archery Shooting: Learn about bowhunting safety and how to effectively hone shooting skills. 
  • Fly Tying: Practice your fly tying skills and then head over to practice casting.
  • Fly Casting: Instruction and skills challenge.  Practice your fly casting with the CT Fly Fisherman’s Association and explore different casting techniques.
  • Live Action Simulated Hunting Range
  • Hunting and Fishing Tips: Visit with experts who will give you some great tips on hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.
  • WHAMM Program
    Wetland Habitat and Mosquito Management marsh restoration equipment.
  • CARE Trailer
    Explore CT fisheries education traveling exhibit and see live fish.
  • TIP Trailer
    View the CT law enforcement educational traveling exhibit and explore various wildlife artifacts.
  • Portable Saw Mill
    See how logs from harvested trees are milled.
  • Moose Calling Demonstration and Competition: every hour on the hour from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Practice calling and test your skills.
  • Live Music
    Acoustic rock and blues provided by Con Doty and Life Station Earth
  • Trapping Demonstration by the Connecticut Trappers Association
  • Taxidermy and Decoy Carving Demonstrations
  • Sportsmen and Conservation Organizations
  • Dart Gun and Blow Pipe Ranges
Just for Kids
  • Wildlife and Nature Craft Activities
  • Build a bluebird nestbox and a tool kit with Home Depot of North Windham and West Hartford
  • Paint a wooden duck
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Wildlife quiz
  • Live animal 
Who's Coming (Stay Tuned -- more participants are being added)
  • Adapt Outdoors, LLC
  • Casting for Recovery
  • Con Doty and Life Station Earth (live music)
  • CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Instructors
  • CT Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation
  • CT Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Instructors
  • CT DEEP - EnCon Police
  • CT DEEP - Forestry
  • CT DEEP - Inland Fisheries
  • CT DEEP - Kellog Environmental Center, Project WILD
  • CT DEEP - Marine Fisheries
  • CT DEEP - Support Services
  • CT DEEP - Wildlife
  • CT DEEP - WHAMM
  • CT Falconer's Association
  • CT Fly Fisherman’s Association
  • CT Fur Harvester’s Association  
  • CT Trappers Association
  • CT Waterfowl Association/Duck Stamp Committee
  • Delta Waterfowl, Connecticut Chapter
  • Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Dynamic Outdoor Concepts: Conquer the Call
  • Fishing Northeast
  • Flaherty Field Trial Association  
  • Groton Sportsmen’s Club Grinders Youth Clay Shooting Team
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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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