Illinois Observes National Hunting and Fishing Days September 26-27

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois will observe the annual National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration with two popular festivals - at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area near Yorkville and at John A. Logan College in Carterville - this weekend, September 26-27. 

"It is a sign that opening days for fall hunting are near when thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts and families enjoy the festivals at Silver Springs and at John A. Logan College," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller.  "National Hunting and Fishing Days celebrate the heritage of hunting and fishing that we treasure here in Illinois.  The festivals are an opportunity to sample all that outdoor Illinois has to offer, and assists us with our goal of engaging more children and families in outdoor traditions"

The Northern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27 and features free admission.

The festival includes all-day free activities for children and families, including a fish pond where rods, reels and bait are provided; a kids' casting area; and, Voyageur canoe rides and a chance for participants to paddle their own canoe.  Practice ranges for archery, BB gun and trap will be open.  Living history demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day.  The festival will also feature demonstrations on field dressing deer, deer hunting techniques, turkey hunting, goose hunting, upland bird hunting, trapping, wild game management, dog training, and bowfishing. More than 75 vendors will have displays featuring outdoor gear and accessories. 

Detailed information and schedules for the Northern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event are available online at www.huntingandfishingdays.org.

The Southern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event at John A. Logan College in Carterville is from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 26 and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. Admission and parking are free.

The southern Illinois event features hunting and fishing demonstrations throughout both days; Brody the 1,600 pound grizzly bear; dock dogs; retriever dog demonstrations; an outdoor art and heritage show; and, kids' fishing, BB gun, archery, and casting opportunities.  Visitors can also take part in archery and five-stand competition, goose calling contests, and a variety of outdoor and wildlife programs. 

For more information on the Southern Illinois National Hunting and Fishing Days event and schedule, check online at www.sihfd.org.

For more information on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in Illinois, go to the IDNR web site at http://www.dnr.state.il.us.