NJ Fish & Wildlife Conservation Week

DIVISION PROMOTES NJ FISH AND WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION WEEK SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5

September 17, 1997

For more information contact:
David Chanda at 609-984-6295

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week
September 28 - October 4, 1997
With additional activities September 27 and October 5

Governor Christine Todd Whitman recently declared September 28 - October 4 as Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week and September 27 as National Hunting Fishing Day (NHFD) in New Jersey. Scheduled to begin the day after NHFD, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week seeks to recognize and commend the sporting community for more than a century of leadership and commitment in conserving our fish and wildlife resources.

“To commemorate Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week, the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife will sponsor a variety of events throughout the state,” said division Director Bob McDowell.

“These activities are designed to get individuals and families outdoors and acquaint them with the variety of wildlife that inhabits our state,” said Dave Chanda, chief of the division’s Office of Wildlife Education.

Following is a list of upcoming activities:

Saturday, September 27

National Hunting & Fishing Day

Sportsmen and women are invited to help celebrate NH&F Day’s 26th anniversary by making a special effort to help others understand their role in conservation and their ongoing contributions to the well-being of our natural resources. Individuals are asked to take at least one friend, family member, neighbor, business associate or other acquaintance with them on some type of outdoor activity.

Introduction to Shooting Sports at Union County Trap and Skeet Range
Lenape Park on Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford
12 noon - 4 p.m.
All equipment will be provided by the division. Instructors will coach youngsters on the use of air rifles and bows and arrows. Beginning shooters aged 10 and up may also receive instruction on the shotgun range.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day

Take time to introduce a young hunter to the exciting sport of waterfowl hunting in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere.

Occurs statewide, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Licensed youth hunters, aged 10-15, accompanied by a non-shooting licensed adult (18 years or older) will be permitted to hunt for ducks only, EXCEPT that Canada geese may be taken if the youth possesses a Special September Season Permit. Youths may hunt on public lands and waters or private lands/waters with permission. Federal and state duck stamps are not needed for this hunt. Non-toxic shot is required. For more information call 908-735-7088.

Sunday, September 28

Open House at Rockport Game Farm
Rockport Rd. south of Hackettstown
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Exhibits, wildlife enclosure and self-guided tour of the game farm grounds and buildings.

Spin Casting for Beginners
Pequest Trout Hatchery &
Natural Resource Education Center
Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Fishing ethics, safety, management, equipment and techniques will be discussed followed by an actual fishing experience. For ages 8 and up. Registration required. Call 908-637-4125.

Saturday, October 4

First Annual Statewide Conservation Day New this year and part of the planned activities during conservation week, nine interpretive centers from the Divisions of Fish, Game and Wildlife and Parks and Forestry will sponsor open houses to better acquaint New Jerseyans with the importance of conserving our state’s natural resources. For more information call 609-292-1244 or 609-984-1423.

Night Animals and Litter
Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
A litter prevention program sponsored by the Mansfield Twp. Clean Communities Organization and featuring environmental educator Diana Dove. Presentation will focus on how litter and plastics affect our environment. Registration required. Call 908-637-4125.

Sunday, October 6

Sixth Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament

Island Beach State Park
6 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Open to individuals of all ages. Registration is $10 for adults, $5 for teens aged 13-18 and free for kids under 13. Stop by your local bait and tackle store for an application form and brochure or call 908-637-4125.

All Week Long

School Visits from Conservation Officers

Conservation Officers with the Bureau of Law Enforcement will provide in-school programs throughout New Jersey on a first-come, first-served basis. The half-hour presentations will focus on the division’s role in natural resource conservation in New Jersey. Call 609-629-7214 to schedule a presentation.

First Annual Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week Poster Contest

Students in grades 3-8 are invited to submit their artwork. The theme is “Conserve New Jersey’s Fish and Wildlife.” There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the following categories: grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Any medium may be used, but posters must be no larger than 28 x 22 inches. They will be judged according to originality and depiction of New Jersey wildlife species. Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, October 25 and must include entrant’s name, address, telephone number, grade and school name. Submit posters to:

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week Poster Contest
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center
605 Pequest Road
Oxford, NJ 07863-9748

... I urge all citizens to realize and appreciate the value of our fish and wildlife resources, and join with the New Jersey Fish and Game Council in a commitment to use them wisely, so that they will continue to enhance our great state for generations to come.

Governor Christine Todd Whitman
NJ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Week Proclamation
September 1997

DIVISION PROMOTES NJ FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION WEEK SEPT. 29 - OCT. 5