The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and over 100 volunteers from state conservation organizations will be conducting an introduction to hunting and the shooting sports field day on June 26, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event will take place on the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area located in Jackson Township in Ocean County. Hot dogs, soda and chips will be provided at no charge for lunch.

The event is a field day of seminars, instruction and a variety of archery and firearm shooting stations designed for those interested in learning about hunting and the shooting sports. Sessions are conducted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife with the support of New Jersey sportsmen organizations. The event is made possible through the Hunting Heritage Partnership, a grant program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Registration is required.

This day is perfect for the beginner (unlicensed people), both youth (minimum age 10) and adult. It is primarily for those that are interested in learning about hunting and shooting and how they can get started in these outdoor pursuits. Licensed hunters will be allowed to participate but they must bring at least one unlicensed guest to the event.

Shooting experts will provide individual shooting instruction. Additionally, experts in all areas of hunting will present seminars that will provide both the beginner and the experienced hunter with information needed to be successful. The planned activities and seminars include:

Introduction to basic shotgun, archery, muzzleloader .22 Caliber rifle shooting Introduction to deer bowhunting Shotgun trap stations 5 Stand sporting clays 3D Archery ranges Waterfowl hunting decoy use on water Waterfowl hunting decoy use on land Introduction to shotgun deer hunting Effective treestand use Hunting with pointing and flushing dogs

Introduction to small game hunting Waterfowl ID Introduction to trapping New Jersey furbearers Choosing the right bowhunting equipment Deer calling techniques Effective use of scents for deer hunting Introduction to turkey hunting Retriever demonstrations (water and upland) How to get the best results from your taxidermist

Firearms, ammunition and bows will be provided free of charge at all of the shooting stations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own firearms and bows if available but should not bring any ammunition. However, muzzleloader shooters bringing their guns are encouraged to bring their own powder and projectiles.

**** All firearms and bows must be cased at all times at the event except when on the ranges. Participants not following this requirement will be escorted off the grounds. ****

Participants will also have the chance to meet and talk with representatives from NJ conservation organizations such as: NJ State Federation of Sportsmen Clubs, National Rifle Association, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, United Bowhunters of NJ, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, NJ Outdoor Women’s League, Ducks Unlimited, NJ Waterfowlers Assoc., Pheasants Forever, NJ Trappers Association, NJ Fur Harvesters, Partnership for Wildlife Education and the Safari Club International.

Many firearm and bow manufacturer representatives will be on hand to demonstrate this year’s newest equipment. Participants will also have the chance to see and buy the latest recreational shooting and hunting equipment from many outdoor equipment vendors who will be located near the large seminar tent.

Hunter education information, student supplies, course locations and the fall schedule for hunter education courses will be available at the event.

A number of mentored and guided hunts provided in the fall by experienced hunters and outfitters will be available to unlicensed participants at the end of the day. Completion of a hunter education course is required prior to the hunts.

Directions to Colliers Mills WMA:
From South Jersey - Route 70 to Route 539 North. Turn right onto Colliers Mills Road.
From North Jersey - Route 195 to the Allentown exit (Route 539). Follow Rt. 539 south through Allentown and south to New Egypt. Turn left onto Colliers Mills Road.

All participants must register. Registration is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. No walk-ins will be permitted.

On-line registration has ended. If space is availble, you can register in person on the day of the event. If no space is available, you are still welcome to participate in any of the many seminars that day except for the shooting events, which have limited capacity.