Press Releases
09/26/2024
Celebrate Hunting and Fishing Day
Come “Fish With CARE” at Black Rock State Park September 28
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed Saturday, September 28, 2024, “Hunting and Fishing Day in the State of Connecticut” to coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day; and to celebrate, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites you to celebrate at Black Rock State Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024, with a fun-filled, daylong event at Black Rock State Park, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Activities at the event will include fishing (equipment and bait will be made available), stocking of trout into Black Rock Pond, displays from the DEEP Wildlife Division and Boating Division, demonstrations of electrofishing by the Fisheries Division, aquatic insect exploration with the Water Quality Monitoring Program, fly tying, fly fishing casting lessons, tours of the new energy-efficient Western District Headquarters building, and much more.
“Fishing and hunting have a rich tradition in Connecticut and are great ways for families to get out and enjoy the wonderful natural resources of our state” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Hunting and Fishing Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate the conservation projects that make hunting and fishing possible in the first place, such as land acquisition, habitat restoration, and many other success stories funded by hunters and recreational anglers.”
“We have a great family-friendly event planned to celebrate Hunting and Fishing Day at Black Rock State Park,” said CT Fisheries Division Director Peter Aarrestad. “I encourage everyone to join us on Saturday to learn more about the plentiful hunting and fishing opportunities available in our great state, whether you are an experienced outdoorsperson or someone who has never hunted or fished but is curious about how to get started.”
The Governor’s proclamation celebrates the history of fishing and hunting in Connecticut that predates the State itself and recognizes the advocacy and financial contributions of sportsmen and women who support fish and wildlife conservation efforts that benefit everyone. This year alone, more than 175,000 state-licensed hunters and anglers have contributed to Connecticut’s $4.5 billion outdoor recreation economy and paid taxes on related gear and equipment that contribute over $17 million to conservation programs managed by DEEP.
Connecticut joins hunters and recreational fishers across America in celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day and landmark federal conservation legislation such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934, the Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 (aka the Pittman-Robertson Act), and the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (aka the Dingell-Johnson Act). These efforts to restore and safeguard fish and wildlife and their habitats are largely supported by monies derived from the public who use fish and wildlife resources, a model widely recognized as the world’s most successful wildlife conservation system.
Since 1937, the excise taxes on equipment used for hunting, shooting, archery, and recreational fishing and taxes on boating fuels that are paid by hunters, recreational shooters, and recreational fishers have generated approximately $25.5 billion nationally for wildlife, fisheries, and habitat conservation. Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration revenues derived from the taxes authorized by the Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingell-Johnson Act are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Conservation Investment. In 2024, DEEP received approximately $10.8 million for purchasing public land, improving essential habitat, and creating outdoor recreation opportunities that also benefit hikers and bikers, wildlife and wildlife watchers, canoeists and kayakers, and campers.
We hope to celebrate Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day with you on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Black Rock State Park.
To read the Governor’s proclamation, go here.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110