Join us for National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration 2023!
September 9-10, 2023
Summit Bechtel Reserve – Glen Jean, WV
National Hunting and Fishing Days
West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days (NHFD), is an R3 (recruitment, retention and reactivation of outdoor participants) event hosted for the public to incite interest in hunting, angling and wildlife viewing. This event gives the community an opportunity to learn about West Virginia wildlife management practices and outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe and hands-on environment. This event is the largest outdoor hunting and fishing show and will have presentations on Snakes, Falconry, Wilderness Search and Rescue, and a new Wild Game Cook Off!
Outdoor Youth Challenge
Children ages 18 and under are invited to participate in the Outdoor Youth Challenge (OYC). The Outdoor Youth Challenge is both a youth expo and competition, which is held annually at National Hunting and Fishing Days. Young people can experience a multitude of activities and displays with real hands-on learning and instructional opportunities that will encourage them to gain important knowledge and experience about wildlife, hunting, fishing, firearms safety, and outdoor recreation.
The OYC is an incredibly important event at National Hunting and Fishing Days because, for some children, this may be the only opportunity they will have to be exposed to these fun and exciting outdoor activities. With the ongoing national efforts towards the recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3), the OYC has become a pivotal component toward the future of conservation in West Virginia.
Children participating in the event will be eligible to win prizes – including 2 lifetime hunting and fishing licenses! In addition, many other quality prizes dealing with hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities will also be given away each day. Also, those youths 11-18 years of age who would like to compete will be able to do so, with five scored competitive events including casting for accuracy, archery, .22 rifle, muzzleloader and shotgun (skeet) shooting. Youths winning the junior group (ages 11-14) or senior group (ages 15-18) will win conservation camp scholarships each day and be recognized at the Sunday afternoon awards ceremony. You must complete at least eight (8) of the events to be eligible for the prize drawings. You must be present at drawing to claim prize. After completing an event, someone there will initial your card to verify participation.
So come on! The world of the outdoors is waiting for you!
For general inquiries, please contact Chris Scraggs at chris.g.scraggs@wv.gov or (304) 558-2771.
YOUTH CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES
- Wildlife Identification
- Boating and Water Safety
- DNR Law Enforcement Challenge
- WVDEP Youth Environmental Program
- DNR Law Enforcement Laser Shot Trailer
- NWTF Pellet Gun Shoot
- DNR Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project
- Wildlife Jeopardy
- Touch a Snake
- Hunt Waterfowl like a Pro
- Bird Dog Demonstrations
- 3D Topographic Sand Table
- Archery
- Youth Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Bow Fishing
- Deer Field Dressing/Skinning
- Fish Filleting
- Squirrel Field Dressing
- Tree Stand Safety
- Fish Identification
- Bird Identification
- Know Your Trees
- Casting
- Knot Tying
- .22 Rifle Shooting
- Shotgun Shooting
- Muzzleloader Shooting
*Activities are subject to change
Admission and Tickets
Tickets and camping packages are available for purchase here.
- General Admission (Full Weekend): $10.00
- Youth 10 and Under: Free (Accompanied by a paying adult)
- Parking (Full Weekend): Free
- Adventure activities and camping options are available for an extra fee.
Event Schedule and Map
Find the full event schedule and map here.
Vendors
NHFD 2023 Vendor Registration information can be accessed here.