MDC hosts Day on the River: A National Hunting and Fishing Day Event

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish for more than 1.1 million anglers, and is a fun family activity and tradition for many.

Celebrate with MDC Sept. 20 and 27.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites you to celebrate the Show-Me-State's rich hunting heritage and fishing traditions through its National Hunting and Fishing Day events being held around the state in late September.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by Congress in 1972 to commemorate past, present, and future conservation successes and to honor those sportsmen and sportswomen who began the modern conservation movement. National Hunting and Fishing Day is designated as the fourth Saturday in September. For more information, go online to nhfday.org/.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish for more than half-a-million hunters and 1.1 million anglers. Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day at the following MDC events on Sept. 20 and 27.

In the Cape Girardeau area, spend "A Day on the River" with MDC from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau. Activities will include boat rides, information on the Mighty Mississippi and surrounding wetlands, live animal displays, crafts, and more. For more information, visit MDC's Gape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center online at mdc.mo.gov/node/297.

People of all ages are invited to spend "A Day on the River," hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Saturday, Sep. 20. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau. Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, kids' crafts, and more. (Photo by Candice Davis)

According to the event coordinator, MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce, no registration is required and all ages, youth, and adult groups are welcome. Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, kids' crafts, and informational booths from many supporting agencies. Boat rides will take place every half hour (except from noon -- 1 p.m.) at Riverfront Park. Pierce said this event will be fun for the whole family.

"Families can enjoy boat rides, practice casting a fishing pole, see and touch fish of the big river, and even taste an Asian carp," Pierce said.

"The Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands are not only a huge part of Cape Girardeau heritage, but are also important habitats to diverse wildlife. This makes for excellent hunting and fishing opportunities," Pierce said. "We hope lots of people will join us for this unique event to celebrate our amazing natural resources."