National Hunting & Fishing Day, Free Fishing Day, And First Day of Youth Deer Season Set For Sept. 26

(UNDATED) – National Hunting & Fishing Day celebrates the sportsmen and women whose recreational activities have impacted fish and wildlife conservation.

The Department of Natural Resources greatly appreciate hunters, trappers, anglers, boaters, and recreational shooters who have provided funding necessary to improve fish and wildlife habitat, acquire and enhance public lands, increase recreational opportunities, build and maintain public facilities for all Hoosiers, and much more.

To align with National Hunting & Fishing Day, the last Free Fishing Day of the year is on Sept. 26. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to bring someone new along to enjoy the pastime they love.

Beau Sathre, 10, shot this buck on opening day of youth deer hunting.

This also marks the start of Youth Deer Season, Sept. 26-27, a chance for hunters to pass on their passion to the next generation. Recreational shooters are encouraged to enjoy the 12 public shooting ranges and 10 archery ranges that DNR has to offer: on.IN.gov/dnrshootingranges.