Nearly 800 people attended the first Upstate celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, held at Duke Energy’s World of Energy near Seneca, and organizers said they are looking for ways to make the 2008 version even better.
"National Hunting and Fishing Day in the Upstate was a tremendous success," said Jason Walls of
Duke Energy, one of the coordinators of the Sept. 22 event. "Almost 800 came to the celebration, more than 400 children paddled kayaks, many for the first time, and more than 8,000 pellets were fired from air rifles. There were an incredible number and variety of conservation exhibits and activities on display for people to enjoy."
The event was made possible by the sponsorship of Duke Energy, Trout Unlimited, Upstate Forever, Clemson University’s 4-H Shooting Sports Program and S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR). Among the activities featured at the Upstate National Hunting and Fishing Day were kayaking, introduction to fishing, archery, air rifle shooting, fly-fishing, camouflage games and much more.
"We have heard from a lot of people about what a fun and educational day it was," said Angela Viney of Upstate Forever, another coordinator for the event. "We want to thank all of the sponsors and Sunrift Adventures of Travelers Rest, which brought kayaks and canoes and instructors to the event and provided a paddling experience for more than 400 children. And as good as the celebration was, we’re working on making next year’s event even bigger and better."
DNR protects and manages South Carolina’s natural resources by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people.