The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will celebrate Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Education Center.

Sessions Woods is located on Route 69 (341 Milford St.) in Burlington.

This free event that will feature many outdoor-related activities and demonstrations, including:

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[naviga:li]live birds of prey program and a raptor meet-and-greet by Master Class Falconer Lorrie Schumacher from Talons! A Birds of Prey Experience[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]field dog demonstrations[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]target shooting (.22 rifles, BB guns, trap shooting)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]archery[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]casting pools[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]cowboy Action Shooting demonstrations by the Congress of Rough Riders[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]children’s crafts and activities[/naviga:li]

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DEEP biologists will also be on hand to talk about wildlife and fisheries topics. Representatives from Connecticut’s Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and from a variety of conservation, hunting and fishing organizations also will be there. 

Children can participate in several activities and crafts, such as track making, fish prints, face painting and a scavenger hunt.

Sept. 26 also is designated as National Hunting & Fishing Day to recognize the contributions by America’s hunters and anglers to conservation, recreation and the economy.

Since the turn of the 20th century, hunters and anglers have been leaders in nearly all major conservation programs, DEEP said in a news release.

Free shuttle bus parking will be at Lewis S. Mills High School, 26 Lyons Road, off Route 4 in Burlington.

Only handicapped parking will be available at Sessions Woods. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event, or visitors can bring their own picnic lunches. The event will take place rain or shine.

For information about the event, visit: www.ct.gov/deep/HuntFishDay or call (860) 424-3011.