Wildlife Expo Offers Lessons in the Great Outdoors

Kids and their families will learn how to fly fish, shoot an air rifle and command a kayak at the upcoming Wildlife Expo in Fayetteville.

Sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the Sept. 24 free event is open to the public. It is part of National Hunting and Fishing Day activities going on across the U.S.

“We’ll offer a variety of activities in the morning, and fishing in stocked ponds throughout the day,” said Kristopher Smith, director of the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center or Raeford Road, across from Lake Rim, next to Lake Rim Park.

The Expo begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.

Each participant will be given a passport to visit stations around the Fishing Center site, where they can learn to shoot a BB gun, see birds of prey, experiment with duck and goose calls, go fishing, kayaking and learn about the state’s hunting and fishing heritage.

All those age 15 and younger will also get a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a lifetime fishing license, angling equipment and kayaking excursions on the Cape Fear River, during a 1 p.m. raffle.

Smith said the Expo will feature more than 15 hands-on, interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The event was planned to encourage outdoor activities and provide information about the roles of hunting and fishing in wildlife conservation.

“When I was growing up, my family always went out on the water to fish, and that helped me get connected to the outdoor environment,” Smith said. “Now that more and more people live in cities, we need to provide opportunities for them to do that, too.”

The Pechmann Fishing Education Center was constructed three years ago on the site of a former fish hatchery. The center stocks catfish, bass and brim in 10 ponds, as well as trout in cooler weather.

Every second Wednesday of the month, the center hosts a special event for active members of the military and their families from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Center staff will assist by providing fishing gear and offering instructions to those who want to learn a little more about the sport.

Smith said there is no need to pre-register for the Wildlife Expo. As many as 300 children and their families are expected to attend.

Get more information about the Wildlife Expo or the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center here.