Paradise Public Fishing Area (PPFA) will host Outdoor Adventure Day/Jakes Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event is held in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD), a grassroots effort to promote outdoor sports and recreation. Registration begins at 9 a.m., venues open at 10 a.m.

Noel Jackson, assistant manager of PPFA, said, “This is an annual event we organize with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). We also have participation from ABAC’s Forestry and Wildlife Club. They help us set up and then help take down and clean up when it’s over. They also set up a tent that stays up during the day with information about the Forestry and Wildlife degree programs at ABAC.”

According to NHFD history, the day was established by Congress and President Nixon on May 2, 1972 in an effort to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money they donate to wildlife conservation programs.

“This provides an opportunity for children 17 and under to come out with their parents, or adults, and experience outdoor activities,” said Jackson. “We have over 1,300 acres with over 60 ponds and lakes that provide a perfect opportunity for families to picnic, walk our trails, ride bikes and enjoy the outdoors.”

With more than 38 million Americans hunting and fishing, more jobs are supported nationwide by them than the total number of people employed by Wal-Mart nationwide. According to statistics collected by the NHFD, recreational anglers spend a whopping $41.5 billion a year on fishing. Most fish and wildlife conservation programs are paid for by license sales and excise taxes on equipment.

Jackson adds, “We do not have a concession stand, but the Mell Baptist Association will be giving out water. People also need to bring their own fishing equipment and bait. They will need a fishing license and wildlife management license, or a three-day hunting and fishing license.”

Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a press release stating, “Conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia’s hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.”

This is a great chance for youngsters to learn the art of angling. Okefenokee Bass Anglers will be on hand to help beginners in the adult-child (children 15 and under) fishing event at Lakes Cup and Saucer. According to PPFA, Lake Horseshoe 6 will be open to everyone. There will be a DNR archery range, a fishing simulator sponsored by the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, BB gun ranges sponsored by the Georgia Hunter Education Association and the Tiftarea 4H.

The Georgia Falconry Association will perform a falconry demonstration and the DNR will have a skeet range set up using 12 and 20-gauge shotguns provided by the DNR.

If you are a casting master you might want to enter the casting contest hosted by the Tifton Bassbusters. If crawling things are more your style you won’t want to miss seeing the “Snakemaster,” Steve Scruggs.

No matter what your favorite hunting or fishing activity is, you won’t want to miss the search and rescue dog demonstration by the WRD canine unit.

The NWTF will provide lunch at noon. The day ends at 2 p.m. with a drawing for prizes that include a shotgun.

For more information: www.georgiawildlife.com  or  www.nhfday.org