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Sports

Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days (NIHFD)

Yorkville, IL July 26, 2011-  The committee for the Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days (NIHFD) is again proud to bring this FREE PUBLIC event to Silver Springs State Fishing and Wildlife Area in Yorkville, IL, which occurs simultaneously with National Hunting and Fishing Day.   A fun packed two day event offering hands on experiences geared toward ALL ages.  Join us on September 24 and 25,  Rain or Shine 9a - 5p daily.

Looking for something FREE to do that weekend?  Would you like to shoot a bow, see a 5,000 gallon tank filled with local fish or sit back and watch the field dogs do what they do best?

Whether you are six or 60, there is something for everyone at this family friendly event.  Come experience your outdoor heritage with hands on learning activities such as bowfishing, fly tying, catching a fish in our stocked Kid’s fishing pond, climbing a climbing wall, water color art painting or shooting a shotgun.  All equipment is provided by clubs, vendors and volunteers and staffed with trained personnel.

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Demonstrations and seminars range from Women’s activities, Pros Casting in the Hawg Trough Tank, Field/Gun Dogs, a living history area, and our Cooking tent with Dutch oven cooking.  Hungry after all of that?  Then satisfy yourself with mouth watering specialties in our Food Court or head over to Hoover for ice cream floats from  our local ice cream shop.

We have multiple vendor tents offering the latest equipment, Clubs, Conservation Groups, Guide Services, products for the girls, treats for the four legged friends and more!  Our Silent Auction is always a success and there are plenty of raffles and give-aways offering great merchandise.

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The event has expanded to the Hoover Forest Preserve east of Silver Springs.  Visit the archery range, Neshnabe’k Native American Village, Pony and Hayrack ride and Clue Scavenger Hunt.  Learn what’s it like to be a bee keeper, To challenge experienced archery shooters, we have a 3D course open to the public, a paid event and proceeds are used for the following year. 

Buses run between areas for your convenience. Handicapped parking available with shuttles. 

National Hunting and Fishing Day History

Our organization history is written on the National Hunting and Fishing Day website:  “Over 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were the earliest and most vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management.  They were the first to recognize that rapid development and unregulated uses of wildlife were threatening the future of many species.”

In June 1971, Joint Resolution 117 was introduced authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September with an identical measure in the House.  In early 1972, Congress unanimously passes both bills.  On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day.  By late summer, all 50 governors and over 600 mayors had joined in by proclaiming state and local versions.

About the NIHFD Committee:

The NIHFD Committee is a group of volunteers who have come together to promote, educate and preserve the heritage and conservation of the outdoors.  We are committed to sharing the experiences that make our sporting way of life a tradition that is passed down generation after generation.  Along with our outdoor’s women and men, we are dedicated to the safety and education of our future.  In doing so, we strive to secure our place in history alongside those men and women who have fought for over a hundred years to leave the outdoors in good hands.

We look forward to sharing the outdoors with you!

NIHFD is a 501c3, not-for-profit organization and all donations received are used for next year’s event.

Visit our website for a full list of events, schedule and location www.NIHFD.org.

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