One of the largest outdoor sports celebrations in the region is just around the corner.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is set on September 23rd, and people can celebrate it in style at the Northwest Sporting Clays Fun Shoot at Castlewood Rod & Gun Club.
This annual event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Athletic Association and Governors. The PFSC’s mission is to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources, outdoor heritage, and Second Amendment rights, and this event is the largest fundraiser for the Northwest Division.
“This is the first year we’ve set up this photoshoot for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Previously, we’d do it in the middle of summer,” said Katherine Elser, PFSC’s director of marketing and outreach. “If you get it in the middle of summer, you’re facing Holidays and, sometimes, very warm temperatures, which can make it hard to get out on the field and spend half the day shooting in the sun. In addition, people may be away on vacation in the summer.
“Hopefully, with changing the date and focusing on doing so in conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day, that helps attendees.”
Club membership in Castlewood and PFSC is not required, but membership applications will be available. The event starts at 8am and archery activities start at 9. There are two shooting options – a traditional field course with 100 targets, as well as a jungle course, which includes five sporting clays, 50 targets each (100 in total).
Although attendance at this event is free, the cost of each photo session is $60 apiece. Lunch is included for registered shooters. Others can buy lunch for $10.
“The forest trail is a good choice if you’re taking a kid with you because it’s in the shade,” said Elser. “This gives families more options.”
If you are not participating in any of the archery tournaments, a variety of vendors will be present at the event. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be available to discuss upcoming seasons. The Laurel High School Preservation Club will also be located there.
Some of the vendors include Campco, Journey on the Fly Guide Service, Sam’s Flies, and Honest Amish. The Lawrence County Conservation Area will be present at the event and offer activities for children.
“One of the things we wanted to do at this event was let people who aren’t shooting know that they can still come and that there are other things available for them, like different types of vendors and demonstrations,” Elser said. “We really hope that whole families will participate in it.”
Interested shooters can register in advance at PFSC.org or at the door on the day of the event.
