ELLERBE — Youth from across the region set their sights and learned to shoot this past weekend at the John Lentz Hunter Education Complex.
The event was in recognition of National Hunting and Fishing Day, sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Another event was scheduled for Haywood County, but was canceled due to flooding in the western part of the state during Hurricane Helene.
According to NCWRC, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation “to celebrate conservation successes of hunters and anglers.” It was made official by Congress in 1971.
In addition to shooting rifles and shotguns on the gun ranges, kids also tried their hands at archery.
Other activities included decoy carving, turkey calling, hunting and hunter safety demonstrations, skins and skulls demonstrations and a question-and-answer session with a wildlife law enforcement officer.
Monty Crump, chairman of the NCWRC, saidNational Hunting and Fishing Day is “an outstanding opportunity for NCWRC to showcase hunting and fishing opportunities” in the state.
“It is also an opportunity to engage the public and introduce them to the mission of NCWRC which is to conserve, preserve and protect the natural and wildlife resources of our great State.”
The Lentz Complex hosts several events each year, including the state Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament.
Crump, who is also the city manager for Rockingham, previously told the RO that events at Lentz “bring substantial local tourism spending and great exposure to Richmond County’s rich outdoor heritage” and the range, combined with the Sandhills Game Land, “provide excellent destination opportunities for visitors to enjoy shooting and hunting pursuits in Richmond County.”
