America is a nation steeped in tradition.  From the Declaration of Independence, to man walking on the moon, our country is immersed in a rich and colorful history.  Important, but often overlooked, is our hunting and fishing heritage which is intricately woven into the fabric of our American pedigree. 

In earlier times, hunting and fishing was a chief means of procuring sustenance for our daily lives.  In no small part, the abundant wild game and fish of this land allowed America to flourish.  Today hunting and fishing are chiefly recreational pursuits, but still remain vitally important. 

Throughout it all, from the horrors of market hunting and over fishing to the remarkable comeback stories of the wild turkey, whitetail deer, elk, and many others, the American sportsman has always stood at the forefront of conservation.  Unfortunately, with the increasing urbanization and modernization of today’s society, our hunting and fishing heritage is being swallowed up and forgotten, and along with it the conservation ethos of the modern sportsman is being lost.  That is why today, more than ever before, we need to remember, celebrate and embolden our hunting and fishing traditions. 

This mission is the chief impetus behind National Hunting and Fishing Days.  This annual event, held on the fourth weekend of every September, was first established in 1972.  Each year thousands of anglers, hunters and conservationists take part in the event.  Some of the highlights include duck calling competitions, large aquarium and taxidermy displays, workshops, and guest speakers.  All events are intended to educate and inspire the conservation minded sportsman.

This year the Carterville Fishery Resources Office (FRO) participated in part of the celebration held in southern Illinois at John A. Logan College.  The Carterville FRO staff was on hand to distribute information and gifts and answer questions from the public.  The Carterville FRO Asian carp displays and videos elicited a great deal of interest and were valuable educational tools. 

Besides questions on invasive species, staff also responded to inquiries on lake management, sport fish restoration, and careers in the natural resources field.  The event was a learning experience for all involved, providing a historical context to many of the conservation issues we face today and will continue to face in the future.