Trying their hand at bow-fishing at Tishomingo NFH during NH&F Day, 9-16-06. Courtesy of Tishomingo NFH.

Speed Fishing Contest at NH&F Day, 9-16-06, Tishomingo NFH. Photo by Tishomingo NFH.

Dr. Mamie Parker, Richard Christian, Greg Pratschner, Aaron Archibeque, and Tom Reed watch the Speed Fishing Contest at Tishomingo NFH on NH&F Day, 9-16-06. Courtesy Tishomingo NFH.

After months of extensive planning among the Washington Office Fisheries Staff, Regional Office Staff, hatchery and refuge staff, the first celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day was held in Tishomingo, OK, at the National Fish Hatchery and National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, September 16^th.  This celebration honored the 35^th anniversary of the National Hunting & Fishing Day nationwide.  Morning activities were held at the Tishomingo NFH and afternoon activities were held at the Tishomingo NWR.

The morning celebration was kicked off by the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard presenting the flags and the singing of the National Anthem.  Welcome speeches were given by Stuart Leon and Dr. Mamie Parker, as well as greetings from Greg Pratschner and Aaron Archibeque of the Region 2 Office in Albuquerque.

Approximately 200 guests followed the Hatchery’s Pennington Creek Nature Trail to view displays ranging from mobile aquariums to fly-fishing lessons to bow-fishing lessons to tips on bass fishing from professionals and casting lessons for new fishermen by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.  The Chickasaw National Recreation Area displayed skins and buffalo information from the park which is located only 20 miles from the Hatchery.  The Oklahoma State Aquarium was also present with a viewing of interesting species held at the aquarium and artifacts of whale teeth for the guests.  Huge alligator snapping turtles and a huge alligator gar were also viewed by the guests.  The event closed at the Hatchery with a Speed Fishing Contest where 30 contestants were drawn to compete at catching the most channel catfish in 15 minutes.  The contestants were furnished the same rod and reel and tackle to use so that competition would be fair.  Three ladies were top winners, each catching six fish and moving into a drawing for fist, second, and third place.  Dr. Mamie Parker had great fun cheering on these ladies as well as the other contestants in the contest.