The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has set up a day of celebration in honor of the annual DNR-sponsored Outdoor Adventure Day. This Saturday only, residents across the state do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas.

A kids' event has been set up as well at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery on Hwy. 144. A day of free fishing is offered from 8 a.m. - 12 noon Saturday at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery. There will also be archery and kayaking activities. Coca-Cola and Roger Woods Sausages have jumped on board as sponsors, which equals free food and drink to attendees. Fish Hatchery Manager Chris Harper anticipates about 200 kids to attend the free event.

“We do this as a way to pay back our customers,” Harper said. “It’s also a great way to introduce fishing to individuals who have never tried it before.”

All of this is the local DNR’s way of celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day. In conjunction with this, similar DNR-sanctioned activities are being held all across the country.

The U.S. Congress and President Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1972 to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs. 

For more information call the hatchery at 756-3691 or visit www.georgiawildlife.com , and then select “Get Involved.”