Have time to take a short drive this Saturday?

Looking for a family adventure that’s fun, free and outdoors?

Join ecology experts and conservation leaders from Western New York from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road, Elma, for a hands-on celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Members of the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen and the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen will be on hand to say hello and share their hospitality.

NYSDEC officers and staff help explain the fun of the outdoors to youth attending National Hunting and Fishing Day. This event is free this Saturday, Sept. 27, at Elma Conservation Club. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

This free event is open to all ages and packed with activities that not only entertain but also educate. These activities highlight how outdoor recreation supports wildlife conservation and healthy ecosystems. There will be conservation displays, outdoor education programs, opportunities to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts, hunting and fishing demonstrations, target shooting exhibitions, and hands-on supervised opportunities to use a bow and arrow, crossbow, air rifle, and to learn about trap and skeet competition.

Here are just a few of the unique learning stations:

≤ Fishing and Lure Making — Learn how to cast a line, tie a knot and make your own fishing lures and try your hand at fishing. Discover how license fees and responsible angling fund fish stocking programs, habitat restoration and cleaner waterways.

≤ Archery, Crossbow and Air Rifle — Safely learn about firearm handling, then test your skills with bows and air rifles under expert supervision. These activities demonstrate how regulated hunting helps balance wildlife populations and prevent over-browsing of forests and farmlands.

≤ Trap Shooting — Experience clay target shooting while learning how sportsmen’s clubs like this one preserve open space and maintain safe shooting ranges, reducing pressure on wild habitats.

≤ Dog Training Demos — Watch how trained retriever dogs love to be in action with a live pond demonstration. These demonstrations showcase the bond between handler and dog, and how well-trained dogs help support ethical hunting.

≤ Turkey Calling and Fur Identification — Learn to “talk turkey” and identify different furs. These skills connect us to the deep traditions of hunting and trapping, while also teaching how regulated harvests protect species and sustain healthy wildlife populations.

≤ Lyme Disease Prevention — Experts share tips to stay safe outdoors and explain how healthy, balanced ecosystems can help reduce tick-borne disease risks. Learn to enjoy the outdoors safely while you hike, bike, garden or walk among the woods and fields of WNY. It’s easy to stay safe from Lyme disease and is nearly cost-free if you know how.

≤ Face Painting and Kids’ Fun Stations — Conservation is more than science, it’s a blast. Activities help spark curiosity about nature, ensuring the next generation grows up with a love for the outdoors.

≤ Delicious Food Available — Refuel while connecting with local conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

≤ Raffle Prizes for Kids — Young adventurers can win prizes while learning that outdoor fun and wildlife stewardship go hand in hand.

Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just curious, this day is a perfect chance to make memories, start new traditions, and celebrate nature together — while seeing how outdoor recreation supports conservation right here in Erie County.

Come for the fun, stay for the tradition — and bring the whole family. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just curious, this day is a perfect chance to make memories, start new traditions, and celebrate nature together. Everyone is welcome.

Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Jack Coad, New York State Conservation Council Treasurer Diane Steel, Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Zen Olow, and WNY Environmental Federation President Jeff Jondle will be in attendance. These are experts who can help answer your questions on the recently signed crossbill bill, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Aug. 26, and other conservation-related questions. The crossbow bill was co-sponsored by the Erie County Federation, New York Crossbow Coalition, the New York State Conservation Council, and supported by sportsmen across the state, and allows big game hunters to use a crossbow during the early big game archery season that opens here in the Southern Zone on Oct. 1 this year.

A little about the Elma Conservation Club: they are centrally located in Erie County, not far from Superhighway Route 400 near the Jamison Road exit. The club is celebrating 80 years of operation, having been established in 1944. It has been committed to hosting various events that support youth engagement outdoors. This includes youth archery, Camp Good Days, kids’ fishing programs, and activities for veterans and first responders. The club features a comfortable lodge, a raised deck, and a picnic pavilion overlooking a two-acre aerated pond, which is available for use by veteran groups and others. They have an archery range, crossbow range, air rifle range, and trap shooting facilities, making them a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Club members typically volunteer their time and expertise to assist with fishing and outdoor activities, promote skill development and social engagement. Elma Conservation has received numerous awards for its community support, including one from the WNY Veterans Administration. Membership is available at a minimum cost.

The Elma Conservation clubhouse telephone number is 716-655-4665, and their website is https://www.elmaconservationclub.org. No reservation is needed to attend NHF Day this Saturday. Cost for and support for the event are shared by the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs; visit https://www.ecfsc.org.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Sept. 25: 3-D Archery, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, 4 p.m. start, 15-target hillside course. Kitchen open. Indoor/outdoor practice ranges. Mike Cummings, 716-652-4650. Ends Sept. 25.

Sept. 27: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carroll Rod & Gun Club, 1111 Frew Run Road, Frewsburg; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.

Sept. 27: NYS Free Fishing Day, no license needed to fish in NYS for residents and non-residents.

Sept. 27: National Fishing and Hunting Day at Elma Conservation Club, free, open to public.

Sept. 27-28: NYS Western Zone waterfowl hunting youth days for 12-15 yrs of age, mentors rqd., see syllabus.

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone Big Game early archery/crossbow hunting season opens, through Nov. 14.

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone hunting season opens for coyote, cottontail rabbits, varying hare, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail. See syllabus for various species season end.