Salato Wildlife Education Center celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 28

​​FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2024) — In honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will host a celebration at the Salato Wildlife Education Center on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.​​​

The Salato Center will offer free admission throughout the day, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Eastern), as well as a variety of hunting and fishing exhibits, demonstrations and activities for everyone. The first 50 children (ages 5-17) will get a free fishing pole courtesy of Sheet Metal Workers #110.

This year's event will feature the opening of “Healthy Hunting Grounds,” a new exhibit sponsored by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation which highlights the crucial role of hunting in the health of Kentucky's ecosystems and the well-being of its people. The exhibit aims to inform and inspire support for hunting as a key component of conservation and wildlife management.

"Visitors can experience a dynamic oak tree, go inside a duck hunting blind to hear waterfowl and practice tree stand safety”, said Jules Foster, program coordinator for the Salato Center. “They can also explore a media table to vote on their favorite painting by​ Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s resident artist Rick Hill and hear inspiring stories from the field.”

Also at the event, fans of the Kentucky Afield TV show can meet its host, Chad Miles, from 10 a.m. - noon. Hands-on activities will include archery and kids casting games and activity sheets. A hunting dog demonstration and talks conducted by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff about wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and fishing will be scheduled throughout the day, and the Derby City Fly Fishers will provide a demonstration.

A presentation about elk restoration will be delivered at the center’s elk enclosure at 2:30 p.m. Biologists and game wardens will also be on hand to answer questions about hunting and fishing opportunities and licenses will be available for purchase. Those who purchase a hunting or fishing license at the event will receive a free sticker packet, while supplies last.

A full schedule of activities is available on the Salato Center’s webpage. The Salato Center, located on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters campus in Frankfort, features native wildlife in naturalized enclosures, conservation exhibits and paved walking trails through a variety of habitats. Four miles of unpaved trails are also available to hikers and trail runners.

Archers attending National Hunting and Fishing Day will have the opportunity to use the archery range on the department’s campus. Located across from the Administration Building, the range features an elevated shooting deck to mimic shot angles from a tree stand. The range also features wheelchair-accessible lanes with a concrete path to the targets. Those needing to complete their hunter education with a range day may pre-register online for available times at fw.ky.gov/Upcoming Education Events.

In addition, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife grounds are home to two public fishing lakes, stocked annually by the department’s Fisheries Division. Loaner fishing poles are available to check out at the Salato Center on a first-come, first-served basis. A fishing license is required to fish the lakes, unless exempt, and is available in one-day, seven-day, or annual formats at fw.ky.gov/Licenses.

The National Hunting and Fishing Day event offers an entertaining and educational experience to boost knowledge and confidence in hunting and fishing.

"This event raises public awareness of the link between hunting, angling, and conservation, recognizing the contributions of over 700,000 Kentucky hunters and anglers," Foster said.

The Salato Center is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and is located at 1 Sportsman’s Lane, just off U.S. 60, approximately 1½ miles west of the intersection with U.S. 127. While the center maintains seasonal hours, the remainder of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife headquarters campus is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

For more information about the Salato Wildlife Education Center, visit fw.ky.gov or call 502-564-7863. To learn more about National Hunting and Fishing Day, visit nhfday.org.​