Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 5 , 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Scott Warner, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

DNR Director Frank Jezioro to Host Bird Dog Hunting Demonstration At National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration September 23-24 at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

   Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, will host a bird dog hunting demonstration at the 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, to be held at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County (Interstate 79 exit 91) September 23 and 24.

“Anyone who knows me or has read my books knows that there is nothing I enjoy more than hunting, especially bird hunting with my dogs,” Jezioro said. “How serious do I take bird hunting? Let’s just say that I have been very fortunate to have been able to pursue my passion by bird hunting with my dogs from the Southern Appalachians to Canada. There is nothing I enjoy more than watching my dogs work a bird, but they didn’t get there overnight. To become successful in raising a bird dog takes a lot of work and making the right decisions early in the puppy’s life goes a long way toward assuring you a very successful hunting partner. During my seminar I will provide tips and some insight as to what it takes to have a good bird dog. As a hunter, I would encourage everyone who has ever been interested in getting started in bird hunting, or one who just enjoy dogs, to attend.”

National Hunting and Fishing Days, sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, is like no other event held with hands-on learning opportunities for youngsters and families in the areas of wildlife and outdoor recreation. The objective of the event is to educate the non-hunting/fishing public on the benefits of hunting and fishing, as well as to how these activities support the DNR’s efforts in wildlife conservation. Nearly 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts will be in attendance to try their hand at everything from archery, shooting, fly-fishing, and kids fishing derby, to list only a few. In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to sit-in on several other wildlife demonstrations, or visit one of the hundred-plus vendors on hand.

Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under the age of 15, and children ages 3 and under are free. For more information call (304) 558-2771, or visit the DNR’s website at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm .