Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 14, 2006

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

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

B.A.S.S. Kids Casting Competition to Host State Championship At West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days

For the second year in a row, The West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation Nation is holding the State Championship of the Kids Casting Competition at National Hunting and Fishing Days, Saturday, September 23 rd at 3 p.m. Children from all over West Virginia have competed in local events and, by winning the last event, advanced to the State Championship with a chance to compete at the National Championship in Birmingham, Al in January. The event will be held in conjunction with the Federation Nation National Fishing Championship.

Through the Bassmaster Casting Kids program alone, B.A.S.S. and its members have introduced more than 1.7 million children to the sport of fishing and have awarded more than $3.1 million in cash, prizes and scholarships through its Casting Kids programs.

The 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, will be held at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County (Interstate 79 exit 91) September 23 and 24. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under age 15, and children 3 and under free. For more information call (304) 558-2771, or visit the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm .