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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
Lee's Summit, Mo. – Tessa Landers flipped the fishing rod forward, with a little help from dad, and the practice lure almost hit the bucket painted up like a largemouth bass. Close was good enough for an angler at age 4 learning about fishing. She had plenty of company as more than 600 visitors participated in National Hunting and Fishing Day activities on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.
Tessa's family from Independence also made the rounds at wildlife exhibits and other shooting and fishing activities offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ducks Unlimited (DU).
"She loves the outdoor stuff," said James Landers, her father. "This has been a lot of fun. It's a good family environment, we're getting outside and the weather is nice. This is a good learning experience for us."
Jimmy Shettleroe, 5, caught two bluegills at a Reed Area lake and was watching for the bobber to dip for a third. MDC provided the fishing rod and worms for bait. His father, Aaron Shettleroe helped with the casting.
The best part about fishing, Jimmy said, "if I catch a fish, I get to eat it."
Visitors at the event also enjoyed target archery, pellet gun shooting, trap shooting, a duck wing maze, wildlife displays and other activities.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is an annual celebration of conservation and outdoor sports. Get more information about Missouri's great hunting and fishing onlined at mdc.mo.gov.
