Celebrating National Hunting & Fishing Day in Erie County
September 26, 2026
Thank you for making our 2026 National Hunting & Fishing Day celebration a success!
On Saturday, September 26, the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs welcomed families from across Western New York to Elma Conservation Club for a day dedicated to the outdoors, conservation and introducing the next generation to our hunting and fishing traditions. The FREE, family-friendly event gave children and adults the opportunity to experience outdoor activities firsthand, learn from experienced sportsmen and women, and connect with the many clubs, organizations, agencies and businesses that support conservation and outdoor recreation in our community.
Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to try activities including archery, crossbow, shooting sports and fishing, all with instruction and supervision from experienced volunteers. Beyond the hands-on activities, families explored exhibits covering hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife, conservation, outdoor safety and other opportunities to get involved in the outdoors.
National Hunting & Fishing Day is about more than trying a new outdoor activity. It is an opportunity for families to spend time together outside and for children to discover activities they may enjoy for a lifetime. This year’s celebration included dozens of participating exhibitors and organizations, demonstrations, activities for kids, giveaways and plenty of opportunities to learn. Children also had some extra fun with activities such as the Youth Lifetime License Program Plinko game, door prizes and giveaways throughout the day. The first 40 children even received their own tackle box to help them continue their outdoor adventures after the event.
National Hunting & Fishing Day recognizes the important role hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts have played in supporting wildlife conservation and protecting our natural resources. For the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the celebration is also an opportunity to put our mission into action: bringing experienced outdoorsmen and women together with families and young people to share their knowledge, skills and appreciation for the outdoors. We are especially grateful to the many clubs, conservation organizations, agencies, exhibitors and community partners who spent the day sharing their expertise with our visitors.
An event of this size would not be possible without an incredible group of volunteers. From planning and setup to registration, activity stations, exhibits, giveaways and cleanup, our volunteers worked throughout the day to create a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for every family who attended. A special thank you goes to Elma Conservation Club for once again providing a wonderful location for the celebration, and to every organization, exhibitor, donor and volunteer who helped make the day possible. Most importantly, thank you to all of the families who joined us. Seeing children catch a fish, try a bow or crossbow, learn something new, win a prize or simply enjoy a day outdoors is exactly what National Hunting & Fishing Day is all about.
