CELEBRATE NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 AT FENTON LAKE STATE PARK

SANTA FE--Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 28 by going fishing. It is free fishing day in New Mexico, a special day when all anglers????--residents and nonresidents of all ages--can fish without a license at public waters statewide. All other fishing rules apply. "We want to encourage New Mexicans to get out with their families and enjoy their wildlife resources, and celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on free fishing day is a great way to do that," Department Fisheries Chief Mike Sloane said.

The Department of Game and Fish and New Mexico State Parks are partnering to provide a wild day of family fun at Fenton Lake State Park. Department staff will be on hand to give expert instruction and hands-on training in outdoor skills like fishing and archery. First time anglers and novices of all ages are encouraged to come learn a new skill.

Saturday, Sept. 28 activities at Fenton Lake will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include free archery and fishing instruction, fly tying, aquatics education and more. The state park charges a $5 per vehicle day-use fee. Walk-in entry is free.

Friday, Sept. 27, school and youth groups will gather at the park for an outdoor skills expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fenton Lake State Park is 33 miles northwest of San Ysidro via N.M. 4 and N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. The area is owned by the State Game Commission and managed by New Mexico State Parks.

For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day activities at Fenton Lake State Park, please call (575) 829-3630.