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Explore North America’s Greatest Rivers

Explore North America’s Greatest Rivers

By Missouri Department of Conservation

National Hunting and Fishing Day is Sept. 26.

If you've ever wanted to take a look at North America's largest rivers up close, the Missouri Department of Conservation has created an opportunity for that on Sept. 26 in observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

These two great rivers, the largest in North America, are home to world-class fishing and hunting opportunities, placing the observation— A Day at the Confluence—in an ideal setting for a free family event.

Visitors and residents are welcome to enjoy a guided river boat ride to experience these majestic bodies of water from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake.

The roots of National Hunting and Fishing Day were formed early at the turn of the 20th century, when hunters and anglers became the most vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management.

Missouri Department of ConservationHunters and anglers were the first to call public attention to the fact that rapid development and unregulated hunting threatened wildlife and natural habitats. Led by sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first hunting and wildlife laws.

In 1972, Congress unanimously authorized the National Hunting and Fishing Day as the fourth Saturday of every September. The day commemorates conservation successes and honors the sportsmen and sportswomen who began the modern conservation movement.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is a way for people to come together to celebrate everything they love about hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.

In Missouri, a variety of activities will be available for participants of all ages. Visitors can explore the sprawling 4,318-acre conservation area with its mosaic of prairie, bottomland woods, wetlands and cropland habitats.

Missouri Department of ConservationThe event is free and open to the general public. No reservations are required. To reach the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, take the I-270 Riverview Drive exit and go 3 miles north. For more information, call (314)877-6014.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one out of four Missourians hunts and or fishes. For more information on the state’s National Hunting and Fishing Day activities, as well as information on hunting, fishing and other ways to discover nature in the Show-Me State, visit mdc.mo.gov.

— Photos Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

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