Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day!
Sep 19, 2024, 8:00 PM | Updated: 8:27 pm
Fewer hunting and fishing licenses are being suspended across the state, but wildlife officials say it's not because they're being more lenient. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.
SALT LAKE CITY — National Hunting and Fishing Day is on Sept. 28. That means that weekend should be the “target” date for Utah hunters to celebrate their passion with an opportunity to save at area shooting ranges!
National Hunting and Fishing Day was designated in Utah in 1973 for the “recognition of the substantial and continued contribution by hunters and fishermen toward the sound management of wildlife in Utah.”
“Hunters and anglers are the backbone of wildlife conservation in the U.S.,” said Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Director J. Shirley. That’s why the DWR is offering free and discounted shooting at its public shooting ranges.
It comes, of course, just in time for tune up for the fall big game hunts in the Beehive State, giving hunting enthusiasts the chance to either get familiar with a new handgun or rifle, or get their old firearm sighted in for their trip outdoors.
The discounts will be offered at both the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range, located at 6000 West 2100 South in Salt Lake City, and the Cache Valley Shooting Range, located at 2851 West 200 North in Logan.
To redeem the offer, you just need to show a valid Utah hunting, fishing, or combination license at the entrance to either facility on Sept. 28. You can present either a paper or electronic license.
“These are some of the best outdoors shooting ranges in Utah whether you are practicing for an upcoming hunt or you just want to have some fun shooting targets,” said DWR Hunter Education, Ranges, and Shooting Sports Programs Coordinator Gary Cook.
Speaking of that fun, you can also get up to five rounds of shooting at half price at the trap and skeet ranges at both facilities on the 28th.
Year-round programs offered
The Division also wants to remind sportsmen of their year-round promotion done in the interest of fun and safety for new gun owners. Anyone can shoot for free or at a discounted rate if they’ve purchased a firearm or archery equipment within 30 days of their visit. Proof of purchase must be provided to qualify for the deal.
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that a day at the range can be a great day in a family-friendly environment for the whole family and a chance for mom and dad to promote safety around firearms!
Lee Kay Shooting Range Manager Blanche Smith said this annual celebration is also a way to give back to the hunting community that makes these range operations possible.
“Since our ranges and programs are funded through excise taxes from the purchase of shooting equipment and ammunition, as well as the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, we proudly celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day as a way to thank those who support us,” said Smith.
Visit the DWR website for more details on the amenities offered at each DWR shooting range. For more information about the National Hunting and Fishing Day discounts, call the Cache Valley Public Shooting Range at 435-753-4600 or the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range at 801-972-1326.
Tim Hughes is the co-host of Utah’s Morning News and the host of the KSL Outdoors Show on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
