Fishing, hunting open house set for Wednesday

By Rachel L. Watkins, THE BAYONETAugust 20, 2009

FORT BENNING GA - The Fishing, Hunting and Recreation Open House is Wednesday at the Uchee Creek Activity Center.

Brent Widener, fish and wildlife biologist with the Conservation Branch, Directorate of Public Works, said there have been changes made to the post fishing and hunting rules and regulations and the open house is where hunters and fishers can find out about them.

The changes include a requirement for hunters to take a hunter education course and show a hunter education card to purchase post permits. Creel limits at all ponds on post have changed and there is a price increase for post hunting and fishing permits. In all, there are 15 changes.

"The open house is a one-stop shop for information about hunting, fishing and recreation on post," said Brittany Beadle, outdoor recreation specialist with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "Whether people are new to Fort Benning or have been stationed at Fort Benning awhile, they are invited."

There will be a hunting swap meet, where participants can buy used hunting gear from other hunters, from 3 to 5 p.m.

From 5 to 8:30 p.m., there will be presentations about the new hunting and fishing rules and regulations, stocking of ponds, harvesting statistics from 2008, and U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit zero days, information about ponds and picnic areas at Fort Benning and an introduction to the 2009 post hunting map.

There will also be an archery shoot, air gun shoot, a virtual hunting and fishing game and casting lessons.

No registration is required, admission is free and there will be free refreshments. For more information, call 706-545-9636 or go to www.benningmwr.com/odr-openhouse.php.