Outdoor News Daily

The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will be holding its annual Open House and Fishing Flea Market at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center on Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on both days, and admission is free.

The Open House is held prior to the Opening Day of Trout Season and provides the Division of Fish and Wildlife an opportunity to highlight its state of the art trout raising facility, as well as showcase the multitude of programs the Division is responsible for. The Open House also serves as a reminder that spring, and the Opening Day of Trout Season (April 10) is just around the corner.

Activities at this year’s event include beginner archery and shotgun ranges, fly-tying demonstrations and a historical encampment. Experienced or beginner anglers will enjoy a Fishing Flea Market set up on site, where they can pick up a good deal on both new and used fishing equipment.

Kids between the ages of 8 and 16 can try their hand at trout fishing in the Fishing Education Pond, while kids less than 8 years of age can try catching trout in the “Kiddie Trout Tank”. Expert instruction and supervision will be provided, as will all necessary equipment. Kids must sign up for a time slot on the day of the event at the registration table in the Pond area.

Exciting presentations at the Open House will include “The Right Presentation” on the basics of “hunting” musky by Cal Huntzinger, president of the NJ Chapter 22 of Muskies, Inc. and “Spring Turkey Hunting” by Jim Salt of the NJ State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Hunter Education Classes will also be offered on both days of the Open House. Saturday’s class will be for archery only, with Sunday’s class for shotgun only. Interested participants must register for the course at http://www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ and bring their completed workbook.

Additional information regarding the Open House can be obtained by calling (908)-637-4125 or at: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqoh.htm.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located 9 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46 in scenic Warren County.

Please note: The April 3 and 4 dates originally posted for the Open House in the 2010 Freshwater Fishing Issue of the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest were incorrect. The event is earlier this year due to the Easter holiday.

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