ADDISON, Vt. -- If you enjoy wildlife be sure to make plans to attend the 17th annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day in Addison, Vermont on Saturday, October 6.
Activities at Dead Creek Wildlife Day are especially for people who enjoy hunting, fishing, birdwatching, or learning about Vermont’s diverse wildlife. The event will be held at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Route 17 west of Route 22A.
Early risers can begin the day with a bird banding demonstration at 7:00 a.m. Two large tents at Dead Creek WMA headquarters will open at 9:30 a.m. featuring wildlife-related exhibits and activities such as decoy carving, building bluebird boxes and wildlife photography. The Dead Creek Visitor Center will be open for its regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and features displays about conservation and wildlife management in Vermont.
A highlight of the festival is always the live critters where visitors can see snakes, turtles, owls, and more up close and learn about their ecology. Another exciting event is the youth waterfowl calling contest with prizes. There are many new events, as well as some of the old favorites. The wildlife photography clinic is back by popular demand. Nature walks, illustrated talks, hunting dog demonstrations, fishing and hunting tips, and much more will be held until 4:00 p.m. All events are free, and a free shuttle bus will provide regular access to nearby field events throughout the day.
“There’s nothing quite like Dead Creek Wildlife Day,” said Amy Alfieri, manager of the Dead Creek WMA. “The activities are fun; the demonstrations are very exciting and the setting is beautiful. Visitors love to see the live animals and working dogs, and the kids love to build their own blue bird box to take home. With the visitor center operational, there are many ways for people to experience and learn about Vermont’s wildlife.”
The festival is hosted by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Vermont
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and Otter Creek Audubon Society.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) and check under Watch Wildlife.