The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, located near Kalamazoo, is offering fun, family-friendly events this fall, including programs on hunter safety and archery, along with fishing events for kidsall at no charge.
Here are some of the events:
Hunter Safety, Sept. 15-16: Participants are required to attend both sessions to receive their Hunters Certification. The class will run from 9-4 on Sept. 15 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 16. There is a $10 charge per person. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration, Sept. 22: Guests are invited to join visitor center staff to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with the center's fishing and archery programs. Catch-and-release fishing will be offered for youth ages 3-16 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; pre-registration is not required. The center's inaugural archery program will be offered in the afternoon at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and is for those ages 8 and older. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided.
Hollywood at the Hatchery, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m.: Have a night out with the family and enjoy "Finding Nemo." Bring blankets, sleeping bags and pillows to get comfy in the visitor center's auditorium for this movie event. Pizza, pop, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase.
Autumn Archery, Oct. 6, 20 and Nov. 3 at 8, 9 and 10 a.m.: Learn to shoot a bow in a safe and fun environment. For ages 8 and older. Pre-registration is required. All equipment is provided.
Fall Fishing Days, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Catch-and-release fishing for youth ages 3-16; all equipment is provided. No pre-registration is necessary. Participants are guaranteed to fish for 30 minutes. Fishing slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Hatchery Tours, weekdays in September, October and first three weekends in November: By special reservation only; Saturday, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; Sunday, noon and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Unless otherwise noted, programs are one hour in length, offered FREE of charge and open to all ages and skill levels. The walks are not strenuous and are approximately 1 mile or less.
The visitor center is open to the public during the fall season (September, October and the first three weekends in November), Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
The visitor center is located at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan. For more information, or to pre-register for a program, contact the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center by phone at 269-668-2876 or email at ramseys2@michigan.gov.