New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact: Karl Moffatt: (505) 476-8007
karl.moffatt@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Aug. 15, 2017:

Learn to shoot, fish and have outdoor fun at the Expo

ALBUQUERQUE – Learn to shoot firearms, catch fish and other outdoor recreational skills at the Department of Game and Fish’s annual Outdoor Expo at the City of Albuquerque Shooting Range Park this weekend.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn outdoor skills,” says Alexa Sandoval, director of the Department of Game and Fish. “Our training can lead to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.”

All instruction and equipment used during the event is provided free. The event for all ages runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the park on the west mesa.

Participants can learn to shoot .22-caliber rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloader or archery on ranges staffed by certified instructors.

Visitors can learn fishing basics, including casting, knot and fly tying and the use of bait and lures. They also can experience the thrill of catching and releasing live fish from an artificial pond.

Other activities include duck hunting from a blind, rock climbing, kayaking, off-highway vehicle riding and throwing atlatls at 3-dimensional animal targets. A 5,000-gallon aquarium full of sport fish will provide spectators the opportunity to see how the fish react to lures trailed through the water.

Inside air-conditioned tents, department wildlife biologists will be available to answer questions about wildlife species, hunting and fishing opportunities and more.

Exhibit halls will feature a variety of display exhibits by sporting and conservation organizations and information booths staffed by several state and federal conservation agencies.

Guests should bring cash as there will be plenty of great food and beverages to buy from vendors. A map of the event can be downloaded at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

To get to the Albuquerque Shooting Range Park from Albuquerque, take Interstate 40 west to the top of Nine-mile Hill, exit and drive 4.2 miles north on Atrisco Vista, turn left at the park sign and drive 2.6 miles to the shooting range.

For more information about the event, please visit the department’s website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

###