Indiana Federation Nation
IBFN Volunteer's Participate in the Inaugural "Hoosier Outdoor Experience"
The inaugural “Hoosier Outdoor Experience” September 26th and 27th at Fort Harrison State Park drew 13,300 attendees for the event, which included a one-day program for selected elementary school students followed by two days of free activities for the general public
Visitors to the Hoosier Outdoor Experience were able to enjoy hands-on participation in nearly 50 outdoor activities. Some of the more popular events were trap shooting, archery, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, building wildlife boxes, and riding off-road vehicles
The IBFN provided 10 volunteers for fishing on Saturday, September 26th. We had a continual stream of young anglers, many who had never fished before. They learned how to bait a hook, cast, and many learned how to take a fish off the hook. In addition to our sponsorship of the bank fishing, there were other activities at the pond including bow fishing, fly fishing, and RC boats.
The weather was perfect and all our volunteers stayed busy throughout our shift. The DNR was very appreciative of our participation, as well as all the visitors to the fishing venue.
The 2010 event will be held on September 18-19, 2010 again at Fort Benjamin State Park. Mark your calendars – we will be doubling our participation next year!


Jill Snyder
IBFN Conservation Director
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"FOR SALE"
IBFN Members Volunteer at the 2011 Hoosier Outdoor Experience


Thank you to the IBFN club members who volunteered at the 2011 Hoosier Outdoor Experience on September 17.


     Christopher Lemon
     Robin Lemon
     Brad Bonwell
     David Bonwell
     Steve Richardson
     Arnold Worthington
     Jill Snyder





The Hoosier Outdoor Experience was a big success again for the 3rd year with preliminary numbers coming in at over 16,000 attendees over two days enjoying over 50 outdoor events.  IBFN sponsored the bank fishing event on Saturday, and that day alone we had 524 folks fishing and about 300 fish caught.   Over Saturday and Sunday, 227 new anglers were introduced to fishing for the first time (almost doubling 124 from last year).
The IBFN held a 'bluegill' drawing for every angler for a chance to win one of 20 rod/reel combo sets that were given away.  Berkley also donated 500 lures that were given out to all anglers.
Although it was a great day and a big success, we REALLY need more volunteers. Please consider volunteering at this event in 2012. It's also a wonderful way for high school students to earn their community service hours that many schools are requiring now for their students.
Regards,  IBFN Conservation Director, Jill Snyder


To learn more about the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, visit :http://www.in.gov/dnr/5009.htm


If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact the IBFN Conservation Director,
Jill Snyder at FishIndiana@gmail.com or call 317-413-5638

2010 Hoosier Outdoor Experience Results:

  •       Over 18,000 participants  (13,300 in 2009)
  •       50 outdoor activities
  •       Kids learned how to:
  •       Bait a hook with live bait
  •       Cast
  •       Take a fish off the hook, hopefully
  •       Built a partnership with the IDNR and the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

IBFN used the 2010 Berkley Conservation Institute award to purchase 20 rod/reel combos to be given away at the 2010 Hoosier Outdoor Experience.      This was a BIG HIT!!!!

2010 Hoosier Outdoor Experience
2009
BERKLEY CONSERVATION INSTITUTE HONORS INDIANA BASS FEDERATION NATION

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 26, 2010) –

The Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) awarded the Indiana BASS Federation Nation (IBFN) the annual Berkley Angler Recruitment and Retention Award. The award, worth $1500 in fishing tackle, was presented at the BASS Federation Nation Appreciation Banquet Feb. 21 in Birmingham, Alabama. BASS Federation Nation Sr. Manager, Youth Stacy Twiggs made the announcement.

The inaugural “Hoosier Outdoor Experience” at Fort Harrison State Park in September 2009 drew 13,300 participants. The event included one day dedicated to elementary school students followed by a two-day program of activities for the general public. There was no charge for attending the Explore the Experience program and children and adults both enjoyed learning about fishing, hunting, kayaking, camping, conservation and dozens of other outdoor activities.

“The IBFN provided 10 volunteers for youth fishing on Saturday, September 26th,” said Jill Snyder, IBFN Conservation Director. “We had a continual stream of young anglers, many who had never fished before. They learned how to bait a hook, cast and how to take a fish off the hook. We’re already making plans to double our efforts for the 2010 event this fall.”

“The Indiana BASS Federation Nation and their commitment to recruit more anglers, especially youth anglers, is to be commended,” said Jim Martin, BCI Conservation Director. “These club members instill the very values of stewardship in our environment the Berkley Conservation Institute endorses. It is my privilege along with the Berkley Conservation Institute to honor the Indiana BASS Federation Nation with our Berkley Angler Recruitment Award.”

BCI is a division of the Pure Fishing Company, the world’s largest tackle company headquartered in Columbia, SC. The brand names of Pure Fishing include Abu Garcia, All Star Rods, Berkley, Fenwick, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Shakespeare, Spiderwire and Stren. Visit Berkley at www.berkley-fishing.com

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