ADDISON — If you enjoy wildlife be sure to make plans to attend the 18th annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day in Addison on Saturday, Oct. 5.
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 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 and building bluebird boxes. The Dead Creek Visitor Center will be open for its regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the center see displays and listen to talks about conservation and wildlife management in Vermont.
A highlight of the festival is always the live critters where visitors can see snakes, turtles, hawks and other creatures up close and learn about their ecology. There are many new events as well as some of the old favorites. Bear biologist Forrest Hammond will discuss the growing bear population and how to be good neighbors with bears. Nature walks, illustrated talks, hunting dog demonstrations, hunting tips, and much more will be held until 4 p.m. All events are free, and a free shuttle bus will provide regular access to nearby field events throughout the day.
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 (vtfishandwildlife.com) and check under “Watch Wildlife” or use this link: vtfishandwildlife.com/watch-wildlife/dead-creek-wildlife-day.