CASPER - Whether it’s learning the techniques of Olympic shooters or expert fly casters, it’s being offered at the Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo in Casper Sept. 8-10.

The ninth annual celebration of these pastimes is being held at the Casper Events Center and nearby shooting ranges. The event featuring dozens of hands-on activities has drawn up to 18,000 participants. Among other opportunities - all of which are free - are archery, fly-tying, shooting, horse packing, photography, canoeing and many more.

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages can also experience Wyoming culture by experiencing the Northern Arapahoe dancers.

On Saturday Sept. 9, kids are encouraged to participate in the Youth Hunter Challenge. This competition for hunters 12 to 18 years old consists of .22 rifle and shotgun marksmanship, written and hands-on tests of firearms safety and wildlife identification. The challenge begins at 9 a.m. at the Stuckenhoff Shooting Complex.

On Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon the shooting complex will host a clinic for women who would like to learn about shotgunning. The workshop covers shotgun engineering and safety and all the trap shooting participants want to experience. Shotguns and ammunition are provided or shooters are welcome to bring their own equipment.

For more info about the activities and events, contact the Game and Fish at (800) 842-1934 or (307) 777-4600 out of state. Expo schedules are included in the latest issue of Wyoming Wildlife News available at license agents.

(contact: Larry Roberts (307) 473-3400 or Jeff Obrecht)