Press Release

Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs® Workshops Scheduled for December at Auburn University and Gadsden State Community College

November 17, 2006

“Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs^®” (HOFNOD) uses a mentor-based fishing program to teach positive life choices. On Friday, Dec. 1, Auburn University will host a workshop by the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. On Friday, Dec. 15, Gadsden State Community College will host a HOFNOD workshop. These one-day classes provide the skills needed to lead a mentor-based fishing program that will make a difference in children’s lives. Science teachers, physical education teachers, counselors, Boys and Girls Club workers, bass club members, parks and recreation department employees, and volunteers are invited to improve the lives of youth through HOFNOD skills. Participants may register for either event by calling Doug Darr with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, 334-242-3471. For local registration at Gadsden State Community College, participants may call Dr. Hugh Hammer at 334-549-8345. Participants should register by Tuesday, Nov. 28, or Tuesday, Dec. 12, respectively.

The one-day training session will give volunteers activities and lessons to help children make appropriate decisions and learn to become ethical anglers. HOFNOD programs require youth to participate in fishing and stewardship activities in addition to learning about making good life choices through role-playing and other training. Although workshop participants will learn to improve their fishing abilities and how to teach youth how to fish, the main goal is to learn about the HOFNOD program. Participants become certified HOFNOD instructors and are able to use the “Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs^®” name and logo.

“Hooked On Fishing – Not On Drugs®” is a partnership program among the Future Fisherman Foundation, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, and volunteers. The Auburn University workshop will be held in the Auburn Coliseum and at the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture ponds. The remaining workshop will be held in the Aquaculture Education and Development Center on the Gadsden State Community College campus.

For more details about HOFNOD or the training, contact Doug Darr, Aquatic Education Coordinator with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, at 334-242-3471.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

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