Every day millions of Americans work to conserve and improve our natural resources. These are America’s hunters and anglers.
In 1972 the U.S. Congress unanimously voted to establish National Hunting and Fishing Day with support from President Richard M. Nixon and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Always the fourth Saturday in September, in 2016, National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed September 24.
The day recognizes the 34 million hunters and anglers who annually purchase hunting and fishing licenses and pay taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels. Those funds, which amount to more than a billion dollars each year, are distributed to state fish and wildlife agencies to be used for conservation work.
To see how these funds are used, you can visit the story from earlier this year: USFWS distributes $1.1 billion in hunt-fish excise taxes by clicking here.
Conserving the states’ natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for future generations. The conservation programs supported and financed by hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Americans to enjoy.
To see a special NHF Day slide presentation from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, click here.
For more history, you can also visit here.
Outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen create a better public understanding of hunting and fishing and expand public awareness of the role they have played in conservation and improving our country’s natural resources.
Many individual states sponsor NHF Day events to provide opportunities for outdoor-oriented people and urban residents to learn more about outdoor skills and activities. Check with your state department of natural resources to see what is being planned.
To observe the day, introduce someone to an outdoor activity that through fishing, hunting, hiking or bird-watching. Have fun!
--Courtesy, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Wonders of Wildlife, home of National Hunting and Fishing Day