National Hunting and Fishing Day

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Alabama. As hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state, Alabama’s sportsmen and women generated over $71 million last year through the American System of Conservation Funding and supported the state’s economy while engaged in their pursuits.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Alaska and encouraged all Alaskans to recognize hunters, anglers, and conservationists for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife management in The Last Frontier. In Alaska, the heritage of big game hunting and sport fishing are essential to the State’s economic and social well-being and are deeply rooted in the spirit and history of the people who live there. The more than 600,000 resident and non-resident hunters and anglers in Alaska support the State’s economy contributing to jobs, tourism growth, and local communities through their pursuits.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Arizona Hunting and Fishing Day. Hunting and fishing license fees help fund state efforts to provide healthy and sustainable natural resources and Connecticut conservation is funded, in part, by 162,471 hunters and anglers, contributing to the $5.5 billion spent on outdoor activities in Connecticut, 1.4% of the state’s GDP, last year.

Delaware Gov. Matthew Meyer* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Delaware, encouraging all citizens to celebrate the legacy and impact of Delaware’s outdoor community. Last year alone, Delaware’s hunters and anglers contributed over $12.5 million to conservation and supported the state’s economy through outdoor recreation spending. Hunting and angling remain vital components of Delaware’s cultural heritage, offering residents meaningful opportunities to connect with nature, promote food security, foster self-sufficiency, and support both mental and physical well-being.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Florida to celebrate the immense contributions of The Sunshine State’s sportsmen and women to fish and wildlife conservation. The importance of these activities was supported through a constitutional amendment in 2024 that enshrined the right to hunt and fish as a public right in Florida.

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia to celebrate the immense contributions of The Peach State’s hunters and anglers to fish and wildlife conservation. More than 1.9 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $18.5 billion spent on outdoor activities in Georgia last year, which comprised 2.2% of Georgia’s GDP. Georgia has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling, that dates back further than the state itself and carries forward to this day.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Illinois. Last year alone, Illinois’ sportsmen and women generated more than $66 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 860,090 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $24.3 billion spent on outdoor activities in the state last year.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of Indiana’s sportsmen and women. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is funded largely by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding – a “user pays — public benefits” approach widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world. In 2024, Indiana’s sportsmen and women generated over $47 million through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Department of Natural Resources.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Iowa which has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Iowa’s sportsmen and women generated more than $49 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 557, 069 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $5.3 billion spent on outdoor activities in Iowa last year.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Kansas. Last year alone, Kansas’ sportsmen and women generated $55,244,633 through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The state’s 513,669 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $4.6 billion spent on outdoor activities in Kansas last year.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Kentucky to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation in the Bluegrass State. Last year alone, Kentucky’s sportsmen and women generated more than $55 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.  833,938 hunters and anglers contributed to the $5.5 billion spent on outdoor activities in Kentucky last year.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Louisiana. To this day, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is funded primarily by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year alone, Louisiana’s 1.1 million hunters and anglers generated $52 million through this System to support conservation efforts in the state.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Maryland. Maryland’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat, and through their license fees help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day and urged all citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. To this day, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is funded, in part, by sportsmen and women, through the American System of Conservation Funding. In 2024, Massachusetts’ sportsmen and women generated more than $24 million to support the Department’s conservation efforts. More than 320,000 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending more than $600 million while engaged in their pursuits.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Michigan. Michigan has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and fishing that dates back before Michigan’s statehood and carries forward to this day. Last year alone, Michigan’s hunters and anglers generated more than $63 million to support the conservation efforts of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and contributed to the $13.9 billion spent on outdoor activities.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Mississippi. Hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout Mississippi. Last year alone, Mississippi’s sportsmen and women generated almost $40 million to support the conservation efforts of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and over 300,000 hunters and anglers supported the State’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $4 billion spent on outdoor activities in Mississippi in 2024.

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in New Hampshire and encouraging all citizens to honor the traditions that connect us to the land, protect our wild places, reflect on our belief in liberty, responsibility, and the great outdoors that define the New Hampshire way of life.

New York Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Robert Smullen took leadership in recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of New York through Senate Resolution No. 1175 and Assembly Resolution No. 788, celebrating that the state’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat, and through their license fees help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources. Last year alone, New York’s sportsmen and women generated $76.3 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in North Carolina and commending its observance to all citizens. Last year alone, North Carolina’s sportsmen and women generated $78.8 million to support conservation efforts of the state. In North Carolina, 2 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $16.2 billion spent on outdoor activities in the State last year.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of North Dakota. To this day, North Dakota Game and Fish is funded in part by hunters and anglers through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year, North Dakota’s hunters and anglers generated $34,482 to support the conservation efforts of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Hunting and angling are an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state and offer participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level while providing food security.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine* and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Ohio’s 1.2 million hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Ohio’s sportsmen and women generated $70 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Oklahoma.  To this day, 100% of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s budget is provided by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding.  Last year alone, Oklahoma’s 976,283 sportsmen and women generated $53,150,615 million through this system while contributing $5.5 billion to the State’s economy through their outdoor-related spending.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of Pennsylvania’s sportsmen and women and to recognize their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and to society.  Pennsylvania’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitat, and through their license fees help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources.

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed a proclamation observing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate the many contributions of the state’s sportsmen and women. Rhode Island’s 66,457 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $1.8 billion spent on outdoor activities in the state.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the state and encouraged all South Carolinians to recognize the many and varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. Last year alone, South Carolina’s sportsmen and women generated more than $33.9 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The more than 718,000 hunters and anglers in the state contributed to the $8.6 billion spent on outdoor activities in South Carolina last year.

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in South Dakota to celebrate the state’s sportsmen and women and their contributions to conservation. South Dakota’s more than 424,000 hunters and anglers generated over $51 million through the American System of Conservation Funding last year to support the state’s conservation efforts to ensure future generations may enjoy the same resources enjoyed today.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Tennessee and encouraged all citizens to participate in celebrating the many and varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. In 2024, Tennessee’s over 910,000 sportsmen and women generated more than $78 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additionally, the state’s hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $13 billion spent on outdoor activities in Tennessee.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Texas. Texas is a land of great natural beauty and hunters and fishermen have long been at the forefront of vital conservation efforts. Texas’ hunters and anglers are among the biggest supporters of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that plays a vital role in managing and conserving the natural and cultural resources of Texas.

Vermont Gov. Philip Scott* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Vermont to celebrate hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation, and to society. The contributions of Vermont’s sportsmen and women strengthen wildlife conservation and outdoor experience opportunities and ensure future generations have the benefit of outdoor recreation. Last year, the state’s sportsmen and women generated $17.9 million to directly support conservation efforts and the state’s 163,000 hunters and anglers help support over 16,000 outdoor recreation jobs and fuel the outdoor recreation industry’s 4.8% contribution to the Vermont GDP.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin* signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia to celebrate the hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation, and to society. Virginia’s sportsmen and women strengthen the Commonwealth’s wildlife conservation and outdoor experience opportunities and ensure future generations have the benefit of outdoor recreation. Last year, the state’s sportsmen and women generated more than $74 million to directly support the conservation efforts of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the 808,091 hunters and anglers contributed to the economy through the $13.4 billion spent on outdoor activities.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Washington to celebrate the state’s sportsmen and women who were the original conservationists to support the establishment of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle and motorboat fuels, sportsmen and women help fund the Department’s efforts through the American System of Conservation Funding.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a proclamation recognizing September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the Mountain State. Home to 449,00 hunters and anglers, West Virginia’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat. Last year alone, West Virginia’s sportsmen and women generated more than $29 million through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays — public benefits” program that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 27, 2025 as National Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the state of Wisconsin in honor of the many social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits our time-honored traditions bring to the Badger State. Through license fees and self-imposed taxes on firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels, Wisconsin’s hunters and anglers help fund the efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) generating millions of dollars for the agency’s conservation efforts each year.