Why It Matters: National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich traditions of hunting and fishing with national, state, regional, and local organizations hosting related events. Launched in 1971 by Congress, NHFD has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in conservation. NHFD is observed and celebrated on the fourth Saturday in September every year.
Highlights:
- On August 29th , 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizing September 27th as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the Commonwealth.
- Earlier that week, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) hosted a celebration at the Pennsylvania State Capitol with state and national level sporting-conservation groups to celebrate NHFD and our sporting heritage.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) spearheads the NHFD proclamations at the state and federal level. In 2024, CSF successfully secured a Proclamation from President Joe Biden and Governor’s from 44 states.
On Tuesday, September 9th, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission held a National Hunting and Fishing Day event at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg celebrating the importance of sportsmen and women with legislators and the public. CSF’s Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States, Kaleigh Leager, was in attendance along with other sporting-conservation groups and members of the Pennsylvania Sportsmen and Women’s Policy Work Group.
Pennsylvania is the second largest state for hunting license sales in the United States. To no surprise, hunting and fishing play an integral role in the economy of Pennsylvania. For example, last year alone, nearly $19 billion dollars were spent on outdoor activities in the Commonwealth. Additionally, sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth generated more than $112M for the PGC and the PFBC through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF).
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation thanks Governor Josh Shapiro for recognizing the importance of National Hunting and Fishing Day and the strong, positive impact that sportsmen and women have on the Commonwealth’s economy and conservation efforts.
