September 29, 2020 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation led the effort through the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day, resulting in 32 Governors signing proclamations declaring Saturday, September 26, 2020 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in their respective states to acknowledge sportsmen and women for their contributions to America’s conservation.
In 1972, the U.S. Congress and President Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day, recognizing generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s sporting heritage and natural resources. National Hunting & Fishing Day is celebrated on the 4th Saturday in September every year.
This success reflects previous efforts made by CSF earlier this year that encouraged Governors and other state leaders to retain opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. People across the nation turned to the outdoors to escape the pressures and challenges that were presented by COVID-19, signaling a new growth in outdoor recreation.
CSF and other partners have also been leading the #ResponsibleRecreation media campaign since early May as a way to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as a means to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign encourages Americans to take advantage of the numerous opportunities our nation offers to recreate on public lands and waters.
Signage of the proclamations this year highlights the benefits that recreational activities in the outdoors, like hunting and fishing, has on our nation’s economy, wildlife conservation, and even mental and physical health.
Sportsmen and women have been the greatest funders and supporters of science-based wildlife management through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). The ASCF is a unique “user pays—public benefits” structure that serves as the main funding mechanism for state fish and wildlife agencies. National Hunting & Fishing Day celebrates the traditions of hunting and angling and the conservation and economic contributions made by America’s true conservationists – hunters and anglers.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
