Gearing up for National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday, September 22, 34 bipartisan governors from across the country have signed proclamations recognizing this important holiday.
Among governors who have signed proclamations this year were Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) Co-Chair Governor Steve Bullock (MT), GSC Vice-Chair Governor Tom Wolf (PA), and 24 other GSC members.
In addition, proclamation signing ceremonies were hosted by governors of Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
Sportsmen and women contribute 80 percent of funding for state fish and wildlife agencies – over $62.1 billion since 1939 – from excise taxes on their hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and boating-related purchases as well as hunting and angling licenses. This program is known as the American System of Conservation Funding.
This holiday also provides an opportunity to introduce the public to hunting and fishing traditions. State fish and wildlife agencies and sportsmen’s conservation groups across the country have organized events across the country for the public to enjoy hunting and fishing and learn about the respective state’s conservation efforts.
“National Hunting and Fishing Day highlights the importance of recruitment and retention of new hunters and anglers, as well as critical benefits of the American System of Conservation Funding,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) President Jeff Crane. “This day provides an opportunity for experienced hunters and anglers to bring new friends or family members afield or on the water and explain the importance of protecting our sportsmen’s traditions in the future.”
CSF is a proud sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
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?
