On Saturday, September 26, millions of sportsmen and women across the country will celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). Established in 1972, NHFD recognizes the time-honored American traditions of hunting and angling and the countless contributions made by the original conservationists – hunters and anglers – through the American System of Conservation Funding.
In order to recognize the important role that sportsmen and women play in the conservation of fish and wildlife resources, and as economic drivers in their states, 31 governors nationwide, predominantly members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC), have signed proclamations, showcasing their support for their state’s hunting and angling community. Additionally, GSC member Governor Bullock (MT) signed a recognition letter, and the Ohio Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus passed a resolution recognizing the day. These include:
• Governor Robert J. Bentley (AL), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 4
• Governor Bill Walker (AK), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 21
• Governor Doug Ducey (AZ)
NHFD Proclamation signed September 21
• Governor Asa Hutchinson (AR)
NHFD Proclamation signed on September 25
• Governor John Hickenlooper (CO), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation on September 21
• Governor Rick Scott (FL), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation on September 25
• Governor Nathan Deal (GA), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed August 28
• Governor Butch Otter (ID), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed week of September 7
• Governor Mike Pence (IN), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 2
• Governor Terry Branstad (IA), Co-Chair, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed April 1
• Governor Sam Brownback (KS), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed August 28
• Governor Steve Beshear (KY), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 15
• Governor Bobby Jindal (LA), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 25
• Governor Charles Baker (MA)
NHFD Proclamation signed September 14
• Governor Phil Bryant (MS), Vice-Chair, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 3
• Governor Steve Bullock (MT), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
Letter recognizing NHFD signed August 6
• Governor Peter Ricketts (NE), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 23
• Governor Brian Sandoval (NV), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 14
• Governor Maggie Hassan (NH), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed August 24
• Governor Chris Christie (NJ)
NHFD Proclamation signed September 9
• Governor Pat McCrory (NC), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed October 8
• Governor John Kasich (OH) and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor (OH)
NHFD Proclamation signed September 25
• Senators Joseph Uecker and Lou Gentile (OH), Co-Chairs, Ohio Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Resolution adopted on September 10
• Governor Mary Fallin (OK), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 24
• Governor Kate Brown (OR)
NHFD Proclamation signed on September 23
• Governor Tom Wolf (PA)
NHFD Proclamation signed September 2
• Governor Nikki Haley (SC), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 25
• Governor Bill Haslam (TN), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed August 25
• Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 14
• Governor Gary Herbert (UT)
NHFD Proclamation signed August 28
• Governor Peter Shumlin (VT), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 23
• Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (WV), Co-Chair, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed September 9
• Governor Scott Walker (WI), Member, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
NHFD Proclamation signed August 31
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On August 28, Governor Sam Brownback held an official National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation signing ceremony, recognizing the 527,000 sportsmen and women currently residing in the Sunflower State. He was joined by Kansas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair and Speaker of the House Ray Merrick, Sportsmen’s Caucus member Representative Adam Lusker, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison, as well as other members of the hunting and angling community (see photo).
Similar signing ceremonies were held by Governor Ricketts in Nebraska and Governor Bentley in Alabama.
Most recently, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council President Senator Robin Webb (KY) published an editorial titled, “A Celebration of America’s Original Conservationists,” which encouraged her constituents to partake in NHFD. She stated, “Today, we celebrate the many and varied benefits that hunting and angling provide for the nation, consumptive and non-consumptive users alike. Enjoy this special occasion, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities to hunt and fish throughout the country.” Click here for other press releases by state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds these governors and state legislators for recognizing the contributions made by the sportsmen’s community in their states through National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamations and editorials. CSF encourages everyone to get out on the water or in the field September 26!
To find NHFD events held in your state, click here.
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?
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