Why It Matters: National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) was established in 1972 to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to wildlife conservation. Hunting and fishing are time-honored traditions that help make up the very fabric of the Magnolia State, and Governor Tate Reeves recognized those traditions through signing a proclamation recognizing NHFD in Mississippi.
Highlights:
- On August 28, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member (GSC) Governor Tate Reeves hosted a signing ceremony for a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the State of Mississippi which celebrates the state’s 594,000 licensed hunters and anglers.
- Attendees included numerous members of the Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus), representatives from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and numerous other conservation partners.
The Magnolia State features a diverse landscape that offers a myriad of different hunting and angling opportunities. Mississippi can provide phenomenal waterfowl, whitetail deer, and eastern wild turkey hunting opportunities as well as excellent fishing opportunities from the northern most part of the state all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. With over 2 million acres of public lands and an abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams, Mississippi is a destination is a great destination for hunters and anglers alike.
In addition to celebrating the cultural significance of hunting and fishing in the State of Mississippi, Governor Reeves’ proclamation also highlighted that sportsmen and women are the primary drivers of conservation funding in the state. Last year alone, sportsmen and women generated over $39 million for conservation through the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding, which helps fund the MDWFP in their mission to conserve and enhance Mississippi’s natural resources and provide for adequate outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to the funding for conservation, hunters and anglers in Mississippi also spent over $3 billion on their outdoor activities, which boosts both the local and state economies.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks Governor Reeves for recognizing NHFD in Mississippi. We also thank Governor Reeves, the Caucus, MDWFP, and our partners for their continued support of hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping in Mississippi.
Lastly, we encourage our readers to attend the 21st Annual NASC Sportsman – Legislator Summit that will be taking place in Baton Rouge, LA from November 19-22. If you’re interested in registering, please click here.
