On September 20, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) member Governor Pete Ricketts hosted a proclamation signing ceremony in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The following day, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds hosted a signing ceremony recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day in Iowa. The proclamations recognized the immense contributions of Nebraskan and Iowan hunters and anglers to each state’s economy and conservation funding.
“Hunting and fishing are foundational to Nebraska’s outdoor lifestyle,” said Governor Ricketts. “The passion of thousands of our citizens drive conservation efforts in the state while creating both jobs and economic opportunities.”
National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, and will take place this year on Saturday the 23rd. The day was established in 1972 to recognize the important contributions the nation’s hunters and anglers make to conservation and our national economy. Iowa’s 598,000 hunters and anglers spend about $779 million a year on their outdoor pursuits and support close to 12,000 jobs in the Hawkeye State. Nebraska is home to more than 289,000 hunters and anglers who spend $780 million annually and support 12,085 jobs in the state.
In addition to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, participants at the ceremonies included representatives from a variety of other conservation organizations, including: Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Representatives from Nebraska Game and Parks and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen’s Forum were also in attendance.
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?
