National Hunting and Fishing Day

Summary

National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling, as well as the immense conservation and economic contributions made over time by the original conservationists – sportsmen and women – who support sound, science-based wildlife management through license sales, excises taxes on outdoor gear, and sustainable-use models. National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamations, resolutions, and celebrations increase awareness of and participation in these activities, which helps safeguard funding for conservation throughout the nation.

Introduction

National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates the time-honored traditions of hunting, angling and the immense conservation and economic contributions made over time by sportsmen and women. As the original conservationists, 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. Such agencies are the primary managers of our fish and wildlife resources. Through the purchase of license sales, duck stamps, and excise taxes on outdoor gear, firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, motorboat fuel, and other hunting and angling-related items, money spent by sportsmen and women is deposited into a dedicated fund to only be used for conservation, creating the American System of Conservation Funding.

In the United States, there are over 53 million sportsmen and women who work tirelessly to protect and promote our sporting heritage and natural resources. In 1972, the U.S. Congress and President Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day on the 4th Saturday of September, recognizing generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. Thus, resulting in greater funding for science-based fish and wildlife management. In 2023, 40 proclamations were signed by governors across the country, including 27 Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus members. A Presidential Proclamation was also signed by President Joe Biden in 2023.

Language​

  • Alabama Proclamation: “Whereas, to this day, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is funded primarily by sportsmen and women, through this American System of Conservation Funding – a ‘user pays-public benefits’ approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model of fish and wildlife management in the world.”
  • In 2019, Georgia adopted GA SR 369, which urges the Department of Natural Resources to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day.
  • In 2021, in addition to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day, the 134th General Assembly issued Senate Resolution 178 and House Resolution 116 to urge all Ohioans to participate in  appropriate activities to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Moving Forward

National Hunting and Fishing Day remains the most prominent occasion for promoting America’s hunting and angling traditions, and the economic and conservation benefits provided by sportsmen and women. National Hunting and Fishing Day proclamations, resolutions, and celebrations increase awareness and participation in these activities, which helps safeguard funding for conservation throughout the nation.

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