National Hunting and Fishing Day

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Alabama. Whereas, hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state, Alabama’s sportsmen and women generated $70.3 million through the American System of Conservation Funding and support the state’s economy while engaged in their pursuits.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Alaska and encouraged all Alaskans to recognize hunters, anglers, and conservationists for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife management in The Last Frontier. Alaska is known for being a world leader of fish and wildlife management and many Alaskans rely on hunting and fishing to fill their freezers, pantries and dinner plates and to provide for their families every year. More than 600,000 resident and non-resident hunters and anglers in Alaska support the state’s economy contributing to jobs, tourism growth, and local communities while engaged in their pursuits.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Arizona Hunting and Fishing Day. The Grand Canyon State is home to more than 700,000 hunters and anglers who support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $11.7 billion spent on outdoor activities in Arizona last year. Additionally, Arizona’s sportsmen and women generated $69.7 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Arkansas. Known as the ‘Natural State’, Arkansas has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Arkansas’ 897,191 hunters and anglers generated over $52.7M through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the efforts of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and they represent a considerable portion of the $4.1 billion in outdoor recreation spending that greatly impacts the state’s economy.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Colorado to celebrate the immense contributions of The Centennial State’s sportsmen and women to fish and wildlife conservation. In 2023, Colorado’s sportsmen and women generated millions through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Colorado’s hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the more than $13.8 billion spent on outdoor activities in Colorado last year.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Connecticut to celebrate the immense contributions of The Constitution State’s sportsmen and women to fish and wildlife conservation. Connecticut’s 200,291 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3.9 billion spent on outdoor activities in 2023.

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia to celebrate the immense contributions of The Peach State’s hunters and anglers to fish and wildlife conservation. More than 1.9 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through additional spending, contributing to the $15.7  billion spent on outdoor activities in the state last year. Hunting and angling remain an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state and over recent years, have offered a growing number of participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level while simultaneously providing food security, a sense of self-sufficiency, and both mental and physical health benefits.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, M.D. signed a proclamation observing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Hawaii. Hunting and fishing continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state. To this day, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is funded, in part, by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding and in 2023 alone, Hawaii’s sportsmen and women generated $10.5 million through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of Idaho’s sportsmen and women. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is funded largely by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding – a “user pays —public benefits” approach widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world. In 2023, Idaho’s sportsmen and women generated more than $89.4 million through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 848,808 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3.4 billion spent on outdoor activities in Idaho last year.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of Indiana’s sportsmen and women. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is funded largely by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding – a “user pays — public benefits” approach widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world. In 2023, Indiana’s sportsmen and women generated over $26.7 million through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Department of Natural Resources.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Iowa which has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Iowa’s sportsmen and women generated more than $52M through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 573,363 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $4.5 billion spent on outdoor activities in Iowa last year.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the Sunflower State. Hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state. Last year alone, Kansas’ hunters and anglers generated $56.8 million to support the conservation efforts of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. 567,118 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3.8 billion spent on outdoor activities in Kansas last year.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Kentucky to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation in the Bluegrass State. Last year alone, Kentucky’s sportsmen and women generated more than $61 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.  873,021 hunters and anglers contributed to the $5.1 billion spent on outdoor activities in Kentucky last year.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Louisiana. To this day, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is funded primarily by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year alone, Louisiana’s 1.1 million hunters and anglers generated $50.5 million through this System to support conservation efforts in the state.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Maine. Maine has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and fishing that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Maine’s 594,993 hunters and anglers supported the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3.3 billion spent on outdoor activities.  In addition, Maine’s sportsmen and women generated more than $42 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the efforts of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Maryland. Maryland’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat, and through their license fees helped fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources. Last year alone, Maryland’s 414,990 hunters and anglers generated $28.3 million through this System to support conservation efforts in the state.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day and urged all citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. To this day, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is funded, in part, by sportsmen and women, through the American System of Conservation Funding. In 2023, Massachusetts’ sportsmen and women generated more than $24 million to support the Department’s conservation efforts. More than 330,000 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending more than $600 million while engaged in their pursuits.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Michigan. Michigan has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and fishing that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Michigan’s hunters and anglers generated more than $65 million to support the conservation efforts of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. More than 1.4 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $12.3 million spent on outdoor activities in Michigan last year.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota’s 11 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy and contribute to the $11 billion outdoor recreation economy and its 94,000 associated jobs.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Mississippi. To this day, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is funded, in part, by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year alone, Mississippi’s sportsmen and women generated $39 million through this System to support the conservation efforts of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The state’s more than 594,000 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3 billion spent on outdoor activities in Mississippi last year.

Missouri Gov. Michael Parson* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Missouri. Missouri has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and fishing that dates back further than the state itself. Last year alone, Missouri’s 1.3 million hunters and anglers generated $76.4 million to support the conservation efforts of the Missouri Department of Conservation and supported the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $8.8 billion spent on outdoor activities in Missouri.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Montana’s 697,251 hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Montana’s sportsmen and women generated more than $120.8 million through the American System of Conservation Funding which supports the conservation efforts of the Montana’s Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Nevada’s 270,526 hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Nevada’s sportsmen and women generated more than $37.5 million through the American System of Conservation Funding which supports the conservation efforts of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

New Hampshire Gov. Christopher Sununu* who serves as co-chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as New Hampshire Hunting and Fishing Day. Among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, New Hampshire’s sportsmen and women generated in $22.2 million, last year alone, through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Department. Additionally, the state’s 240,727 hunters and anglers supported the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $3.3 billion spent on outdoor activities in the Granite State.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2028 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens. North Carolina’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission which is largely funded through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year, North Carolina’s sportsmen and women generated $81.5 million through this funding system to support the conservation efforts of the state.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of North Dakota. To this day, North Dakota Game and Fish is funded in part by hunters and anglers through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year, North Dakota’s 357,154 hunters and anglers generated $34.9 million to support the conservation efforts of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Hunting and angling are an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state and offer participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine* and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Ohio’s 1.2 million hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Ohio’s sportsmen and women generated $72 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Oklahoma.  To this day, 100% of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s budget is provided by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding.  Last year alone, Oklahoma’s 1.3 million sportsmen and women generated $58.6 million through this system while contributing to the state’s $4.3 billion spent on outdoor activities through their spending.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Oregon’s 1 million hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Oregon’s sportsmen and women provide over half of the biennial budget of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in support of its mission to sustain Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of Pennsylvania’s sportsmen and women and to recognize the many and varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. To this day, the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission are funded primarily by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding. Pennsylvania’s more than 2.1 million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $13 billion spent on outdoor activities.

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed a proclamation observing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day to celebrate the many contributions of the state’s sportsmen and women. Rhode Island’s 104,802 hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $1.6 billion spent on outdoor activities in the state.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the state and encouraged all South Carolinians to recognize the many and varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. Last year alone, South Carolina’s sportsmen and women generated more than $35 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The more than 792,000 hunters and anglers in the state contributed to the $7.6 billion spent on outdoor activities in South Carolina last year.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in South Dakota to celebrate the state’s sportsmen and women and their contributions to conservation. South Dakota’s more than 464,000 hunters and anglers generated over $53 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the state’s conservation efforts to ensure future generations may enjoy the same resources enjoyed today.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Tennessee and encouraged all citizens to participate in celebrating the many and varied social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. In 2023, Tennessee’s sportsmen and women generated more than $125.5 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additionally, more than 1.8 million of the state’s hunters and anglers support the state’s economy through their spending, contributing to the $11.9 billion spent on outdoor activities in Tennessee.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Texas. These time-honored pursuits afford unparalleled opportunities to commune with nature, to connect with loved ones. and to escape the worries of modern life. For generations, untold millions of Texans have made happy memories reeling in fish, sitting watchfully in a deer blind, or pursuing wild game. The men and women who take part in this proud heritage generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue, which ripples throughout our economy and supports thousands of quality jobs. Additionally, hunting and fishing produce a sustainable source of food, and our hunters and fishers continually set an example of generosity by donating meat to those in need.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Vermont to celebrate and recognize the state’s hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation. Vermont’s 157,681 hunters and anglers generated $18.3 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the state’s conservation efforts to ensure future generations may enjoy the same resources enjoyed today.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia to celebrate the hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation, and to society. Virginia’s sportsmen and women strengthen the Commonwealth’s wildlife conservation and outdoor experience opportunities and ensure future generations have the benefit of outdoor recreation. Last year, the state’s sportsmen and women generated $73 million to directly support the conservation efforts of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the 807,964 hunters and anglers contributed to the $11.3 million spent on outdoor activities.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Washington to celebrate the state’s sportsmen and women who were the original conservationists to support the establishment of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle and motorboat fuels, sportsmen and women help fund the Department’s efforts through the American System of Conservation Funding.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice* signed a proclamation recognizing September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the Mountain State. Home to 584,281 hunters and anglers, West Virginia’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat. Last year alone, West Virginia’s sportsmen and women generated more than $30.5 million through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays — public benefits” program that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 28, 2024 as National Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the state of Wisconsin in honor of the many social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits our time-honored traditions bring to the Badger State. Through license fees and self-imposed taxes on firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels, Wisconsin’s hunters and anglers help fund the efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) generating millions of dollars for the agency’s conservation efforts each year.