National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, target shooting and fishing with national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events. Launched in 1971 by Congress, NHF Day has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. NHF Day is observed and celebrated the fourth Saturday in September every year.
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation would like to thank President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. for recognizing America's sportsmen and women by proclaiming September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day across America. From the earliest of days of our Nation, hunting and fishing have instilled respect for our long-cherished natural resources and American ethic of conservation. Passed on through generations, these beloved pastimes bring families, friends, and neighbors together to bond in the spirit of sportsmanship, cultivate respect for our lands, waters, and wildlife, and provide peaceful sanctuary amid our Nation's natural wonders.
Hunting and fishing play a large role in funding conservation efforts that also fuel economic prosperity, with more than 50 million Americans hunting and fishing every year, creating over $200 billion in economic activity and supporting over 1.5 million jobs. The continuation of these time-honored traditions will ensure that our lands and waters receive the care and funding they need to stay accessible and magnificent for all Americans.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 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 $53 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 24, 2022 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.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson* signed a proclamation recognizing September 18 through September 24, 2022 as Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Week and September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day for the state of 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. Arkansas sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the creation of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and they represent a considerable portion of the $9.7 billion in outdoor recreation spending that greatly impacts the state’s economy.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as 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 2021, Colorado's sportsmen and women generated over $136 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Colorado's more than 1.4 million hunters and anglers contribute support the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the $9.5 billion spent on outdoor activites in Colorado last year.
Delaware Gov. John C. Carney* and Lt. Gov. Bethany A. Hall-Long signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Delaware in celebration of The First State's sportsmen and women who were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Funded in part by Delaware's hunters and anglers through the American System of Conservation Funding - a "user pays -- public benefits" approach, the mission of the DNREC is to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitats.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation observing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida. Since 2019, Florida has invested $3.3 billion for the protection of precious water resources which are critical for The Sunshine State's economy and way of life. Hunting and fishing continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state. Florida's 3.7 million hunters and anglers generated $82.8 million of conservation funding to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp* signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as 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 1.2 million hunters and anglers support the state's economy through additional spending that exceeds $2.8 billion while engaged in their pursuits. 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.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little* signed a proclamation recognizing September 15, 2022 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 2021, Idaho's sportsmen and women generated $86 million through this system to support the conservation efforts of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 786,434 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the more than $2.2 billion spent on outdoor activities in Idaho last year.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is home to more than 800,000 hunters and anglers who support the state's economy with nearly $3 billion of economic impact from their pursuits. This impact includes supporting more than 35,000 jobs in Kentucky and generating nearly $170 million in state and local taxes. Last year alone, Kentucky's sportsmen and women generated more than $48 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards* who serves as co-chair of the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 more than 920,000 hunters and anglers generated $43.22 million through this System to support conservation efforts in the state.
Massachusetts Gov. Charles D. Baker signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 2021, Massachusetts' sportsmen and women generated more than $18 million to support the Department's conservation efforts. More than 366,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the $7.6 billion spent on outdoor activities In Massachusetts last year.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 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 $95.8 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 $9.5 million spent on outdoor activities in Michigan last year.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Minnesota. Over 1.6 million hunters and anglers support the state's economy, spending over $8.4 million on outdoor activities and generate over $103 million to support the conservation efforts of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Through license fees and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels, hunters and anglers contribute significant funding to the Department's conservation efforts. Minnesota has a rich tradition of hunting and angling, and a bright future promoting these traditions to the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Missouri Gov. Michael Parson* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Conservation is funded through the American System of Conservation Funding. Last year, Missouri's 1.07 million hunters and anglers generated over $60 million to help support conservation efforts in the state.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte* signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Montana to celebrate the significance of hunters and anglers to conservation, the economy, and Montana's way of life. To this day 81% of the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park's budget is provided by sportsmen and women. Last year, the state's 411,555 hunters and anglers supported the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the $2.2 billion spent on outdoor activities.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as Hunting and Fishing Day throughout the state of New Mexico in celebration of the state's hunters and anglers who were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Department of Game and Fish. With a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling, New Mexico's sportsmen and women generated approximately $44 million to support the efforts of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and support the state's economy through their spending of more than $1 billion while engaged in their pursuits.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 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 $60.4 million through this funding system to support the conservation efforts of the state.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 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 246,885 hunters and anglers generated nearly $30 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 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Ohio's 1.15 million hunters and anglers. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Ohio's sportsmen and women spent more than $10.6 million which supports the conservation efforts of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Day. Oklahoma has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling and Oklahoma's sportsmen and women supported the establishment of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels, sportsmen and women fund the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's efforts through the American System of Conservation Funding.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Oregon. The Beaver State is known for its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife and brings thousands of people from the across the Nation to enjoy the outdoors for sport, play, and relaxation to enhance outdoor life and well-being. Active participation from the state's 830,000 hunters and anglers helps to support the conservation efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf* signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 1.8 million hunters and anglers support the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the $11.8 million spent on outdoor activities.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster* signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 $31 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The 767,000 hunters and anglers in the state contribute to the $5.74 billion spent on outdoor activities in South Carolina last year.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem* who serves as vice-chair of the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 285,000 hunters and anglers generated over $44 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 24, 2022 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 2021, Tennessee's sportsmen and women generated nearly $61 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additionally, more than 1.3 million of the state's hunters and anglers support the state's economy through their spending, contributing to the $7.2 billion spent on outdoor activities in Tennesee.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin* signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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 recrecreation. Last year, the state's sportsmen and women generated more than $63 million to directly support the conservation efforts of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation recognizing September 24, 2022 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. Last year, The Evergreen State's hunters and anglers generated over $86 million to support the conservation efforts of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice* signed a proclamation recognizing September 10-11, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Days in the Mountain State. Home to 449,00 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 $25 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 24, 2022 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.
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 24, 2022 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Wyoming, a day set aside in celebration of Wyoming's sportsmen and women. Hunting and angling are activities that are important to the sustainability of Wyoming's fish and wildlife whereas, the more than 400,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending contributing to the $1.25 billion spent on outdoor activities in Wyoming last year.
*The following states have signed proclamations; however, they are currently not available – MD, MS, NE, TX*
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