On Saturday, September 23, sportsmen and women across the United States gathered to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD), a day dedicated to recognizing their unique contributions to conservation, the nation’s economy, and our American way of life. Established by Congress in 1971 and first celebrated a year later, NHFD occurs on the fourth Saturday of September and aims to bring awareness to and encourage participation in hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and trapping.
Conservation, Economic, and Cultural Contributions of America’s 55 Million Sportsmen and Women Recognized by President Biden and 38 Governors
Recognition from Distinguished Partners
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) collaborated with the Executive Office of the President and Governors from across the country to highlight the vital role of America’s sportsmen and women as the nation’s true conservationists. This effort included the involvement of the 27 members of the nonpartisan Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC). As a result of these combined efforts, 38 states, including Colorado, issued gubernatorial proclamations complementing the President’s own proclamation.
The President’s statement acknowledged that “Hunting and fishing are part of who we are as Americans — central to our history, heritage, and prosperity and ingrained in the soul of our Nation.”
85 Years of Conservation Support
For over 85 years, sportsmen and women have played a pivotal role in funding conservation efforts in the United States through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). This unique “user pays – public benefits” program involves self-imposed fees and manufacturer-level excise taxes. The ASCF serves as the primary funding mechanism for state fish and wildlife agencies, enabling them to carry out critical work in fish and wildlife management, habitat restoration, hunter education, and projects that enhance access for hunters and anglers. National Hunting & Fishing Day serves not only to increase awareness and participation in outdoor pursuits but also to celebrate the significant contributions made by America’s original conservationists – sportsmen and women.
A Testimony to Traditions and Values
CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, “As the backbone of conservation, America’s 55 million sportsmen and women are more than deserving of the recognition that comes with National Hunting and Fishing Day. Each proclamation is a testament to the sanctity of our time-honored traditions and the immense conservation, economic, and cultural value sportsmen and women provide for our society.”
Promoting Traditions and Benefits
National Hunting and Fishing Day remains the most prominent occasion for promoting America’s hunting and angling traditions and the economic, conservation, and cultural benefits that sportsmen and women provide.
For more information on National Hunting and Fishing Day, please visit the official website at www.NHFDay.org. Please visit the National Hunting and Fishing Day – Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation page to view the list of proclamations issued this year. Join us in celebrating our rich outdoor heritage and the tireless efforts of those who contribute to conservation on this special day.
Founded in 1989, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is the informed authority across outdoor issues and serves as the primary conduit for influencing public policy. Working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC), and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), CSF gives a voice to hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers on Capitol hill and throughout state capitols advocating on vital outdoor issues that are the backbone of our nation’s conservation legacy. For more information on CSF’s policy work, visit www.congressionalsportsmen.org.
