NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

09/28/2019EVERYWHERE, US

NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains one of the most effective grassroots efforts ever undertaken to promote the outdoor sports and conservation.  National, state and local organizations host hunting- and fishing-related public events in various locations — from shooting ranges and wildlife refuges to fish hatcheries and suburban frog ponds. These events help nurture understanding and appreciation of conservation among diverse segments of our communities.

History

In the 1960s, hunters and anglers embraced the era’s heightened environmental awareness but were discouraged that many people didn’t understand the crucial role that sportsmen had played-and continue to play-in the conservation movement.

The first to suggest an official day of thanks to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe’s Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pa. In 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe’s idea and created “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” in the state.

With determined prompting from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the concept soon emerged on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre, N.H., introduced Joint Resolution 117 authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September. Rep. Bob Sikes, Fla., introduced an identical measure in the House. In early 1972, Congress unanimously passed both bills.

On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”