National Hunting and Fishing Day

Today we learned via The Congressional Sportsman's Foundation that National Hunting and Fishing day is celebrated and honored through out our great country.

"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 25, 2021 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.
 

*Member of the Governor's Sportsmen's Caucus

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25 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 generate millions through the American System of Conservation Funding and support the state's economy through spending more than $2.5 billion while engaged in their pursuits. This spending supports more than 30,000 jobs in Alabama and generates more than $150 million in state and local taxes.



Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy* signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 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. Douglas Ducey* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Arizona. Upon realizing that license fees alone were insufficient to restore and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations, sportsmen and women supported self-imposed taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels to raise additional conservation funds. Arizona's 786,000 hunters and anglers contribute 69% of the funding for Arizona's Fish and Game Department and last year alone, generated nearly $55 million through the American System of Conservation Funding. This spending supports over 18,000 jobs in Arizona and generates approximately $132 million in state and local taxes. 

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson* signed a proclamation recognizing September 19 through September 25, 2021 as Arkansas Hunting and Fishing Week and September 25, 2021 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 25, 2021 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 2020, Colorado's sportsmen and women generated over $133 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Colorado's more than 1.2 million hunters and anglers contribute more than $3.2 billion in economic output per year statewide while engaged in their pursuits, which supports over 25,051 jobs and generates $187 million in state and local taxes. 


Delaware Gov. John C. Carney* and Lt. Gov. Bethany A. Hall-Long signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as National 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 25, 2021 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida. Since 2019, Florida has invested over $2 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 sportsmen and women generated almost $74 million of conservation funding to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the state's 3.8 million hunters and anglers spent nearly $10 billion on their outdoor pursuits.



Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp* signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 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 1,000,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through additional spending that exceeds $2.3 billion while engaged in their pursuits. This spending supports nearly 40,000 jobs in Georgia and generates $216 million in state and local taxes. Hunting and angling remains an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state and over the past year, has 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. David Y. Ige signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Hawaii to celebrate the many varied benefits of our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. Hawaii's sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildlife to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitat. In 2018, over $8 million in federal funding was made available to Hawaii for wildlife and sport fish resotration programs, and to support the conservation efforts of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is home to more than 700,000 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 $45 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 25, 2021 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 sportsmen and women generated $44.85 million through this System to support conservation efforts in the state. 904,000 hunters and anglers support Louisiana's economy through spending more than $1.67 billion while engaged in their pursuits which supports over 23,345 jobs and generates $165 million in state and local taxes. 


Massachusetts Gov. Charles D. Baker signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 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 2020, Massachusetts' sportsmen and women generated more than $17 million to support the Department's conservation efforts. More than 540,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending more than $600 million while engaged in their pursuits.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 as Mississippi Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the Magnolia State's 782,000 hunters and anglers and the significant contributions their pursuits bring to conservation efforts in the state. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is funded in large part by the American System of Conservation Funding, and in 2020, Mississippi's sportsmen and women generated nearly $32 million through this program which will benefit the state's ability to restore and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. 



Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Minnesota. Last year, Minnesota's 2,075,584 licensed hunters and anglers generated nearly $95 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.
 

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 as New Hampshire Hunting & Fishing Day. New Hampshire's sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitat. In 2020, more than 245,000 hunters and anglers in the Granite State spent over $270 million on their sport and generated $17.85 million through the American System of Conservation Funding that will help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 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 $40 million to support Game and Fish conservation efforts and support the state's economy through their spending of more than $579 million on their outdoor pursuits.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 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 388,205 hunters and anglers generated over $30.5 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 25, 2021 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in celebration of the immense contributions of Ohio's 1.56 million hunters and anglers. In addition, the 134th General Assembly of Ohio issued Senate Resolution 178 and House Resolution 116 recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Ohio and urged all citizens to take part in appropriate activities. Through the participation in their outdoor pursuits, Ohio's sportsmen and women spend more than $2.75 billion which supports more than 46,000 jobs in Ohio and generates $301 million in state and local taxes.



Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 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. This year, hundreds of thousands of hunters and anglers in the Sooner State generated more than $49 million to support the conservation efforts of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle, and motorboat fuels.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as 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 940,000 hunters and anglers helps to support the conservation efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In 2020, they generated over $76 million in revenue to fund state efforts to protect healthy and sustainable natural resources.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf* signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 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 1.4 million hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending more than $1.5 billion while engaged in their pursuits.

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed a proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Rhode Island. In 2020, Rhode Island's sportsmen and women generated nearly $9 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Department of Environmental Management. In addition, the state's 179,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy by spending more than $154 million annually while engaged in their pursuits, which results in over 2,347 jobs and generates $18 million in state and local taxes.


 

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 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 $30 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The 709,000 hunters and anglers in the state spend more than $1.5 billion on their outdoor pursuits, supporting over 40,000 jobs and generating $124 million in state and local taxes.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem* who serves as vice-chair of the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in South Dakota to celebrate the state's sportsmen and women and their contributions to conservation, which through Governor Noem's Second Century Initiative will ensure the second century of hunting in South Dakota is just as successful as the first. South Dakota's 444,000 hunters and anglers generated over $42 million 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 25, 2021 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 2020, Tennessee's sportsmen and women generated more than $70 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additionally, 994,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending more than $1.8 billion while engaged in their pursuits. This spending supports over 26,389 jobs in Tennessee and generates $167 million in state and local taxes.
 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott* signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Texas and encouraged all Texans to learn more about and participate in the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling, and to recognize the vast ecological, cultural, and economic benefits they provide. For many Texans, participation in activities like hunting and fishing is deeply rewarding and they provide rich opportunities to deepen human relationships, reconnect with the environment, and create thousands of jobs and revenue for the Lone Star State. Texas's millions of sportsmen and women have generated nearly $160 million to support the conservation efforts of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and have boosted the state's economy by purchasing and equipping themselves with the necessary tools to enjoy their pursuits.
 

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a proclamation distinguishing September 25, 2021 as National Hunting and Fishing Day recognizing Utah's sportsmen and women and their contributions to the state's large outdoor economy. Furthermore, Gov. Cox acknowledged Utah's rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling and how these activities provide food security, a sense of self-sufficiency, and both mental and physical benefits to Utahns across the state. 

Vermont Gov. Phillip B. Scott signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Vermont to celebrate the state's sportsmen and women and their immense contributions to conservation. Hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is primarily funded by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding and last year alone, they generated $14.76 million through this System to support the conservation efforts of the Department. The Green Mountain State's 254,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending more than $442 million while engaged in their pursuits. 

Virginia Gov. Ralph S. Northam signed a proclamation recognizing September 25, 2021 as National 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. Last year alone, Virginia's sportsmen and women generated more than $62.61 million through the American System of Conservation Funding - a "user pays -- public benefits" approach - to support the conservation efforts of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice* signed a proclamation recognizing September 10-12, 2021 as National Hunting and Fishing Days. Home to 447,00 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 nearly $24 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 25, 2021 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 more than one million hunters and anglers help fund the efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), whereas, last year alone, they generated over $100 million to support the DNR's conservation efforts. 

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon* signed a proclamation recognizing Saturday, September 25, 2021 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 390,000 hunters and anglers support the state's economy through spending more than $778 million while engaged in their pursuits. In 2020, Wyoming sportsmen and women generated nearly $50 million through the American System of Conservation Funding to support the conservation efforts of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. "