National Hunting and Fishing Day – September 24, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Hunting and Fishing Day, held the fourth Saturday of each September, celebrates the outdoor activities of hunting and fishing while emphasizing conservation. It was first established by President Nixon in 1972 and is marked by outdoor events held throughout the country. Its roots go back more than 100 years to President Theodore Roosevelt, who introduced the first laws regulating the hunting of wildlife in the U.S.
History of National Hunting and Fishing Day
National Hunting and Fishing Day (also called NHF), is celebrated to bring sportspeople together and enjoy their rich tradition of hunting, fishing and target shooting. This day was launched in 1971 by the United States Congress and has continued to be recognized each year.
In 1972, US President Richard Nixon signed the inaugural proclamation for hunting and fishing day. His words included encouragement for all people to join with sportsmen and women to be wise and effective in their use and management of the earth’s natural resources.
Since that time, the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri has gotten involved as the host and the official home of the day.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is always observed on a Saturday so that most people can have the day off to enjoy their adventures in fishing and hunting. And this is the perfect time to get started on the festivities and celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day!
NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY TIMELINE
1880s
Join the club
Clubs such as the League of American Sportsmen and the Audubon Society were established to promote conservation.
1937
Raise my taxes?
Congress passed the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (P-R Act), which taxed some hunting equipment to provide revenue for wildlife restoration projects.
2000
Congressional action
Congress passed the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). The bill allocated $50 million a year from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service budget to the states, requiring each one to have a plan for wildlife conservation
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4 TRENDS THAT PROVE HUNTING’S POPULARITY
38 million
More than 38 million Americans regularly hunt and fish.
Get the gear
Only sales of exercise equipment and golf gear top sales of gear used for hunting and fishing.
Teenage girls
Teenage girls are the fastest growing demographic of sport shooters.
A billion
Americans buy more than a billion shotshells annually.
How to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
Naturally, National Hunting and Fishing Day can be celebrated with a wide variety of outdoor activities that bring the joy and care of nature to the forefront. Try out some of these ideas:
Join an NHF Event
Look around community postings to see what kind of events might be held locally in honor of NHF day. In addition, it’s easy to check out the National Hunting and Fishing Day website to get information on various places where events are being held in honor of the day.
One of the largest celebrations for this day can be found at the New York State’s Sportsman’s Day, which is a two day event that is open to everyone. This hunting and fishing event offers the opportunity for those who might be newer or novices at outdoor activities to try them out, learn more about them and see how much fun they can be!
Visit the Wildlife Museum
One great way to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day is to visit its official home which is located in the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium that is located in Springfield, Missouri. This museum has been voted America’s Best Aquarium for several years, an honor chosen by USA Today.
The biggest and most immersive attraction for fish and wildlife, this destination allows kids and adults alike to visit and enjoy all sorts of wonders of the earth with wildlife galleries and all sorts of creatures from under the sea. Families who live nearby can enjoy signing up for an annual membership with special discounts.
Founded by conservationists and located next to the national headquarters for Bass Pro Shop, this campus is quite the experience for those interested in celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day.
