America’s Hunters Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
The nation’s hunters and anglers celebrated Saturday Sept. 28, the day set aside to recognize their contribution to America’s conservation and wildlife management.
The day of recognition was made official in 1972 when both houses of Congress unanimously passed legislation designating the fourth Saturday of every September as National Hunting and Fishing Day.
“I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in ensuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations,” President Nixon said when he signed the bill.
Long recognized as true conservationists, sportsmen led by President Theodore Roosevelt “called for the first laws restricting the commercial slaughter of wildlife. They urged sustainable use of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies.
“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,” said nhfday.org – the official website for National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Through various excise taxes, such as the Pittman-Robertson fund, sportsmen and women have contributed millions of dollars to the conservation of America’s wildlife.
It is ironic that the true conservationist – the hunter – is under increasingly violent threats and attacks by eco-imperialists who oppose hunting and yet stand by idly when it comes to funding conservation programs.
SCI stands for #hunterpride and supports the recognition that National Hunting and Fishing Day gives to America’s true conservationist – the hunter.
