Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day! Safari Club International (SCI) joins sportsmen and women across the country in proudly celebrating our longstanding culture in the outdoors and our contributions to conservation. SCI and National Hunting and Fishing Day share a history of celebrating and defending the freedom to hunt for the last 49 years.
Although nationally we have recognized National Hunting and Fishing Day since 1972, several states have added it to their official lists this year. SCI congratulates Colorado, Nebraska, and Arkansas governors for signing proclamations officially recognizing September 25th in their states. Many other Governors have issued proclamations this past week recognizing the day as well, including the Governors of Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia. The North American Model of Conservation is the most successful method of species and habitat protection around the world, and these states have all contributed substantially to this framework.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ proclamation recognizes the state’s rich traditions in the outdoors, dating back further than the state itself. Colorado’s hunters and anglers were the state’s first conservationists and continue to be the leaders in conservation to this day. Across Colorado, 1,246,020 sportsmen and women contribute over $3.2 billion to the economy, with $133 million directly to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This generates $187 million in taxes and over 25,051 jobs across the state.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts also issued a proclamation recognizing Hunting and Fishing Day. In Nebraska, sportsmen and women spend around $1 billion towards the state economy, supporting around 12,000 jobs. Hunting and fishing are integral to Nebraska tourism, culture, and habitat sustainability.
Finally, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a proclamation last week while unveiling the State Duck Stamp Artwork. Sportsmen and women contribute $9.6 billion to Arkansas’ economy, support over 96,000 jobs, and are the state’s leaders in conservation. Governor Hutchinson stated, “Our hunters and anglers appreciate what nature has given to us and the blessings that God has given to the state of Arkansas with bountiful wildlife and beautiful outdoors. We enjoy that and want to make sure that the next generation enjoys that as well.”
In addition to the dollar amounts, hunting and fishing provides the priceless benefits of field-to-table food, time spent in beautiful landscapes, and a sense of duty to both protect and enjoy natural resources.
This year, be sure to get outside, buy a hunting license, and help your state! Additionally, take some time to refresh on key tenants of the hunting-conservation model: the North American Model of Conservation, the Pittman-Robertson Act, and Conservation vs. Preservation.
No matter where you hunt or what you hunt, SCI is First for Hunters and YOUR advocate. Help us defend the freedom to hunt by joining us and becoming a member today, and by joining us for our Celebration of 50 years in Las Vegas this January!
