National Hunting & Fishing Day is Saturday, September 23

Over 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were the earliest and most vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management. They were the first to recognize that rapid development and unregulated uses of wildlife were threatening the future of many species.

Led by President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first laws restricting the killing of wildlife for commercial purposes. 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.

These actions were the foundation of the North American wildlife conservation model, a science-based, user-pay system that would foster the most dramatic conservation successes of all time. Populations of white-tailed deer, elk, antelope, wild turkey, wood ducks and many other fish and wildlife species began to recover from decades of unregulated exploitation.

their diligent watch over the returning health of America’s outdoors, sportsmen and women worked countless hours to protect and improve millions of acres of vital habitat—lands and waters for the use and enjoyment of everyone.

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.

With the direction of Congress, on May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) is an annual celebration but this year features a new twist. Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day, is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting.

By pledging to introduce someone to the outdoors between now and NHF Day on Saturday, September 23, participants will be eligible to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s Conservation Capital from Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

Don’t delay, go to KeepAmericaFishing.org and sign the pledge!