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 fellow sportsman President
Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists 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. 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 species began to recover from
decades of unregulated exploitation.
During the next half-century, in
addition to the funds they contributed for conservation and their diligent watch
over the returning health of America's outdoors, sportsmen 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 in the
conservation movement.
The first to suggest an official day of
thanks to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pa.
In 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe's idea and created
"Outdoor Sportsman's Day" in the state.
With determined prompting from the
National Shooting Sports Foundation, the concept soon emerged on the floor of
the U.S. Senate. In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre, N.H., introduced Joint
Resolution 117 authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth
Saturday of every September. Rep. Bob Sikes, Fla., introduced an identical
measure in the House. In early 1972, Congress unanimously passed both bills.
On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed
the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, "I urge all
citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources
and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations."
By late summer, all 50 governors and
over 600 mayors had joined in by proclaiming state and local versions of
National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The response was dramatic.
National, regional, state and local
organizations staged some 3,000 "open house" hunting- and fishing-related events
everywhere from shooting ranges to suburban frog ponds, providing an estimated
four million Americans with a chance to experience, understand and appreciate
traditional outdoor sports.
Over the years, National Hunting and
Fishing Day boasted many more public relations successes, assisted by
celebrities who volunteered to help spotlight the conservation accomplishments
of sportsmen and women. Honorary chairs have included George Bush, Tom Seaver,
Hank Williams Jr., Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, George Brett, Robert Urich,
Ward Burton, Louise Mandrell, Travis Tritt and many other sports and
entertainment figures.
National Hunting and Fishing Day,
celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most effective
grassroots effort ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.
Reference: www.nhfday.org