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It may be seven months away, but the 2016 National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) is already gaining momentum. Since 1972, the fourth Saturday in September has been set aside to celebrate the ways in which sportsmen and women support conservation. It's also a wonderful way to remind yourself that the best time you can spend in the outdoors is hunting and fishing with your family. This year, NRA is proud to announce that it will continue its sponsoring NHF Day, along with the National Shooting and Sports Foundation, Smith and Wesson, Bass Pro Shops, Yamaha, Keep America Fishing, Realtree, GunBroker, Wonders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Izaak Walton League of America and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.
"As the number one organization for hunters in the United States, the NRA helps to educate and prepare future generations to enjoy and responsibly use our natural resources," said Kyle Weaver, Executive Director of NRA General Operations. "The NRA couldn't be more proud to partner with National Hunting and Fishing Day in their mission to celebrate the outdoor lifestyle and traditions that are enjoyed by millions of Americans, while highlighting the fact that sportsmen and women are essential to conservation and wildlife management efforts."
This 44-year-old celebration of conservation has an interesting history. It started humbly, with the owner of a local gun shop in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop, came up with the idea of an official day of thanks to sportsman. By 1970, then Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted the idea, calling it "Outdoor Sportsman's Day." Soon, the National Shooting Sports Foundation took it nationwide, and by May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Wrote Nixon, "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."
NRA's support for NHF Day is perfectly in character. Your NRA already helps preserve and promote America's rich hunting heritage at the federal, state and local levels by supporting Right to Hunt and Fish state constitutional amendments, policies assuring no net loss of public land open to hunting, mentoring programs for new hunters, hunter safety training programs, range development programs, the use of firearm sound suppressors and the repeal of laws that prohibit hunting on Sunday.
"The NRA goes above and beyond to promote conservation," said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. "It means a lot that the NRA is willing to support NHF Day. Without sponsors like them, it would be impossible to get the word out."
This year NHF Day falls on Sept. 24. How do you plan to celebrate? For ideas and news about NHF Day activities near you, keep an eye on this space!
In the meantime, visit https://www.facebook.com/nhfday for a wide variety of information including a comprehensive overview of NHF Day, sponsor information and event planning details.
"As the number one organization for hunters in the United States, the NRA helps to educate and prepare future generations to enjoy and responsibly use our natural resources," said Kyle Weaver, Executive Director of NRA General Operations. "The NRA couldn't be more proud to partner with National Hunting and Fishing Day in their mission to celebrate the outdoor lifestyle and traditions that are enjoyed by millions of Americans, while highlighting the fact that sportsmen and women are essential to conservation and wildlife management efforts."
This 44-year-old celebration of conservation has an interesting history. It started humbly, with the owner of a local gun shop in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop, came up with the idea of an official day of thanks to sportsman. By 1970, then Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted the idea, calling it "Outdoor Sportsman's Day." Soon, the National Shooting Sports Foundation took it nationwide, and by May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Wrote Nixon, "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."
NRA's support for NHF Day is perfectly in character. Your NRA already helps preserve and promote America's rich hunting heritage at the federal, state and local levels by supporting Right to Hunt and Fish state constitutional amendments, policies assuring no net loss of public land open to hunting, mentoring programs for new hunters, hunter safety training programs, range development programs, the use of firearm sound suppressors and the repeal of laws that prohibit hunting on Sunday.
"The NRA goes above and beyond to promote conservation," said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. "It means a lot that the NRA is willing to support NHF Day. Without sponsors like them, it would be impossible to get the word out."
This year NHF Day falls on Sept. 24. How do you plan to celebrate? For ideas and news about NHF Day activities near you, keep an eye on this space!
In the meantime, visit https://www.facebook.com/nhfday for a wide variety of information including a comprehensive overview of NHF Day, sponsor information and event planning details.
