National hunting, fishing day concept began 45 years ago

Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke took a dip in the shark tank at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield as the new attraction opened. Zinke is a former navy Seal.

Ken White

In 1972, members of several thousand clubs along with 40 major national organizations supported the concept of a National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was celebrated on Sept. 23 of that year.

Today, Hunting and Fishing Day is a vital part of the American sporting tradition. On Sept. 23, the nation’s more than 40 million sportsmen and women will be introducing non-hunting and fishing public to the enjoyment of our outdoor traditions as the 45th anniversary of Hunting and Fishing Day continues.

While many things have changed over the past 45 years, hunting and fishing continues to be an “all-star” family activity. Not only can these sports be enjoyed by all members of the family, but they also help create a better understanding of nature and reinforce the value of natural resources conservation.

The concept of a special day to honor the contributions of sportsmen and women to conservation and recreation originated with the owner of a gun shop in Pennsylvania. His idea was adopted by the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s clubs and other organizations. A year later, the Governor of the state proclaimed Sept. 26 as Pennsylvania’s Sportsmen’s Day. In 1971 a New Hampshire senator decided that hunters and anglers were long overdue for a special day of recognition. He urged the president of the United States to declare the fourth Saturday of each September as National Hunting and Fishing Day. On May 2, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the proclamation that made National Hunting and Fishing Day official.

By this time, national, regional and local organizations of hunters, anglers and conservationists had publicized the day and won national support for the concept. That September, all 50 state governors had proclaimed state hunting and fishing days, followed by more than 600 city and town proclamations.

For well over a century, sportsmen and women have led the fight to conserve our national resources, clean water and air, wildlife and its habitat. Because of their foresight, hunting and fishing are enjoyed by more than 40 million Americans each year.

Objectives of NHF Day are to provide newcomers with an introduction to hunting, fishing, target shooting and conservation, which encourages continued participation by existing sportsmen and women to increase public knowledge of the important role all sportsmen play in conservation and to use the mass media to increase visibility of positive aspects of these sports to counter negative portrayals.

Whether your family has spent many seasons in the out-of-doors or just getting started, there will be plenty of informative and fun NHF Day activities for you to experience together today. You might try a “hands-on” project such as building a duck nesting box for a nearby pond or take the youngsters out for a “first day afield” or pay for an educational visit to a local event. Whichever you choose, you will spend quality time together while building a bright future for our outdoor sports and wildlife.

NHF Day reminds the public of how hunters and anglers pay for conservation. Hunting and fishing permit sales total around $1 billion annually, which supplies more than half the income of the state conservation agencies and is used for wildlife management, education and safety programs. Excise taxes on sporting equipment provide another $500 million that fund thousands of projects across the country. Duck stamps purchased by waterfowl hunters add millions of dollars in annual funding to purchase wetland habitat.

All told, hunters and anglers annually provide more than 75 percent of the average funding for state conservation agencies and some $9 for each single taxpayer dollar invested in wildlife.

Virtually every species of wildlife, from songbirds and chipmunks to bald eagles to whooping cranes benefit from programs supported and financed by hunters and anglers.

The largest, most immersive wildlife attraction in the world opened in Springfield, Mo., Friday. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a living museum committed to celebrating the rich history of hunting and fishing in America, and the vital role sportsmen and women have played and continue to play in conservation. More than 40 leading national conservation partners including Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Wild Sheep Federation and others have contributed to this museum.

Outdoor enthusiasts may explore the amazing array of game fish on display in the aquarium and celebrate the history of angling greats in the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. The story of conservation is told through exhibits like the Boone and Crockett’s National Collection of Heads and Horns in addition to other collections of wildlife mounts.

Partnership with more than 40 leading conservation organizations helps tell the story of conservation from the native Americans to Lewis and Clark and modern-day wildlife management. Countless artifacts make it real including Hemingway’s boat and some personal possessions from our conservation president Teddy Roosevelt to name a few.

The massive 359,000 square feet building has 1.4 miles of immersive trails, interactive surprises and creative exhibits including 1.5 million gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums. There are 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds that represent more than 800 species from around the world.

There are wildlife galleries featuring 4D dioramas that transport guests to the wildest places on earth through sights, sounds, smells and climates. You will feel the chill of the Arctic, the cold winds of the Himalayas, the dry sun of the African Savannah and more.

The entire adventure of a trip to the Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, is full of special touches you will have to see it to believe it.