National Hunting and Fishing Day, held the fourth Saturday of each September, celebrates the outdoor activities of hunting and fishing while emphasizing conservation. It was first established by President Nixon in 1972 and is marked by outdoor events held throughout the country. Its roots go back more than 100 years to President Theodore Roosevelt, who introduced the first laws regulating the hunting of wildlife in the U.S.
National Hunting and Fishing Day timeline
- 2000
Congressional action
Congress passed the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). The bill allocated $50 million a year from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service budget to the states, requiring each one to have a plan for wildlife conservation.
- 1937
Raise my taxes?
Congress passed the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (P-R Act), which taxed some hunting equipment to provide revenue for wildlife restoration projects.
- 1880s
Join the club
Clubs such as the League of American Sportsmen and the Audubon Society were established to promote conservation.
National Hunting and Fishing Day Activities
Hit the road
Load up the car or truck with your gear and enjoy the great outdoors. Take a trip to a local lake or hunting spot to breathe in the air and check out the wonders of nature.
Take a class
Research local opportunities to up your hunting or fishing game by taking a class. Curious about fly-fishing? There's a class for that.
Join in conservation efforts
Join your local Ducks Unlimited chapter or another organization that promotes conservation efforts. They often host events and fundraisers that allow you to get involved and contribute to conservation causes.
4 Trends That Prove Hunting's Popularity
38 million
More than 38 million Americans regularly hunt and fish.
Get the gear
Only sales of exercise equipment and golf gear top sales of gear used for hunting and fishing.
Teenage girls
Teenage girls are the fastest growing demographic of sport shooters.
A billion
Americans buy more than a billion shotshells annually.
Why We Love National Hunting and Fishing Day
It's good for conservation
Controlled hunting and fishing is good for conservation, reducing overpopulation of certain species and improving conditions for wildlife. Many hunting and fishing associations are focused on conservation efforts.
It's healthy
Outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing are good exercise. Some may be more strenuous than others, but they involve physical activity that can improve your health.
It's a bonding activity
Hunting and fishing brings people together, whether friends or family. Both endeavors have traditionally presented opportunities for groups to gather.