Encourages all Americans to enjoy the outdoors on September 23
GAITHERSBURG, MD — The Izaak Walton League will co-sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) again this year. NHF Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich traditions of fishing and hunting with national, regional, state, and local organizations hosting fishing- and hunting-related events.
In 1922, a group of 54 sportsmen came together to protect America’s waters from pollution and safeguard wildlife and wild places. They formed the Izaak Walton League of America, which has played a role in most of our nation’s conservation achievements. Today, the League has more than 43,000 members and 230 community-based chapters across the country working to conserve outdoor America for future generations.
“The Izaak Walton League is proud to co-sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said Scott Kovarovics, executive director of the Izaak Walton League of America. “Many of the League’s 230 chapters will host NHF Day events to introduce youth and families to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. These events help Americans understand the essential role hunters and anglers play in supporting – and funding – conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities nationwide. ”
Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since the event’s launch in 1971, the fourth Saturday in September has been set aside as NHF Day. This year’s NHF Day is set for September 23, with NASCAR legend Richard Childress serving as honorary chairman.
New this year is the National Hunting and Fishing Day Challenge. Honorary Chairman Childress is challenging hunters, anglers, and recreational shooters to introduce someone to the outdoors before NHF Day. Participants who sign up and take the pledge 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. To take the pledge, visit NHFDay.org.
“For nearly 100 years, the Izaak Walton League has fought to conserve the outdoors and educate the youth on the joys of being outdoors,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “The group is dedicated to the sustainable use of our natural resources and fully understands that introducing people to the joys of the outdoors is one of the keys to protecting the future of our outdoor heritage. We are pleased to have them with us again.”
NHF Day’s official home is at the Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri. NHF Day is one of the most effective grassroots campaigns to promote hunting, fishing, and conservation of wildlife and habitat. Each year, tens of thousands of people participate in NHF Day events across the country to commemorate the conservation movement founded by hunters and anglers.
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Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of America (www.iwla.org) protects America's outdoors through education, community-based conservation, and promoting outdoor recreation.