Annual celebration of outdoor sports set for September 22, 2018
The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) continued its longtime support for National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) by returning as a sponsor for 2018. NHF Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich tradition of fishing and hunting, with national, regional, state, and local organizations hosting fishing- and hunting-related events.
“Our partnerships with fellow conservation groups are critical to our mission of recruiting new hunters and anglers,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “The Izaak Walton League of America and its members understand the value of introducing people to the outdoors and work all year to support the sustainable use of natural resources, clean water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat, and access to public lands. We welcome their support for this year’s NHF Day 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, a nonprofit organization that has played a role in most of our nation’s major conservation achievements. Today, the League has more than 41,000 members and 220 community-based chapters across the country working to conserve outdoor America for future generations.
“The Izaak Walton League is proud to support National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said IWLA executive director Scott Kovarovics. “League chapters across the country 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 its launch in 1971, the fourth Saturday in September has been set aside as NHF Day to celebrate and share the rich traditions of fishing and hunting. This year’s NHF Day is set for September 22, with retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. serving as honorary chairman.
NHF Day’s official home is at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, which shares the goal of strengthening the image of hunting, shooting sports, and fishing. NHF Day is one of the most effective grassroots campaigns to promote hunters, anglers, and the conservation of wildlife and habitat. Each year, thousands of people participate in NHF Day events across the country to celebrate fishing and hunting and the conservation role of these outdoor sports.