September 23 Marks 35th Anniversary of National Hunting & Fishing Day

[vermonster13]

Conservation-minded citizens across the United States will celebrate the 35th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 23.

National Hunting and Fishing Day, formalized by Congress in 1971, was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate conservation successes of hunters and anglers. The day was first established by joint Congressional resolution and signed by the president in 1972 to be held on the fourth Saturday in September.

President George W. Bush explained the importance of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

"This year we will observe the 35th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and the celebration will be based at Wonders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri…The Museum is now working with the hunting and fishing industries, wildlife and conservation groups, shooting ranges, and rod and gun clubs around the country to promote the value of hunting and fishing in conservation, especially among our young people. I hope you will get involved in this worthy effort by taking part in one of the many family-oriented events that will occur nationwide," President Bush said

Repeating this year as honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day is country music star Tracy Byrd.

"It was an honor and a natural fit for me to be the 2005 honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day. When I was asked to chair again in 2006, I couldn't say 'yes' fast enough. And, since we have a new home at Wonders of Wildlife, we'll be able to bring even more recognition to our cause. This opens more doors and gives us another opportunity to help folks understand that without hunters and anglers, conservation couldn’t exist in our country," Byrd explained.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is headquartered at Wonders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Museum in Springfield, Missouri. Wonders of Wildlife is a 92,000 square foot museum and aquarium that opened in 2001 at a cost of over $52-million. Wonders of Wildlife is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is a member of the Smithsonian Affiliates program.

For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day log on to  www.nhfday.org.

[Al Dente]

I'll be manning a booth with another member at the Ridge check Station on Long Island for New York Bowhunters.  Last year, we helped out at the DEC booth.  IT should have a larger turnout than it does, but at least it is still around tto give back and introduce more folks and youth to the outdoor sports we cherish.