National Hunting and Fishing Day is September 24, 2011. It is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family involved in your favorite sport. It is also an excellent day to teach someone who has never experienced hunting, fishing, or shooting what a fun sport any of those can be. National Hunting and Fishing Day, always the 4th Saturday in September, has been a “holiday.” as declared by Congress since 1972. From the National Hunting and Fishing Day’s website (http://www.nhfday.org/Page/Home.aspx)
With determined prompting from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the concept soon emerged on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre, N.H., introduced Joint Resolution 117 authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September. Rep. Bob Sikes, Fla., introduced an identical measure in the House. In early 1972, Congress unanimously passed both bills.
On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”
What you can do:
- Hunting
- Pass down the sport to youth
- Bond with the family
- Learn safety
- Enjoy the outdoors
- Fishing
- Chance to talk and bond
- Learn patience
- Have fun
- Cook-out after
- Shooting
- Have fun
- Dispel myths
- Gain confidence
- Archery
- Perfect for any age
- Improves concentration, focus, and physical fitness
Here are some other things you can do to celebrate:
- Learn the basics of hunting calls
- Teach the kids about tracking game
- Build a blind with the kids
- Go camping
- Nature hike
- Train or work with your hunting dog
- Go to the zoo, aquarium, or wildlife refuge
- Become a mentor at Pass It On Outdoor Mentors (http://www.outdoormentors.org/)
Whatever you choose, get the kids off the computer games and go do something outside! What are you going to do?