Riley, John and Luke Churan - Chillocothe, Missouri

National Hunting and Fishing Day - Saturday, September 27, 2008

Do you remember your first fishing, hunting or boating trip? Although it was more than 30 years ago I still have vivid memories of my first fishing trip for bass and bluegill with my grandfather. I can remember the excitement and expectation the night before and the tug of that first fish on my line, exciting indeed.

One of the great annual traditions in the outdoors, National Hunting and Fishing Day, is set for tomorrow.

For the past 37 years, the day has served as a public reminder that hunters and anglers are America’s premier conservation supporters. Through licenses and excise taxes, they now generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs—benefiting all citizens who appreciate wild things and wild places.

Preserving our sporting traditions is the key to ensuring healthy habitats for wildlife in the future.

DU spreads the conservation message to hundreds of thousands of sportsmen each year. And through its support of other organizations, like the National Shooting Sports Federation, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, the International Hunter Education Association, and others, DU is helping preserve our hunting and shooting traditions for generations to come.

Make sure you do your part and help recruit future hunters and conservationists by introducing someone to the outdoors this season.

Ben and Mark Petrie - Vancuver, Washington

Top 5 ways to observe National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008:

1. Introduce a newcomer to the outdoors.

2. Visit your sporting goods retailer, treat yourself to a new piece of hunting, fishing or shooting gear, then get outside and enjoy it.

3. Organize, volunteer or attend a National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration in your area. Many event listings are posted at www.nhfday.org.

4. Remember those whose service to our country will prevent them from joining us afield this fall. Appreciate the freedoms that make hunting, fishing, shooting and conservation possible.

5. Log on to www.nhfday.org to learn more about the historic conservation leadership of hunters and anglers. Share the story with non-hunters! While online, enter to win a new ATV or bid on National Hunting and Fishing Day commemorative items.

Check Out:

Hunter Green - The People Behind a Conservation Success Story

National Hunting and Fishing Day Website

Economic impact of hunting and fishing in your state

Ducks Unlimited and Hunting