September 23rd, 2023
| Company: | Presidential Proclamation |
| Web site: | http://www.nhfday.org |
Sportsmen play a crucial role in the conservation movement. The first to suggest an official day of thanks to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pa. In 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe's idea and created "Outdoor Sportsman's Day" in the state. With 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.
President Theodore Roosevelt first initiated licensing fees and special excise taxes imposed on sporting goods as a way to pay for programs to conserve habitats and preserve wildlife. Today these fees contribute $1.7 billion annually toward state and national conservation programs. The link between outdoorsman and conservation is highlighted each year by National Hunting and Fishing Day. See September's package for ads, photos and headings for your promotions.
