SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -(Ammoland.com)- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) is the latest group to join as sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) for 2017.
NHF Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich tradition of fishing and hunting with national, state, regional and local organizations hosting fishing- and hunting-related events.
“For more than 100 years, the AFWA has worked to support professional stewardship of our natural resources,” said Misty Mitchell, National Coordinator of NHF Day and Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife. “Ever watchful, this dedicated group works behind the scenes and on the forefront, promoting science informed fish and wildlife conservation. Their work is integral to safe guarding wildlife and wild places for generations to come. We are proud to have their support.”
The AFWA serves as the collective voice for fish and wildlife agencies across the nation. The group works to secure dedicated funding for fish and wildlife conservation, promote policies and legislation that enhance states’ ability to manage natural resources and coordinate conservation initiatives across a wide variety of agencies and partners.
“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is honored to sponsor NHF Day and help celebrate the tremendous contributions hunters and anglers make for fish and wildlife conservation,” said Nick Wiley, president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and executive director for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Recognizing NHF Day each year helps Americans understand the essential role hunters and anglers play in supporting and funding conservation and outdoor recreation nationwide.”
Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1971, each fourth Saturday in September is set aside as NHF Day. This year’s NHF Day is set for September 23 with NASCAR legend Richard Childress serving as honorary chairman.
New for this year is the introduction of the National Hunting and Fishing Day Challenge. Honorary Chairman Childress is challenging hunters, shooters and anglers to introduce someone to the outdoors before NHF Day. Participants who sign up and take the pledge will be eligible to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s Conservation Capital from Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
To take the pledge for NHF Day Challenge, visit their website or call 417-225-1162.
NHF Day’s official home is at the Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri. Both entities share the goal of strengthening the image of hunting, shooting 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 commemorate the foundation of conservation through fishing and hunting.
NHF Day is made possible through the sponsorship and generous support of these well-respected companies and brands: National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Yamaha, NRA, Realtree, GunBroker, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, Cabela’s, Keep America Fishing, Thompson Center, Izaak Walton League, My Outdoor TV, Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Shakespeare, Berkley, Plano and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
To learn more about NHF Day, please visit their website.
About National Hunting and Fishing Day:
Over the years, National Hunting and Fishing Day boasted many more public relations successes, assisted by celebrities who volunteered to help spotlight the conservation accomplishments of sportsmen and women. Honorary chairs have included George Bush, Tom Seaver, Hank Williams Jr., Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, George Brett, Robert Urich, Ward Burton, Louise Mandrell, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Jeff Foxworthy and many other sports and entertainment figures. National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most effective grassroots efforts ever undertaken to promote the outdoor sports and conservation.
For more information, visit their website.
About The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies:
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.