By Gordon McHenry
National Hunting and Fishing Day—the 36th annual,
Congress-appointed, president-proclaimed celebration of hunters,
anglers and conservation—is set for Sept. 22.
Over 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were the earliest and most
vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management.
Led by fellow sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, these early
conservationists called for the first laws restricting the commercial
slaughter of wildlife. They urged sustainable use of fish and game,
created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting
equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies.
Populations of white-tailed deer, elk,
antelope, wild turkey, wood ducks and many other species began to
recover from decades of unregulated exploitation.
During the next half-century, in addition to the
funds they contributed for conservation and their diligent watch over
the returning health of America's outdoors, sportsmen worked countless
hours to protect and improve millions of acres of vital habitat—lands
and waters for the use and enjoyment of everyone.
In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre (N.H.)
introduced Joint Resolution 117 in the U.S. Senate 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.
National, regional, state and local
organizations staged some 3,000 "open house" hunting- and
fishing-related events everywhere from shooting ranges to suburban frog
ponds, providing an estimated four million Americans with a chance to
experience, understand and appreciate traditional outdoor sports.
National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the
fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most effective
grassroots effort ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and
conservation.
Hope you have made time to get out and enjoy the
late summer trout bite. All of our mountain lakes are producing fish to
8+ pounds on Gulp! and Gulp! Eggs, Power Bait, Rapalas, and Super
Dupers. Good fishing.
For more fishing info, check out Gordon's
CAFishingShow.com website. Readers may contact Gordon at (909)
337-6145, ext. 271.
