National Hunting and Fishing Day - Enjoy Hunting and Fishing in Illinois
Illinoisans can celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day this weekend by either going to Northern or Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days or by attending their local state park.
What is National Hunting and Fishing Day?
Does the date May 2, 1972 ring a bell for you? No, well it should. "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" wrote President Richard Nixon while signing the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Days.
Spreading over four decades it's great to look back at how National Hunting and Fishing Day started. All started by one man Ira Joffe who wanted to recognize the vital roll that hunters and anglers play in conservation and our economy. Ira an owner of a local gun shop got his idea adopted in 1970 by Governor Raymond of Pennsylvania which created "Outdoor Sportsman's Day"
So there after, the National Shooting Sports Foundation started lobbying members of congress and in June 1971 Sen Thomas McIntyre of New Hampshire introduced Joint Resolution 117. This authorized National Hunting and Fishing day to be on the fourth Saturday of every September. A colleague of his Congressman Bob Strikes of Florida introduced an identical measure in the House of Representatives. With overwhelming support President Richard Nixon signed and recognized National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Years later sportsmen and women still celebrate this national day. There are two events in Illinois in celebration of this National Day.
Spreading over four decades it's great to look back at how National Hunting and Fishing Day started. All started by one man Ira Joffe who wanted to recognize the vital roll that hunters and anglers play in conservation and our economy. Ira an owner of a local gun shop got his idea adopted in 1970 by Governor Raymond of Pennsylvania which created "Outdoor Sportsman's Day"
So there after, the National Shooting Sports Foundation started lobbying members of congress and in June 1971 Sen Thomas McIntyre of New Hampshire introduced Joint Resolution 117. This authorized National Hunting and Fishing day to be on the fourth Saturday of every September. A colleague of his Congressman Bob Strikes of Florida introduced an identical measure in the House of Representatives. With overwhelming support President Richard Nixon signed and recognized National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Years later sportsmen and women still celebrate this national day. There are two events in Illinois in celebration of this National Day.
Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Day
September 23 -24, 2017
Silver Springs State Park
Yorkville, IL
Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Day
September 23 -24, 2017
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL
How will you be celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day? Comment and let us know below.
How will you be celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day? Comment and let us know below.
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