by Erin C. Healy - Wednesday, September 24, 2025
On May 2, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon proclaimed the fourth Saturday in September National Hunting and Fishing (NHD) Day. Over the ensuing 53 years, sportsmen have been encouraging their fellow Americans to take part in hunting, fishing and shooting events, in the hopes that they will enjoy the experience and want to preserve and expand our outdoor sporting heritage. Participation in these outdoor pastimes creates bonds and affords parents and grandparents opportunities to share their knowledge with the next generation. NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum website contributor Cody McLaughlin did just on last year's National Hunting and Fishing Day, sharing with us his outdoor experiences with his then step- and soon-to-be adopted daughter.
This year's celebration of the federally recognized outdoor sporting day promises to be equally motivating for getting outdoors with loved ones. We can thank the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in large part for the spotlight on our hunting, target shooting and fishing pursuits. As the trade association for the firearms industry, it has been promoting, protecting and preserving hunting and the shooting sports since 1961. For 64 years it has been representing our shared interests to Congress, as well as informing and supporting a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and outdoor media publishers. Today, the NSSF offers industry insiders seminars, workshops, research data and, of course, hosts the SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show), the world's largest firearm industry trade show and networking event.
When President Nixon made NHD Day a nationally recognized observance, he said: “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring (sic) their proper management for the benefit of future generations.” So, from the beginning, the day emphasized conservation of the environment and proper management of fisheries and wildlife. It accomplishes its mission through organized local, state and national events that introduce new audiences to the outdoors. In fact, it's remains one of the largest grassroots efforts to promote hunting and fishing to anyone with interest in exploring them.
The celebration of our outdoor heritage is nationwide, so be sure to find an event near you. This year, for example, in Leominster, Mass., the National Rifle Association is hosting its annual NRA Day on National Hunting and Fishing Day, including firearm safety lessons and exposure to .22 rifles and pistols, shotguns, archery and black powder muzzleloading with a pond open to fishing—all for only $10 per family. In Congers, N.Y., the Congers Lake Memorial Park National Hunting and Fishing Day event offers a free fishing day with no license requirement and provides all equipment, plus talks from trappers, hunters, biologists and environmentalists. You can try archery and airsoft, see dog demos, and learn wilderness survival. The National Hunting and Fishing Day and Native American Heritage Celebration spans the entire weekend of Sept. 27-28, honoring the Native American heritage as it relates to hunting and fishing.
For more good things to come, the Wonders of Wildlife Festival in Concord, N.C., hosted by the Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary on Oct. 11 keeps the momentum going, recognizing Native American heritage as it relates to hunting and fishing. In addition to offering food, drink and live entertainment, the festival will include activities that showcase the outdoor traditions that connect indigenous cultures to the land, wildlife and conservation.
The official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day is Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. The largest immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world includes a 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure that showcases 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The museum’s Wildlife Galleries transport you afield with their expansive collection of record-setting wild game animals. This 350,000-square-foot Ozark Mountain destination, created by Bass Pro Shops founder and Chief Executive Officer Johnny Morris, celebrates hunters, anglers and conservationists of land and water.
The reason events like National Fishing and Hunting Day are so pivotal is that not everyone grows up in a hunting or fishing family. Mentorship is a leading obstacle in pursuing hunting and fishing as noted by this NRA hunting news website and other outdoor media outlets. In all fairness, taking someone afield or for a few hours of fishing is time-consuming and challenging. It cuts into the precious little time we have with our families or for our own outdoor activities, but if we won't, who will?
It might be as simple as paying attention to those around you. It could be that a friend or friends of your child would like to join your family for an outdoor activity. Invite them. Maybe an older adult drops a hint that he or she would like to try turkey hunting or 3D archery. Make a plan whereby that person begins to take certain steps and you show up at the range for the fun part. Maybe someone just wants companionship and handholding while gun cleaning or instructions on zeroing their rifle. Ask. Offer.
And we certainly can all tell others about National Hunting and Fishing Day, its associated events and how to take advantage of all the festivities and seminars. If you need to get in touch with organizers, email [email protected] or call 417-225-1118.
Photo by Lon Lauber; lonlauber.com