Celebrated on the fourth Saturday in September, National Hunting and Fishing Day is a day that celebrates the people who hunt and fish responsibly and promote not only outdoor sports but also conservation efforts. People who hunt or fish not only help prevent animal populations from growing out of control but also help with invasive species and other preservationist goals.

And that’s not even mentioning the fact that hunting and fishing help people reconnect with outdoor spaces and enjoy the splendor of nature. That’s why over 34 million people alone either hunt or fish in the United States every year.

The History of National Hunting and Fishing Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day, also known as NHFD, followed on the heels of Outdoor Sportsmen Day in 1970. Congress enacted this holiday in 1971, and Richard Nixon made the first proclamation to officially establish it as a holiday.

It was a holiday designed to highlight the importance of the wise management of natural resources and the role of sportsmen and women in maintaining healthy animal populations.

Facts About National Hunting and Fishing Day

Below are some little-known facts that participants of this holiday will surely appreciate.

Excise Taxes on Ammunition Pay for Conservation Efforts

Hunters spend a lot of money on sporting firearms, archery equipment, and ammunition, and all of that equipment has excise taxes that benefit state wildlife conservation efforts. It’s been estimated that over $5.6 billion has been raised from these taxes for conservation efforts since 1939.

The Average Hunter Spends Over $1,600 a Year on Their Sport

Even though some hunters spend more than others, on average, hunters spend upwards of $1,600 a year.

More Women Are Hunting Than Ever Before

It’s been estimated that more and more women are hunting than at just about any other point in time. It’s been estimated that 73% more women hunt nowadays than they did 5 years ago.

Millions of Americans Enjoy Fishing

Every year, 45+ million Americans over the age of 5 years old go fishing.

Americans Spend a Lot of Money on Bait & Ice

According to current sales data, fishermen and women spend more than a billion dollars a year on bait and almost three hundred million dollars on ice alone.

Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day

The only requirement for enjoying National Hunting and Fishing Day is for a person to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. All hunters and men and women who fish should enjoy the activities that they love, but they should make sure that they hunt or fish within the season and follow all local laws and guidelines.

As is the case with just about any holiday, people can also post their activities on social media. For this holiday, people can use the hashtag #HuntingAndFishingDay on social media to let everyone know what they’re doing for the day.