Governor Proclaims Sept. 23 Hunting and Fishing Day

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 23 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in North Dakota.

The North Dakota designation coincides with the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every September, as an effort to spotlight the conservation accomplishments of hunters and anglers nationwide.

Gov. Burgum’s proclamation highlights the rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling in North Dakota, and that hunters and anglers, through their license fees, have helped fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources. The proclamation also says this “user pays – public benefits approach … is widely recognized as the most successful model of fish and wildlife management in the world, and is celebrating its 87th anniversary this year.”

On the national front, the honorary chair for this year’s NHFD is NASCAR hall of famer Richard Childress, a nationally recognized champion for fish and wildlife conservation, who is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. "Mentoring is critical to ensure our outdoor tradition lives on through future generations,” Childress said. “Make the commitment to take someone outdoors and show them why you value hunting, fishing and target shooting."

By pledging to introduce someone to the outdoors between now and NHF Day on Saturday, Sept. 23, participants 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 get involved in the NHF Day Challenge, visit NHFDay.org; or call 417-225-1162. North Dakota organizations holding special NHF day events can have them listed on the Game and Fish Department’s events calendar by sending information via email to ndgf@nd.gov.