The National Wild Turkey Federation is once again sponsoring National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is once again sponsoring was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. with chapters in every state. It is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is set-aside for sportsmen to celebrate those conservation efforts. Each year, NHF Day is set to take place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year NHF Day falls on September 27.
The first to suggest an official day of thanks to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pa. In 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe's idea and created “Outdoor Sportsman's Day” in the state.
With determined prompting from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the concept soon emerged on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre, N.H., introduced Joint Resolution 117 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.
“National Wild Turkey Federation has always been a great supporter of conservation,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “If not for conservation, sportsmen would not get an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor sports. Their continued support of NHF Day goes beyond what is expected. National Wild Turkey Federation is always seeking to become the leader in the conservation community.”
“The NWTF holds this country's hunting heritage in high regard and we aim to secure this tradition for future generations,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The sponsorship of NHFD fits with our Save the Habitat Save the Hunt initiative to conserve 4 million acres of habitat, create 1.5 million new hunters and open access to 500,000 acres.”
