Down through the year, Smith & Wesson firearms has a long tradition of supporting conservation efforts and this year they are once again supporting National Hunting and Fishing Day.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is set-aside for sportsmen to celebrate conservation efforts. It is on the fourth Saturday in September and in 2014 it falls on September 27th.
Smith & Wesson is known widely for their generosity and dedication to the outdoor sports. Driven by passionate shooters and outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, Smith & Wesson continues to recognize the importance of conservation throughout the nation.
“Smith & Wesson is always ready to help recognize the efforts of their consumers that make a difference for future sportsmen,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “They are a vital role when it comes to restoring our hunting lands. We are more than pleased to have them on as supporters of NHF Day.”
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 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.
The list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2014 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Realtree, Yamaha, GunBroker.com, Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, Scout, National Wild Turkey Foundation, Smith & Wesson, Outdoor Channel and Limit Out Productions.
For more information, visit http://www.nhfday.org.
