(07/17/17)

By Patricia Allen, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every September (Sept. 23 this year), has been an excellent opportunity to spotlight the conservation accomplishments of sportsmen and women nationwide. This annual celebration of hunters and anglers features a new twist this year.

Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day, is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. By pledging to introduce someone to the outdoors between now and NHF Day, 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.

We hope this campaign is a springboard to greater efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate (R3) hunters and anglers. Help us get the word out about the NHF Day Challenge to your audiences via your social media platforms, e-newsletters and website. Download articles, images and logos at www.dropbox.com/sh/532m2j0twov5ztp/AACba0uVdTXgvNIIkqYgfRSDa?dl=0.

Also, if you have links to R3/mentoring programs in your state, please provide them to Tammy Sapp at tammy.sapp@myfwc.com so we can connect and promote your state’s R3/mentoring programs along with the NHFD Challenge at NHFDay.org.