Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day

Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day

Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Daycelebrates and recognizes hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and to society.

That year, Congress resolved, “That the President of the United States declare the fourth Saturday of September 1972 as ‘National Hunting and Fishing Day’ to provide that deserved national recognition, to recognize the esthetic, health and recreational virtues of hunting and fishing, to dramatize the continued need for gun and boat safety and to rededicate ourselves to the conservation and respectful use of our wildlife and natural resources.”

Michigan provides a unique opportunity for the 650,000 hunters and 1.2 million anglers who annually enjoy an abundance of land and more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline.

“If you grew up in Michigan, chances are you love to hunt and fish or you know someone who does,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “These traditions are a big part of what it means to be from Michigan, and I want to thank every hunter and angler for their commitment to conservation, healthy fish and wildlife habitat and quality outdoor recreation experiences.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Sept. 24 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Michigan to recognize the importance of these outdoor pursuits and to bring awareness to conservation efforts driven by hunters and anglers.

Hunting and fishing benefit Michigan’s economy by annually generating $11.2 billion, and this spending supports more than 171,000 jobs in Michigan.

This Saturday, head out for a day of fun in the field or on the water. Just make sure you have a 2022 hunting or fishing license with you when you go. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or via our new DNR Hunt Fish app, putting licenses, permits, regulations and more right in the palm of your hand.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, avid angler or beginner, review safety tips at Michigan.gov/DNR under the Education and Safety tab in addition to reviewing rules and regulations at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.