Despite changing demographics, Chenango County and the surrounding counties are still flush with hunting and fishing enthusiasts, for there are thousands of residents who enjoy these great outdoor activities. If you are one of the many who annually buys a hunting, fishing, trapping or combined license, feel pride in the fact that, without you, conservation would fall flat on its face, much to the probable surprise and concern of non-participants. And this Saturday, you are being lauded and recognized for your efforts, as the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed.
National Hunting and Fishing Day – the 36th annual, Congress-appointed, president-proclaimed celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation – is set for September 22, 2007. Honorary chairman, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, is joined by a host of national sponsors and a growing list of public celebrations around the country – including a signature event at the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., – are in place to help communicate the day's core message.
More than a century ago, hunters and anglers were among the first to realize that expanding civilization and unregulated market hunting were causing serious wildlife population declines, threatening the sustainability of many species. The efforts of hunters and anglers to change that situation helped pave the way for todayís systems of wildlife management, where regulated hunting, fishing and habitat management programs have restored and maintained sustainable wildlife populations for all people to enjoy.
Led by avid sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first laws restricting the commercial slaughter of wildlife. They urged sustainable use and management of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for special taxes on sporting equipment they bought to provide funds for state conservation agencies. These actions were the foundation of the North American wildlife conservation model, a science-based, user-pay system that would foster the most dramatic conservation successes of all time. However, in the 1950s as demographics made the swing from rural and farming to urban and suburban, people were growing up and living increasingly farther away from the natural environment and its intricate ecosystem. Less understanding and perhaps misplaced attitudes about the workings of nature and needs for conservation and sound management began to chip away at all that had been accomplished. It was also the beginning of animal rights groups that, sadly, knew next to nothing about wildlife, its needs, habitats, and necessary management. They mistakenly believed their philosophy of total preservation for everything in nature was more important than conservation.
In the 1960s, hunters and anglers who embraced the era's heightened environmental awareness were also discouraged that so many people didn't understand or appreciate the crucial role that sportsmen and women had played and would continue to play in the conservation movement. 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. The concept was so well received, it quickly spread nationwide.
Then 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. Every U.S. President from Richard M. Nixon to George W. Bush has annually recognized the day via formal proclamations.
Without hunters, anglers and trappers, there would be little or no fish and wildlife management. Nor would there be the millions of acres of public lands for people to enjoy. Despite the chest-beating of the animal rights groups, almost all their money goes for salaries, benefits and lobbying, with barely a trickle ever benefiting fish, wildlife and habitat.
The latest data from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service show almost 34 million licensed hunters and anglers went afield in 2006, contributing more than $1.2 billion to conservation by purchasing licenses, permits and fees. Additionally, those who bought guns, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods, reels and other equipment also paid special excise taxes earmarked for conservation. In 2007 alone, more than $615 million in such taxes were apportioned to state conservation agencies, including the NYSDEC. Over the years, this special tax system has generated more than $10 billion for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.
