Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 24

Next time you head outdoors, take a look around you: many of the fish and wildlife species you see, as well as their habitats, are healthy because of hunters and anglers. Additionally, from boat ramps to shooting ranges, artificial reefs to educational programs, Florida’s more than 7 million hunters and anglers fund and support access to fish and wildlife resources for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saturday, Sept. 24, by getting outdoors and appreciating the contributions to conservation and wildlife that hunters and anglers make daily.

“Through the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, millions of dollars a year from license, hunting, fishing and boating purchases are returned to Florida to support conservation of and access to Florida’s natural resources,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great way to celebrate what started as a seed of sustainability planted a hundred years ago by early conservationists such as Theodore Roosevelt. That seed of sustainability has turned into the greatest conservation success story of all time.”

Whether you participate in outdoor activities or not, you too can contribute today by purchasing a hunting or fishing license.

Nearly 100 percent of the money spent on licenses goes to the FWC to connect kids with the outdoors, support science-based management, and expand access to shooting sports and fishing opportunities.

Purchase your license today by visiting GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA or 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or by visiting your local tax collector or bait and tackle shop.

Already have your license? Another way to support conservation is through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs. Every time you purchase equipment for hunting, fishing and boating, the industries that make that equipment contribute funding for fish and wildlife conservation at the state level including here in Florida. Since the 1930s, over $354 million has been provided to Florida for conservation efforts through Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program grants. So when you buy gear for your next hunting or fishing trip, take pride in knowing you are playing a part in conservation through these purchases.

“In addition to providing funding through purchases, hunters and anglers can contribute physically to the resources they enjoy,” Yablonski said. “You can be an essential partner in wildlife management by providing the FWC and other agencies with important information on what is happening in the woods and on the waters of Florida.”

You can also contribute by joining a sportsmen’s group or conservation organization dedicated to on-the-ground projects that benefit fish and wildlife – everything from cleanup days on public lands to wildlife habitat enhancement projects.

Reconnect with family, friends and nature today by enjoying all that Florida’s outdoors have to offer.

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