National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) is celebrated on the fourth Saturday in September every year, according to an Ammoland Hunting News Article.

While this year’s event is hosted in Springfield, Missouri and sponsored by the Outdoor Channel, its roots are found in Upper Darby, PA.

Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe’s Gun Shop in Upper Darby suggested that Pennsylvania create a “special day of thanks to [outdoor] sportsmen and women” over three decades ago. In 1970, PA Governor Raymond Shafer adopted the idea and the first “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” was celebrated.

In 1971, congress passed two different bills that each established the newly renamed “National Hunting and Fishing Day” as an annual celebration and national event.

NHF Day serves to “preserve our national heritage.” This day of conservation celebrates American history and gives thanks to financial contributions made through excise taxes on sporting firearms, ammunition and archery, and also to the $5.6 billion collected for wildlife conservation year-to-date.

“Visitors are encouraged to visit http://www.facebook.com/nhfday for a wide variety of information including a comprehensive overview of NHF Day, sponsor information and event planning details.”

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