*For all press release inquiries, please reach out to Nick Sabin (Nick.Sabin@mail.house.gov)

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced a resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Emmer is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Hunting and fishing are a part of America’s heritage, one shared by generations of sportsmen and women,” Emmer said, “

“I am proud to lead this effort to honor the traditions of American hunters and anglers and recognize their contributions to conserving America’s great outdoors,” Emmer concluded.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 by President Richard Nixon. An estimated 27 percent of Americans participate in sportfishing, hunting or target shooting, and in a yearlong study by the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, recreationists contributed $156,900,000,000 to the United States economy.

“For 50 years, National Hunting and Fishing Day has celebrated our time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing. This day also highlights the unmatched success of landmark conservation programs like the Dingell-Johnson Act and the Pittman-Robertson Act, a program that has secured 85 years of equity for sportsmen and women as America's original conservationists," said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) President and CEO Jeff Crane. "CSF extends our thanks to Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Member Rep. Emmer for leading this resolution and the bipartisan members of the CSC who joined him in supporting America's 55 million sportsmen and women."

Dave Carlson, President of the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance said, “The Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance is so happy that the 50th Anniversary of the National Hunting and Fishing Day is being recognized by Congress.  This is a day that hunters and anglers look forward to many months in advance and plan outings with family and friends to celebrate this day.”

“85 years after our founding, Ducks Unlimited is proud to once again support and celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day in its 50th year,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “No one gives back to the outdoors more than sportsmen and women, and that’s what makes the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation the most successful in the world. DU thanks Rep. Emmer for his resolution to honor this special 50th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day in the House of Representatives.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever were also supporters of the resolution. 

The resolution is available in its entirety here.

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