National Hunting and Fishing Day observed on September 26

National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of September, which falls on September 26 this year. Established by a proclamation from President Richard Nixon in 1972, the day aims to celebrate outdoor traditions and promote awareness of wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

In the United States, hunters and anglers contribute significantly to wildlife management through excise taxes on equipment and license fees. According to the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, over 14.4 million Americans aged 16 and older participated in hunting, with total spending reaching approximately $45.2 billion.

In New York State, the observance coincides with a Free Fishing Day. As part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, the state waives freshwater fishing license requirements for both residents and non-residents on September 26. While licenses are not required, anglers must still adhere to existing size limits, daily catch limits, and protected species regulations.