NWTF Celebrates the Outdoors Through National Hunting and Fishing Day

For 18 years, the NWTF has supported NHFD, an event hosted by Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. The day highlights the vital role hunters and anglers play in conserving the nation’s natural resources and inspires more people to enjoy the outdoors. 

“National Hunting and Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the connection we all share with the land and our natural resources,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of Education and Outreach Programs. “It’s about celebrating the outdoors, passing along traditions and ensuring that future generations understand the conservation impact hunters and anglers make every time they step afield or are out on the water.” 

Observed every fourth Saturday in September, NHFD shines a light on the contributions hunters and anglers make through license fees, excise taxes and volunteer efforts, which directly fund wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. It also serves as an invitation for experienced outdoorsmen and women to introduce newcomers to hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. 

This year, NWTF members and chapters nationwide are rising to that challenge by inviting friends, neighbors and youth to join them for first-time hunts, fishing trips and other outdoor adventures in honor of NHFD. Learn more how you can get involved here.  

Since 1973, the NWTF has introduced more than a million people to hunting and outdoor traditions through its Education and Outreach Programs, ensuring these experiences are passed down for generations. But hunters and anglers do more than carry on traditions —they are the backbone of America’s conservation funding. Through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts, they provide billions of dollars that restore wildlife habitat, expand public access, fuel scientific research and support outdoor education. These contributions are more than financial — they are investments in the future of our natural resources. On National Hunting and Fishing Day, we celebrate the people whose passion and commitment make it possible for all of us to enjoy healthy habitats and abundant wildlife today and tomorrow. 

Those participating in NHFD also have the opportunity to enter a Bass Pro Shops gift card giveaway by taking someone hunting, fishing or on another outdoor adventure. Learn more. 

The celebration coincides with the final day of NWTF’s Conservation Week, Sept. 21–27. Throughout the week, NWTF is highlighting regional conservation priorities and the hunting lifestyle across the West, Great Plains, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast, culminating with NHFD and national R3 (hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation) efforts. This annual event is designed to bring awareness and emphasis to the organization’s national conservation mission and the critical role hunters play in conservation. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation    

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.