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September 24, 2025
Join NSSF in Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day
More than 26.2 million Americans have become first-time firearm owners since 2020, and NSSF research showed millions took to the woods and fields to enjoy hunting during that time. That includes the most diverse population of outdoorsmen and women in history.
NSSF encourages them all to keep it going. The firearm industry invites everyone to join in the celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day® (NHF Day) this Saturday, September 27, 2025.
It’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy some fresh crisp Fall air and participate in one of our country’s oldest and best pastimes.
Have an Impact
National, state and local organizations are joining together to celebrate this special day. They’re hosting events at shooting ranges, fish hatcheries and other public locations, highlighting hunters’ and anglers’ essential roles in wildlife conservation and habitat preservation.
These events expand the public’s understanding of conservation efforts and help recruit new hunters and anglers by offering opportunities to learn and participate in these rich traditions. As the title sponsor and founder of NHF Day, NSSF is proud to support this national celebration of our outdoor heritage.
Original Conservationists
Since its inception in 1972, NHF Day has been a powerful reminder that hunters and anglers have always led the charge in protecting wildlife and sustaining natural habitats. They are America’s original conservationists. In fact, during that first year, on May 2, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”
Since 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act excise tax paid by manufacturers and importers of firearm and ammunition products has been allocated to state wildlife agencies’ conservation management efforts. To date, more than $18.4 billion has been administered through this successful Act. Collectively, hunters’ and target shooters’ purchases of firearms and ammunition are the single-largest source of wildlife conservation funding. Adjusted for inflation, this brings the Wildlife Restoration Act and Hunter Education Apportionments to over $28.6 billion.
Thanks to these funds, agencies have supported monitoring and management of over 500 species of wild mammals and birds, annual stocking of over 1 billion fish, operations of fish and wildlife disease laboratories around the country and provided hunter and aquatic education to millions of students. These funds have also supported the operations and maintenance of over 800 target ranges, as well as the opening of over 36 million acres of land to hunting and angling opportunities.
Take The Pledge
National Hunting and Fishing Day is more than an opportunity to highlight the dedication of outdoorsmen and women in conserving our nation’s wildlife resources. It’s a chance to pass the torch to a new generation by igniting a passion for outdoor sports in our communities.
NSSF encourages everyone to get involved by taking part in NHF Day events, mentoring new outdoor enthusiasts or simply getting out to enjoy nature and national parks that are largely funded through firearm industry activities.
One way to have fun and spread the word about NHF Day is to take the #GuidetoOutside pledge: Submit a photo of you and your friends engaging in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing or recreational target shooting to enter an NSSF exclusive NHF Day giveaway featuring a custom hat, stickers and more.
Also consider NSSF’s +One® Movement. Introduce someone to hunting or the shooting sports. If just one of every three of us pledged to introduce and mentor a newcomer to the shooting sports, it would have a tremendous impact to securing our treasured pastimes and Second Amendment rights for future generations.
For more information on events and how to get involved, visit National Hunting and Fishing Day.
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