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GOVERNOR TAFT DESIGNATES SEPTEMBER 23 AS HUNTING AND FISHING DAY IN OHIO COLUMBUS, OH -- Governor Bob Taft has designated September 23 as the official observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day in Ohio. In joining with other states, Ohio's hunters, trappers, and anglers will celebrate the 29th observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The special observance was established in 1971 to recognize generations of hunters, trappers, and anglers for the time and money they have contributed for wildlife conservation programs. In his resolution, Governor Taft states that "conserving natural and wildlife resources in the State of Ohio is one of the most important responsibilities we have to this and future generations of Ohioans." The governor also notes, "conservation programs supported and financed by Ohio hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species ranging from deer, wild turkeys, and river otters to bald eagles and songbirds --- wildlife that all Ohioans enjoy." Through the years, National Hunting and Fishing Day has included various events organized by sportsmen's clubs, conservation groups, and state wildlife agencies to increase public awareness and appreciation for the role sportsmen and sportswomen have in wildlife conservation and management. Additional information on these scheduled events can be obtained by contacting a local sportsmen's club or a Division of Wildlife district office. Wildlife district offices are located in Columbus (614/644-3925), Findlay (419/424-5000), Akron (330/644-2293), Athens (740/594-2211), and Xenia (937/372-9261). An estimated 1.3 million anglers and 500,000 hunters enjoy fishing and hunting activities each year in Ohio. Wildlife-associated activities such as viewing, feeding, and photography, as well as fishing and hunting, contribute an estimated $2 billion annually to Ohio's economy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Sportfish Restoration Act, which provides funding for sportfish restoration programs. In the past 10 years, these funds have helped build 1,700 new boating access and 3,300 fishing access sites nationwide. Sportfish restoration funds have also been used to educate more than 4.7 million students in fishing skills and aquatic ecology, and have funded many research and inventory projects that were designed to restore and manage fish populations. Special activities were held this summer through National Hunting and Fishing Day to mark the 50th anniversary observance. The various nationwide activities were led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, the American Sportfishing Association and other groups to encourage people to step outside and enjoy fishing. Source: ODNR |