Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 28, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska.
Each year, more than 450,000 hunters and anglers participate in outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting the state’s economy through their spending, while also supporting conservation efforts for fish and wildlife across the state.
Their dollars contribute to the $2.6 billion spent on outdoor activities in Nebraska each year, and, Pillen said, the outdoor economy comprises about 1.8% of Nebraska’s gross domestic product.
“(Today, we) recognize hunters and anglers for their immense contribution to fish and wildlife conservation and to society,” Pillen said. “Thanks for all that you do to help Nebraskans enjoy our extraordinary quality of life.”
Joining the governor in promoting hunting and fishing was John T. Heaston, executive director of the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation, and nearly 10 representatives from outdoor organizations, including the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
“Being outside in Nebraska provides a lifelong sense of place, a way to recover and heal from the dilemmas that life brings, a way to create memories to share with family and friends,” he said. It’s also a place that protects our state’s unique ecological diversity while being a world-class destination for trapping, fishing and hunting.
He encouraged people to invite a beginner and this Saturday, “go fishing, go hunting, or just go outside.”
Nebraska is home to more than 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands including state, federal, and conservation partner lands as well as privately-owned lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program; it also is home to 456 public lakes and 38 streams and rivers with more than 130 public and private access points.
National Hunting and Fishing Day, held the fourth Saturday of each September, celebrates hunting and fishing while emphasizing conservation. It was first established by President Nixon in 1972 and is marked by outdoor events held throughout the country.
For more information about hunting and fishing in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.