Idaho Examiner: Safari Club International to Sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day "My Idaho...My Planet Rocks!"

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Safari Club International, a leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting conservation worldwide, has stepped up as a major sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the annual celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation.

The 2008 celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 27.

At the urging of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Congress formalized National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1971. Presidents from Richard M. Nixon through George W. Bush have officially proclaimed their support, making the annual commemoration one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

Consistent with its “SCI, First for Hunters” brand, Safari Club International’s sponsorship supports the work of its 180 chapters that promote hunting across the country, as well as the educational efforts of Wonders of Wildlife museum, the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The museum is developing communications campaigns, event-planning tips, promotional items and free online (www.nhfday.org) tools to show that conservation succeeds in America only because of hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these outdoor enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

“We believe the National Hunting and Fishing Day message is bigger than a one-day celebration. Wonders of Wildlife is expanding the celebration throughout the year. The generosity and commitment of SCI, its chapters and members, are key to this goal,” said Denise Wagner, national coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife.

SCI President Dennis Anderson, whose history of volunteer leadership includes serving about 3,000 youths annually at the SCI Orange County, Calif., Chapter’s Youth Safari Day, said, “There’s nothing like seeing a youngster’s face light up when they discover these great outdoor sports. National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrations and events nationwide throughout the year help young people get outside, and SCI wants to help them take those next steps toward the pursuit of a rewarding conservation ethic and healthy outdoor lifestyle.”

NSSF remains the charter sponsor for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Other sponsors for 2008 include Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsman Channel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Realtree, Cabela’s, Woolrich, Gunbroker.com, Outdoor Channel and Safari Club International.

Outdoor television personality Michael Waddell is serving as honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.