National Hunting & Fishing Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, 2026, celebrated America's 250th anniversary and the conservation contributions of sportsmen and women. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation secured a presidential proclamation from President Donald Trump, 45 gubernatorial proclamations, and other recognitions highlighting hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports' importance to conservation and local economies.

Pennsylvania will celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, 2026, recognizing hunters and anglers' contributions to wildlife conservation. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation highlighting how over two million hunters and anglers have generated more than $125 million for conservation efforts in the state.

Whitetails Unlimited recognizes the 54th National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, 2026, celebrating over 55 million sportsmen and women who have raised more than $57 billion for conservation. WTU President Jeff Schinkten emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting outdoor heritage and natural resources.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources invites Hoosiers to celebrate public lands and waters on Saturday, Sept. 26, with volunteer events, free fishing opportunities, and hunting seasons including squirrel, dove, and youth deer hunting across the state.

Do you have a current Utah hunting, fishing or combination license? If so, you can visit either of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources public shooting ranges on Saturday, Sept. 23 and shoot for free on National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Fresh Air Educators has partnered with National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) to highlight the role of safety education in outdoor activities and conservation, and to increase awareness of new online education options. As part of the NHFD partnership, an online education portal offers the state-by-state versions of Fresh Air Educators' four courses (hunter, boater, off-road and snowmobile) with a special promotional discount through September 24.

To help introduce newcomers to outdoors, chapters from the National Wild Turkey Federation will host 39 outreach events across the country on National Hunting and Fishing Day and more than 125 events throughout the fall.

Free activities, exhibits, attractions and entertainment for the whole family will highlight a public celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 26, at Wonders of Wildlife/Bass Pro Shops at 500 West Sunshine St. in Springfield, Missouri.

Free activities, exhibits and attractions for the whole family will highlight a public celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 26, at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Elk Country Visitor Center on Grant Creek Rd. in Missoula, Montana.

A full day of children's activities, fishing seminars and outdoor programs are planned for this year's open house on National Hunting and Fishing Day at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Salmon River Fish Hatchery.

On September 26 and 27, West Virginia's Annual Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days will be held at Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke (near Weston), Lewis County. Activities include everything from archery exhibition shooting by Byron Ferguson to squirrel and deer field dressing and skinning demonstrations.

Changes in the format of the annual Outdoor Youth Challenge will allow more participation from youngsters to test their skills in hunting, fishing, and other activities as part of West Virginia's Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, scheduled for September 26 and 27 at Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County.