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National Hunting and Fishing Day

Head outdoors to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day - gear up and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFourth Saturday in September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYOutdoor Adventure

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get out and enjoy nature on National Hunting and Fishing Day, held on the fourth Saturday in September! This day is a celebration of our love of hunting and fishing, as well as an opportunity to appreciate the great outdoors. It was first established in 1972 by President Richard Nixon, and since then has been celebrated annually with events such as fish fries, outdoor competitions, picnics and more. So grab your gear, invite some friends along and take part in this special day to connect with nature!

TIMELINE

National Hunting and Fishing Day Timeline

Early Sport Hunting

Hunting, which was predominantly practiced for survival, began to be popular as a sport among European settlers in North America.

Sport Fishing Trend

The sport of fishing became widely popular in the mid-19th century with the advent of recreational angling publications.

Conservation Movement

In response to increasing threats to wildlife and their habitats, hunting and fishing communities were instrumental in the conservation movement during the mid-20th century.

National Day Established

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established by U.S. President Richard Nixon to recognize hunters and anglers for their contributions to conservation.

First Honorary Chair

Baggage Battles star Billy Leroy became the first honorary chair of National Hunting and Fishing Day, helping to promote the importance of outdoor sports.

Continued Celebrations

Every year, hundreds of local, state, and national events are held to celebrate the day, including hunting and fishing demonstrations, exhibits, and competitions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day

Go fishing

Head out to your local lake, river or pond and go fishing for the day. Remember to get a fishing license if necessary.

Go hunting

If you have the right permits and authorization, head out to the woods and go hunting. It's a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

ATTEND

Attend a seminar

Look around for seminars on hunting or fishing. These are usually free or have a nominal fee and can be a great way to learn about the sport and make new friends.

ORGANIZE

Organize a tournament

Organize a tournament in your local area with friends and family, either for fishing or hunting. The winner gets bragging rights!

VISIT

Visit a wildlife refuge

Take the family to your local wildlife refuge or nature preserve and learn about the fish and animals that inhabit the area.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Hunting and Fishing Day

It teaches us respect for wildlife

Hunting and fishing can teach us about the importance of respecting wildlife. It emphasizes the need to conserve habitats, understand migration patterns and practice ethical harvesting habits so that future generations will be able to enjoy these activities as well!

It's a wonderful way to connect with nature.

Connecting with nature is one of the greatest gifts of hunting and fishing. Whether you're trolling for bass or waiting patiently for deer to come into view, it's an opportunity to experience a tranquil connection with the outdoors and appreciate all that nature has to offer.

It's a great way to bond with friends and family

Hunting and fishing provides quality time in nature that helps create special bonds between families and close friends. After all, there's nothing better than spending the day outdoors surrounded by those who mean the most to you!