NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

September 15, 1999

CONTACT: Mark A. Trainor (850) 488-4676

GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS SEPT. 25 HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

Gov. Jeb Bush has proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 25 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida to recognize the state's sportsmen for their contributions to conservation.

"Conserving our state's natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities we have to this and future generations of Floridians," Bush said. "The conservation programs supported and financed by hunters and anglers have benefitted hundreds of wildlife species such as deer, wild turkeys, otters, bald eagles and songbirds -- wildlife that all Floridians can enjoy."

Hunting and Fishing Day in Florida is part of the nationwide observance of National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day. NHF Day was established by Congress in 1972.

This year's NHF day theme is "A Natural Invitation...To Step Outside." It is an opportunity for every outdoors man, woman and child to extend a natural invitation to family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to step outside and share the values and fun of the outdoors.

"It's more important now than ever before to introduce newcomers to hunting, shooting, fishing and other outdoor activities," said Chris Chaffin, NHF Day director.

"Because those who participate in these healthy and invigorating outdoor sports gain a lifetime of enjoyment, embrace an American tradition and share the values of stewardship and resource conservation for our future."

"This day focuses also on the importance of conserving our natural and wildlife resources and the vital role sportsmen play in conservation efforts," said Dr. Allan L. Egbert, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). "Sportsmen helped start the conservation movement. They supported laws to stop uncontrolled exploitation of wildlife and helped establish state fish and wildlife agencies that could implement the needed conservation programs."

Egbert said sportsmen also proposed and supported laws to establish special hunting and fishing fees and special taxes on their equipment to help pay for conservation programs.

According to NHF Day organizers, hunters and anglers contribute over $3 million each day, totaling some $22 billion to date, for research, habitat acquisition and restoration and wildlife management programs. These contributions benefit hundreds of species that are never hunted, from songbirds and chipmunks to panthers and eagles, as well as game species.

Bush urges all Floridians to join with sportsmen-conservationists in their efforts to ensure the wise use and proper management of our natural resources to benefit future generations.