IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE SPONSORS NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

 

Supports Annual Event That Celebrates Sportsmen and Communities

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (September 24, 2013) — The Izaak Walton League continues its sponsorship this year of National Hunting and Fishing Day, a nationwide event celebrating hunters, anglers, and natural resource conservation. This annual event also engages youth and families in a variety of outdoor recreation.

Hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts may not even know they are supporting wildlife conservation through their activities. Through fees paid for licenses, permits, and special taxes, hunters and anglers generate $100,000 every 30 minutes—that’s more than $1.75 billion every year—for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and habitat. No group contributes more to our nation’s conservation efforts.

This year’s NHF Day is set to take place September 28, 2013.

Sponsorship by the Izaak Walton League of NHF Day also helps support the Wonders of Wildlife museum—the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationships among hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation.

“The Izaak Walton League of America is proud to sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said Scott Kovarovics, Executive Director of the Izaak Walton League.  “Many of the League’s 250 chapters will host annual NHF Day events to introduce youth and families to hunting and fishing.  These events also help Americans understand the essential role hunters and anglers play in supporting and funding conservation nationwide. ”

 

As part of NHF Day, a spokesperson who is a true steward of the sports and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host, and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation for this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day – an event that was formalized by Congress in 1972 to remind the public that conservation depends on funding and leadership from hunters and anglers. Every president from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama has issued official proclamations of support for the annual commemoration, now recognized as one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports. 

“This marks another great year of NHF Day sponsorship by the Izaak Walton League,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs, Wonders of Wildlife. “The League’s continued support for this event is a reflection of their true appreciation for the conservation efforts of sportsmen and women everywhere. We greatly appreciate their support and outreach efforts.” 

Sponsorship of NHF Day 2011 continues to grow and includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman’s Channel, Realtree, Cabela’s, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Izaak Walton League of America and Pope and Young Club.

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

 

 

SPORTSMAN CHANNEL AND NHF DAY RENEW PARTNERSHIP

Sponsorship to Benefit Hunting and Fishing Participants

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Sept. 16, 2013) — Adding to a growing list of sponsors, Sportsman Channel and National Hunting and Fishing Day will continue to partner throughout the 2013 year. NHF Day takes place on the fourth Saturday in September, which is Sept. 28, 2013. This is Sportsman Channel’s fourth year as a national sponsor.

“Sportsman Channel is proud to be the TV sponsor for NHFDay and we ‘walk our talk’ as we’ve hosted events in our backyard as well to encourage those to get outside,” said Gavin Harvey, CEO of Sportsman Channel. “It’s all about finding new ways for parents to get their kids involved easily and cost effectively. Sportsman Channel is on the forefront of these efforts with our TV programs, online presence and sponsorships throughout the year.”

It doesn’t matter if sportsmen purchase a hunting or fishing license. They are supporting the conservation of lands that connect individuals with nature. Sportsman Channel understands the need to support the efforts that keep these properties fruitful for future generations.

“The continued support of the Sportsman Channel’s sponsorship supports Wonders of Wildlife museum, which is the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife. “The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationship between hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation. Sportsman Channel’s dedication to the outdoors is proven through their support of NHF Day.”

Bill Dance is serving as the honorary chair to deliver the message of NHF Day. Each year, NHF Day chooses a prominent individual to carry the cause of conservationist everywhere.

The legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by congress in 1972. Since that time, every President has issued a proclamation supporting NHF Day.

Dance learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Sportsman Channel, Izaak Walton League of America and Limit Out Productions.

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

 

BASS PRO SHOPS ENDORSES NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (August 26, 2013) —Conserving wildlife and the lands that house what we all enjoy are of the utmost importance. National Hunting and Fishing Day is a day set aside to celebrate all that sportsmen do to support those efforts. This year Bass Pro Shops once again announces its continued, major sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day, which continues to benefit hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen. Each year, NHF Day is set to take place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year NHF Day falls on September 28^th. 

As part of the NHF Day agenda, a spokesman that is a true steward of our fishing and hunting heritage and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by Congress in 1972.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“You know, I grew up in a small Tennessee town learning all about the outdoors,” said Bill Dance. “I would’ve never dreamed that small world would shape the man I am today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with my granddaddy and dad shaped the core beliefs I still hold true to this day. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.”

Continued efforts by Dance and Bass Pro Shops provide those opportunities for future generations.

“Bass Pro Shops has always been on the leading edge of supporting the conservation efforts of sportsmen,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs at Wonders of Wildlife. “If not for Bass Pro Shops support NHF Day would not be at the forefront of recognizing the conservation energies of all sportsmen. The support of Bass Pro Shops and others makes this a real possibility.” 

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Sportsman Channel and Limit Out Productions.

Companies or organizations that would like to support National Hunting and Fishing Day are encouraged to contact Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs at Wonders of Wildlife – nhfday@wondersofwildlife.org. 

 For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

NORTH AMERICAN HUNTING CLUB SPONSORS NHF DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (August 15, 2013) — North American Hunting Club is proud to continue its sponsorship of National Hunting  and Fishing Day scheduled for September 28, 2013. Each year sportsmen and women take to lands and waters that are greatly impacted by their own conservation efforts.

A simple purchase of a license or the buying of a Federal duck stamp goes a long way to further the development of these areas. National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) is set-aside for sportsmen and women to celebrate those conservation efforts. North American Hunting Club (NAHC) (http://huntingclub.com) is once again sponsoring the historic event and will provide value-added media to raise the event’s presence nationally.

This marks the second year NAHC has sponsored NHF Day, which takes place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year it falls on September 28^th.  

“Our NAHC members understand the importance of conserving our properties,” said Gordy Krahn, Editor-in-Chief for North American Hunter. “NAHC is delighted to support an organization that drives home the message of conservation. NHF Day also brings to light what some of us take for granted.”

“NHF Day is made possible by supporters like NAHC,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “Their role is a vital one. They are able to reach out to its members and call for support unlike any other in our hunting industry. We believe with their continued success NHF Day will continue to thrive and raise awareness about conservation efforts across the nation.”

As part of the NHF Day agenda, a spokesman that is a true steward of the sports and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by congress in 1972.

Dance learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included: Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“You know, I grew up in a small Tennessee town learning all about the outdoors,” said Bill Dance. I would’ve never dreamed that small world would shape the man I am today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with my granddaddy and dad shaped the core beliefs I still hold true to this day. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.” 

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Sportsman’s Channel, Izaak Walton League of America and Limit Out Productions.

 For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

GUNBROKER.COM SPONSORS NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (August 12, 2013) — Whether you are buying a Federal duck stamp or simply purchasing a fishing license, you are supporting conservation efforts. That support goes a long way to ensure our national heritage is kept safe. National Hunting and Fishing Day is set aside for sportsmen to celebrate those conservation efforts. GunBroker.com is once again sponsoring National Hunting and Fishing Day.

GunBroker.com has been a strong supporter of NHFDay, and it is that continued support that gives sportsmen around the nation the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with more success than ever.

“GunBroker.com has proudly sponsored NHF Day for the past seven years because we passionately believe in the importance of habitat and wildlife conservation, as do many of our 2.75 million registered users,” Don Hall, GunBroker.com Chief Operating Officer. “It is extremely rewarding to play a role in preserving our outdoor heritage so future generations can engage in hunting and fishing as a pastime and a passion.”

Each year, NHF Day is set to take place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year NHF Day falls on September 28^th. 

As part of the NHF Day agenda, a spokesman that is a true steward of the sports and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by congress in 1972.

Dance understands the necessity to conserve and restore habitat throughout the nation. He learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included: Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“You know, I grew up in a small Tennessee town learning all about the outdoors,” said Bill Dance. I would’ve never dreamed that small world would shape the man I am today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with my granddaddy and dad shaped the core beliefs I still hold true to this day. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.” 

Continued efforts by Dance and GunBroker.com provide those opportunities for future generations.

“GunBroker.com has been great supporter of NHFDay,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “If not for conservation, sportsmen would not get an opportunity to fish the boundary waters, hunt the South Dakota Plains or bird watch the national forests. The support GunBroker.com has shown makes this possible.” 

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Izaak Walton League of America and Limit Out Productions.

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

DUCKS UNLIMITED SET TO SPONSOR NHF DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (July 25, 2013) — Ever wonder what it takes to make our lands better for future sportsmen? It’s simple: Hard work, great organizations and a call to conserve. One such organization – Ducks Unlimited (DU) – has partnered with National Hunting and Fishing to further the conservation efforts of sportsmen everywhere. National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) is slated for Sept. 28.

DU is known for their conservation efforts to ensure future sportsmen and women can have the same outdoor opportunities past generations have enjoyed, and NHFD is set aside a special day for all sportsmen to celebrate those efforts.

“Ducks Unlimited is committed to conserving critical waterfowl habitat across North America, and the success of this mission would not be possible without DU’s army of volunteers, the majority of whom are hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “We are honored to support National Hunting and Fishing Day and to commemorate the important contributions of sportsmen to America’s economy and outdoor heritage.”

NHFD is dedicated to raising awareness of conservation on public lands across the country, and the support of DU is a great example of an organization stepping up to lend a unified voice for conservation.

“Ducks Unlimited is a force when it comes to conservation,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “They play a vital role in restoring our wetlands and enhancing waterfowl habitat throughout North America. We are more than pleased to have them on as supporters of NHF Day.”

This year Bill Dance will be the honorary chair for NHFD. Dance comes from a long line of conservationist and has been known for his willingness to help others with their conservation endeavors.

Dance learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included: Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“I may have grown up in a small Tennessee town, but that didn’t mean I had a blind eye toward conservation,” said Bill Dance. That small town and my relationship with my folks and my grandparents shaped my conservation mind. NHF Day is more than a day set aside for sportsmen. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.”

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Sportsman Channel, Yamaha, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Izaak Walton League of America and Limit Out Productions.

For more information about NHF Day, visit http://www.nhfday.org.

REALTREE AND NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY PARTNER NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Realtree has been a strong supporter of the conservation efforts of sportsmen around the nation. They have, once again, signed on to be a supporter of National Hunting and Fishing Day. It doesn’t matter if you purchase a fishing license in Utah or hunting license in Maine, you are supporting conservation. Those funds are set aside for the continued growth of our public lands and efforts to grow our fishing, shooting and outdoor sports. 

NHF Day is a day set by Congress in 1972 to recognize all the effort by sportsmen to maintain a strong conservation presence across the nation. The continued support of Realtree is a testament to their dedication to further conservation and to keep it top-of-mind in every angler and hunter. 

Each year, NHF Day is set to take place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year NHF Day falls on September 28^th. 

As part of the NHF Day agenda, a spokesman that is a true steward of the sports and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by congress in 1972. 

Dance understands the necessity to conserve and restore habitat throughout the nation. He learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included: Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“You know, I grew up in a small Tennessee town learning all about the outdoors,” said Bill Dance. I would’ve never dreamed that small world would shape the man I am today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with my granddaddy and dad shaped the core beliefs I still hold true to this day. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.”

“Realtree is conservation,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs Wonders of Wildlife. “It seems like every thing they do is geared toward developing good stewards for our hunting and fishing heritage. If not for conservation, sportsmen would not get an opportunity to do what they enjoy most – spend time outdoors. It is that continued support of great companies like Realtree that make those moments possible.”

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club and Limit Out Productions.

 For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

NORTH AMERICAN FISHING CLUB SPONSORS NHF DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 28, 2013 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  — North American Fishing Club is proud to continue its sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day scheduled for September 28, 2013. Each year sportsmen and women take to lands and waters that are greatly impacted by their own conservation efforts. A simple purchase of a license or the buying of a Federal duck stamp goes a long way to further the development of these areas.

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) is set-aside for sportsmen and women to celebrate those conservation efforts. North American Fishing Club (NHFC) is once again sponsoring the historic event and will provide value-added media to raise the event’s presence nationally.

This marks the second year NAFC has sponsored NHF Day, which takes place on the fourth Saturday in September. This year it falls on September 28^th.

“NAFC members are stewards and enthusiasts of fishing and all outdoor activities,” said Kurt Beckstrom, Editor-in-Chief for North American Fisherman. “NAFC continues these outdoor traditions to preserve our conservation heritage.”

“NHF Day could not continue without the help of organizations like NAFC,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation for Wonders of Wildlife. “Their role is vital to the success of recognizing the efforts by sportsmen to take conservation to a whole new level. We welcome their sponsorship and are appreciative of their efforts to make NHF Day what it has become.”

As part of the NHF Day agenda, a spokesman that is a true steward of the sports and conservation efforts is selected. Legendary bass angler, TV host and conservationist Bill Dance was chosen to represent sportsmen around the nation on this day that was formalized by congress in 1972.

Dance learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

Dance follows a long line of great Honorary Chairmen that has included: Hank Williams Jr., Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart, Boone Pickens, Louise Mandrell, The USA Shooting Team, Arnold Palmer, Wade Boggs and Luke Bryan. Each has a storied past of supporting hunting, fishing and conservation efforts to preserve our national heritage.

“You know, I grew up in a small Tennessee town learning all about the outdoors,” said Bill Dance. I would’ve never dreamed that small world would shape the man I am today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with my granddaddy and dad shaped the core beliefs I still hold true to this day. To me, NHF Day is a day to reflect about the past conservation pursuits and an opportunity to step forward to expanding what we know. I want my great, great grandkids to enjoy the type of experiences that I had when I was a little one. It is the right thing to do.”

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2013 includes: NSSF, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Ducks Unlimited, North American Fishing Club, Yamaha, Bass Pro Shops, Smith and Wesson, North American Hunting Club, Izaak Walton League of America and Limit Out Productions.

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

CONTINUING THE EDUCATION OF TODAY’S YOUTH KEY FOR FUTURE OF THE OUTDOORS

Bill Dance to Chair National Hunting and Fishing Day

Growing up in a small Tennessee town, Bill Dance never dreamed that small world would shape the man he is today. Valuable lessons learned while spending time on the water and in the woods with his granddaddy and his dad shaped the core beliefs he still holds true to this day.

In recognition of his conservation efforts and continuous efforts to better the traditional outdoor sports, Bill Dance is serving as the honorary chair of National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 28. Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1971, the day has been formally proclaimed by every U.S. President and countless governors and mayors.

Dance joins an elite fraternity of country stars, professional athletes, entertainers and outdoor personalities that have helped build National Hunting and Fishing Day, including Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Stewart and Boone Pickens. 

Dance understands the necessity to conserve and restore habitat throughout the nation. He learned early on while fishing with his granddaddy in rural middle Tennessee that conservation is a way of life that everyone should embrace. Dance vividly recalls he and his granddaddy on the banks of the river catching shell crackers as big as a saucer. Once his granddaddy had enough for a mess, the two would leave the rest for seed. Dance didn’t understand at the moment, but later in life it all made perfect sense.

“You know game restrictions and conservation of outdoorsman is done for a reason,” said Dance. “My granddaddy and my daddy taught me to take what you needed and put back what you didn’t. That was the earliest recollection I had of conserving wildlife. It didn’t matter if you could shoot more pheasant or take more fish; all we took is what was needed. It was basic conservation.”

Growing up with his granddaddy’s fishing tutelage and his dad’s firearms expertise, Dance grew his love and passion for the outdoor sports. However, his first love is fishing.

The first artificial lure Dance ever bought was in Lynchburg, Tennessee and was a black Jitter Bug. He took the 75-cent Jitter Bug with braided line and monofilament leader and walked out on a point while his granddaddy bottom fished for red ear. When Dance got down there he looked off to his right and noticed two small bass swimming along. He made a pretty accurate cast, missing his mark by twenty feet, which was accurate for the now fishing show host. Those two fish stopped swimming then raced to the bait once he started working the lure.

“This was one of the most exciting feelings I’ve ever felt while fishing,” said Dance. “I stopped the lure and the two pounder charged the bait. I reeled and reeled until I got him to the shore. Grabbing the fish, I rushed to show my granddaddy and grandmother what I had caught. We took the fish home and I had them take the picture. This is what kick started the career that I have today. It is amazing to think about how one little memory like that can ignite the career that I’ve had.”

All those memories led Dance to where he is today, and every memory he had led to one simple fact – conservation for outdoorsmen continues to grow.

Dance went on to explain the importance of educating every generation about the importance of conserving what we all enjoy. “Today we have an obligation to expand our knowledge and teach conservation to future hunters and anglers. We have the responsibility to pass it on. There are so many great representatives that are furthering our knowledge and doing a fantastic job. Every chance I have I will support our agencies and stewards of conservation.”

Through many conservation efforts habitats are being restored, and the main contributors are hunters and fishermen. Hunters and fishermen fund nearly 75% of the annual income for all 50 state conservation agencies. Through license fees and excise taxes on arms and gear, sportsmen contribute $200 million per year for wildlife conservation.    

Bill Dance is easily one of the outdoors’ most recognizable figures. He can be seen on countless TV shows and is everywhere we look when walking through the aisles of the local fishing shop. Today, Dance enjoys the little things like watching his grandchildren catch their first fish or teaching youngsters throughout the country the value of spending time outdoors. 

When asked about serving as honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day, Bill Dance said, “I was deeply gratified. To serve the conservation community is all I want to do. It is very prestigious to even be nominated for something like this. I am happy to spread the word and overjoyed to serve National Hunting and Fishing Day.”

Wonders of Wildlife, in Springfield, Mo., is the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The museum coordinates public education and awareness campaigns to promote traditional outdoor sports. The museum is scheduled to re-open its doors in the coming year.

For more information, visit http://www.nhfday.org.

DUCKS UNLIMITED SET TO SPONSOR NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY

NHFD to Take Place September 22, 2012

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (July 30, 2012) — Ducks Unlimited is a new sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the official federal commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservation.

 

NHF Day continues to grow and reach new outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen each year with the continued support of generous sponsors. Through licenses, permits and special taxes, hunters and anglers generate $100,000 every 30 minutes—totaling more than $1.75 billion per year—for fish, wildlife and habitat. No one contributes more for conservation.

 

NHF Day is set to take place Sept. 22, 2012.

 

The sponsorship by DU supports the Wonders of Wildlife museum—the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationship between hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation.

 

Each year National Hunting and Fishing Day chooses an honorary chairperson, and this year NASCAR Sprint Cup driver/owner Tony Stewart is serving in that capacity and will deliver the message of NHF Day.

 

As the driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Stewart has won 12 driving championships, including three Sprint Cup Series titles, in a career spanning more than three decades.

 

Stewart is a champion off the racetrack as much as he is on, and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts via his Tony Stewart Foundation, which raises funds for distribution to three specific groups – chronically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities, and organizations dedicated to the protection of various animal species.

 

“Ducks Unlimited is committed to conserving critical waterfowl habitat across North America, and the success of this mission would not be possible without DU’s dedicated base of more than 1 million volunteers, members and other supporters, the vast majority of whom are hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “We are honored to support National Hunting and Fishing Day and to commemorate the important contributions of sportsmen to America’s economy and outdoor heritage.”

 

In 1972, Congress formalized NHF Day to remind the public that conservation depends on funding and leadership from hunters and anglers. Every president from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama has issued official proclamations of support for the annual commemoration, now recognized as one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

 

“National Hunting and Fishing Day is thrilled to have Ducks Unlimited as a sponsor,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs, Wonders of Wildlife. “They have proven themselves as strong advocates for conservation and their support for NHF Day reinforces these beliefs. We look forward to working with them in years to come.”

 

Ducks Unlimited was built on the bedrock of conserving wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Established in 1937 by a small group of sportsmen with big dreams for the future of waterfowl populations and America’s great outdoors, DU is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a host of special events, conservation projects and programs across the country, as well as sponsoring important events such as NHF Day.

 

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2012 includes Wonders of Wildlife, NSSF, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, North American Media Group Inc.,  Sportsman’s Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, Pope and Young Club, Ducks Unlimited and the Izaak Walton League of America.

 

 For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.