Page 2 - 2018 SEPT/OCT Outdoor Oklahoma

Panoramas

ince 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day servation’s annual Wildlife Expo will be in full swing that
(NHFD) has been observed on the fourth day. There’s really no better way to observe NHFD than to
Saturday of September to celebrate the fact take the whole family to the state’s largest free event devot-
Sthat hunters and anglers are the driving forces ed to wildlife conservation and outdoor sporting opportu-
behind conservation. Those who enjoy the many activ- nities. (Learn more about Expo starting on Page 24)
ities found in the great outdoors are the ones who pri- Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is expected to sign a
marily foot the bill for the conservation of fish, wildlife proclamation officially recognizing Sept. 22 as National
and other natural resources. Hunting and Fishing Day in Oklahoma. In part, the
Oklahomans have always been staunch supporters of proclamation states:
America’s longtime traditions of fishing and hunting. • Last year alone, Oklahoma’s sportsmen and women gen-
Harvesting fish and game was how many settlers survived erated close to $42 million … to support the conservation
before Oklahoma became a territory and later a state. efforts of the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
In modern times, survival doesn’t depend on fishing • Oklahoma’s 780,000 hunters and anglers support the
and hunting. But in many ways, conservation of our state’s economy through spending more than $1.5
natural resources does depend on fishing and hunting. billion annually while engaged in their pursuits.
Without hunters and anglers, who are the main source • This spending supports over 23,500 jobs in Oklahoma
of funding for conservation, many species would suffer. and generates $143 million in state and local taxes.
Today there are 34 million hunters and anglers in the But while we take time to recognize the valuable con-
United States. By purchasing hunting and fishing licenses tributions of hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationalists,
and paying special taxes on firearms and ammunition, let’s not forget that if these treasured pastimes fade away,
bows and arrows, and rods and reels, hunters, anglers and the future of conservation could be in jeopardy.
shooters generate $100,000 every 30 minutes. To that end, I would encourage everyone reading this
This annual total, $1.75 billion, pays for the vast major- to find someone who has never been hunting or fishing
ity of the conservation work of fish and wildlife agencies and introduce him or her to these wonderful activities.
in every state. These public agencies serve the citizens It’s more important than ever for today’s sportsmen and
by overseeing all fish and wildlife, including hunted and women to do their part to ensure our outdoor heritage is
non-hunted species, as well as all aquatic and terrestrial passed along to the sportsmen and women of tomorrow.
habitats. In this way, hunters and anglers benefit all
Americans who love wildlife and wild places. Sincerely,
And among the many groups of people recreating in the
great outdoors, nobody does more for conservation than
hunters and anglers.
This year, we celebrate NHFD on Sept. 22. And it just Nels Rodefeld,
happens that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Con- Editor

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