"Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day helps recognize that hunters and anglers have been the leaders in major conservation programs since the beginning of the 20th century," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. "They are responsible for the majority of funding for Vermont's fish and wildlife department through the federal excise taxes they lobbied to create and through the annual licenses they purchase. Thanks to the Pittman-Robertson Act and the Dingell-Johnson Act, the money collected must be dedicated to supporting fish and wildlife conservation."
The resulting scientifically based fish and wildlife conservation programs have led to the dramatic comeback of many species that appeared to be headed for extinction in Vermont. For example, Vermont's populations of white-tailed deer, moose, bear, and wild turkey, are now restored to abundant numbers.
Both sources of federal funding, coupled with license dollars, continue to pay for most of the fish and wildlife conservation work done by state fish and wildlife agencies throughout the country.
Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day has been formally proclaimed annually by every U. S. President.
"National Hunting
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