There aren’t many days that are actually dedicated to outdoorsmen, but today is one of them.
Today marks the 40th National Hunting and Fishing Day. The idea came from one of the best fishing and hunting states, Pennsylvania. Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe’s Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania first suggested the idea, and in 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe’s idea and created “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” in the state, according to the official history.
Within two years, the idea was passed through the U.S. legislature and signed into law by President Richard Nixon.
Since then, it has become one of the most embraced days in the outdoor community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of our sports, and provides all of us a chance to share our experiences. It also has attracted some of the nation’s leading celebrities as honorary chairman. This year, that person is NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.
So, Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day! We hope you’re celebrating the only way you can, by being outside. –Brian McClintock
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