WHEREAS, Virginia has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that is older than the Commonwealth itself and carries forward to today for future generations; and,

WHEREAS, hunting and angling are integral to the cultural fabric of communities throughout Virginia, and offers our more than 795,000 sportsmen and women opportunities to experience nature and take advantage of the health benefits that are derived from outdoor recreation; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and, through their license fees and other contributions, they help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources; and,

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is funded primarily by sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding, recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world; and,

WHEREAS, last year, Virginia’s sportsmen and women generated more than $63 million to directly support the conservation efforts of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia’s sportsmen and women contribute to the economy by pursuing their outdoor passions, spending $7.9 billion nationally on outdoor activities last year; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia’s sportsmen and women strengthen the Commonwealth’s wildlife conservation and outdoor experience opportunities by giving their time and effort through nongovernmental organizations and volunteer events to promote our natural resources and educate the public on all that Virginia has to offer; and,

WHEREAS, Virginia’s sportsmen and women ensure that future generations have the benefit of outdoor recreation by offering youth hunting days and fishing events, discounted licenses, mentoring opportunities, educational courses, and other programs through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and its many partner organizations; and,

WHEREAS, National Hunting and Fishing Day was established 50 years ago to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and to our society;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 24, 2022 as HUNTING AND FISHING DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.