Rep. Rick Hansen statement on National Hunting and Fishing Day
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Saturday, September 28 is National Hunting and Fishing Day. Recognized annually on the fourth Saturday of September, NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources, and for advancing the recruitment of new hunters and anglers nationwide.
Yesterday, Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul), chair of the Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, attended an event with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Vermillion River wildlife management area. The event was held to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day and highlight Minnesota’s efforts to improve access to hunting and fishing through the Get Out MORE program.
“National Hunting and Fishing Day is a perfect time to celebrate Minnesota’s strong legacy of supporting hunting and fishing and encourage Minnesotans of all ages and abilities to get outside and enjoy our great natural resources through our investments in the Get Out MORE program,” said Rep. Hansen. “In these past two years, we’ve passed nation-leading legislation protecting native fish species, combatting chronic wasting disease, and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. These investments in protecting our environment and natural resources will help ensure future generations will enjoy hunting and fishing just as we do today.
The 2023 Environment and Natural Resources Budget bill included historic investments in protecting our environment, including provisions to address aquatic invasive species (AIS), and a comprehensive package to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Minnesota’s wild and farmed deer populations. The legislation also included transformative investments in the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) campaign, with $150 million dedicated to increasing accessibility for all. The 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill built on that progress and included a nation-leading provision to protect native “rough” fish for conservation purposes.
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