National Hunting and Fishing Day returns to Stonewall resort Sept. 6

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — National Hunting and Fishing Day 2025, the state’s largest annual celebration of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, will return to Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia, on Saturday, September 6.

Hosted in partnership with the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, the family-friendly outdoor festival will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and feature live demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and activities that showcase the Mountain State’s rich outdoor heritage. Visitors can enjoy free weekend parking and shuttle service to select activity areas.

Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the annual event is ideally suited to connecting families with the sports of hunting and fishing.

“National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity for West Virginians of all ages to connect with nature, learn new skills, and celebrate our state’s outdoor traditions,” McMillion said.

“Whether you’re an experienced sportsman or just starting your outdoor journey, this event has something for everyone.”

Outdoor Youth Challenge & Prizes

The Outdoor Youth Challenge returns with exciting opportunities for kids to try various outdoor activities related to hunting and fishing. Participating youth will be entered into prize drawings, including scholarships to West Virginia Conservation Camp and a lifetime hunting and fishing license.

Ticket Information & Special Offer

General admission is $10, and children 14 and younger get in free. Guests who purchase tickets online by 11:59 p.m. on September 5 will receive five complimentary food tickets for A Taste of West Virginia State Parks, a culinary showcase featuring signature dishes prepared by state park chefs. Tickets and details are available at WVDNR.gov/national-hunting-and-fishing-day.

America celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day

Every year, communities across the nation celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday in September. In 2025, the observance will fall on September 27, offering a prime opportunity to honor the contributions of hunters, anglers, and conservation advocates in protecting America’s natural legacy.

A Day Rooted in Conservation History

The day began growing roots nearly five decades ago when President Richard Nixon issued the first-ever proclamation on May 2, 1972, urging all citizens to “join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in ensuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”

Since then, National Hunting and Fishing Day has become the most influential grassroots movement dedicated to promoting outdoor sports and conservation.

Celebrating Sport and Stewardship

Administered from its official home at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri—founded by conservationist Johnny Morris—NHF Day showcases the critical role of sportsmen and women in fostering wildlife protection and habitat stewardship.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Beyond celebrating tradition, hunting and fishing contribute significantly to conservation funding and local economies. Self-imposed fees and excise taxes collected through sporting equipment generate more than $57 billion for wildlife conservation efforts, equating to more than $100,000 raised every 30 minutes.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, one of the event's founding sponsors, underscores the vital link between outdoor recreation and habitat preservation. The foundation encourages Americans to observe the day by introducing new people to hunting, fishing, and shooting, thereby sustaining the community and its conservation ethos.

From Grassroots to Statewide Events

Celebrations pop up from coast to coast—from local fishing clinics to demonstration zones for archery, shooting, and wildlife education. In Georgia, for instance, multiple events are scheduled for September 27, 2025, as the state trades the academic calendar for tackle boxes and rifles.

Similarly, Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosts free events throughout the state, including demonstrations and hands-on wildlife exhibits, at locations like Baton Rouge, Minden, and Monroe. All venues offer immersive experiences that focus on conservation practices, shooting safety, and fishing techniques.

Congressional and State-Level Recognition

National Hunting and Fishing Day isn’t just a weekend for enthusiasts—it’s also acknowledged at the highest levels of government. In 2024, President Joe Biden officially proclaimed September 28 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in his administration’s push to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 through initiatives like “America the Beautiful.”

At the state level, dozens of governors issued proclamations celebrating their state’s hunters and anglers and emphasizing their economic contributions through what’s known as the “American System of Conservation Funding.” This funding model, rooted in user fees and excise taxes, supports wildlife agencies, habitat restoration, and public education.
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Looking Ahead: Recruiting Future Generations

A major goal of NHF Day is to engage newcomers with hunting and fishing, but always with conservation priorities front and center. Many NHF Day events focus on mentoring youth, hosting classes on safety and gear, and offering outdoor immersion that fosters a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

From coast to coast, National Hunting and Fishing Day 2025 on September 27 will bring together families, anglers, hunters, and conservationists to celebrate and strengthen a legacy deeply rooted in American heritage. Whether through hands-on events, conservation pledges, or simply enjoying the outdoors, the day continues to unite communities around a shared passion for wildlife and wild places.