WHEREAS, Alaska’s hunting and fishing heritage is essential to the state’s economic and social well-being, and is deeply embedded in the spirit and history of the people who live here; and
WHEREAS, Alaska sets a positive example of wildlife management for the rest of the country as so many Alaskans rely on hunting and fishing to fill their own freezers and pantries and provide for their families every year; and
WHEREAS, sportsmen and women in Alaska were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitat. Through license fees, users help fund state efforts to provide for healthy and sustainable natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is funded primarily by participants, through the American System of Conservation Funding – a “user pays – public benefits” approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model of fish and wildlife management in the world; and
WHEREAS, the more than 600,000 resident and non-resident hunters and anglers in Alaska support the state’s economy contributing to jobs, tourism growth, and local communities while engaged in their pursuits; and
WHEREAS, since 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day has celebrated and recognized hunters and anglers for their contributions to fish and wildlife conservation, and their support of science-based fish and wildlife management.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim September 26, 2020 as:
Hunting and Fishing Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize hunters, anglers, and conservationists for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife management in Alaska.
