WHEREAS, Alaska is abundant in diverse wildlife and its vast and expansive landscape provides bountiful resources; and
WHEREAS, from big game hunting to sport fishing, Alaska’s hunting and fishing heritage is critical to the state’s economic and social well-being and is deeply embedded in the essence and history of the people who live here; and
WHEREAS, Alaska is known for being a world leader of fish and wildlife management; and
WHEREAS, many Alaskans rely on hunting and fishing as a primary food source 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 (ADF&G) to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitat; and
WHEREAS, the ADF&G is funded primarily by hunters and anglers through the American System of Conservation Funding, which is a “user pays-public benefits” structure, meaning those who consumptively use the resource pay for its conservation – an approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model of fish and wildlife management on the planet; and
WHEREAS, more than 600,000 resident and non-resident hunters and anglers in Alaska reinforce the state’s economy, promoting the growth of jobs, tourism, and local communities while engaged in their pursuits; and
WHEREAS, since 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day has commemorated 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 23, 2023 as:
Hunting and Fishing Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to acknowledge and celebrate hunters, anglers, and conservationists for their extensive contributions to fish and wildlife management in Alaska.
Dated: September 23, 2023
