[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9500 of September 23, 2016

National Hunting and Fishing Day, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Hunting and fishing have endured as cherished traditions for
generations. Whether for sport, sustenance, or both, these activities
provide opportunities for Americans to connect with those around them--
from tribal elders sharing sacred practices to parents spending time
outdoors with their children. On this day, as we celebrate America's
hunters and fishers for the ways in which they have strengthened our
communities, we also honor their call to serve as good stewards of our
lands and waters.
Anglers and hunters were some of the earliest conservation leaders, and
they remain key partners in safeguarding the important recreational
opportunities provided by our unparalleled natural spaces. Caring for
our environment is critical for supporting hunting and fishing, and
today we recognize the growing urgency of conserving our Nation's lands,
waters, and ecosystems so that more Americans can enjoy all they have to
offer. That is why I continue to call on the Congress to permanently
fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has helped create new
opportunities for hunting and fishing.
Outdoor areas across America are renowned for their beauty and for the
wealth of recreational activities they support. To secure this legacy,
my Administration has protected more acres of public lands and waters
than any other in our Nation's history--and this past summer, I
established the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which
preserves access to hunting. And at national wildlife refuges, in
forests, and on public and private lands throughout our country, we have
expanded opportunities for Americans to hunt, fish, and reconnect with
nature.
Hunting and fishing strengthen local economies, provide sustenance, and
help Americans experience the outdoors. By enriching our communities and
bringing people together, hunters and anglers have carried forward
traditions dating back to long before our Nation's founding. On National
Hunting and Fishing Day, we recognize the majestic landscapes that make
these activities possible for Americans around our country. As we
acknowledge the important cultural heritage surrounding hunting and
fishing, let us vow to protect our Nation's remarkable outdoor spaces
for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 24, 2016, as
National Hunting and Fishing Day. I invite all Americans to observe this
day with appropriate activities in our great outdoors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA