Rep. McDowell offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 187.

A resolution proclaiming September 22, 2007, as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Michigan. 

Whereas, Following the lead of President Theodore Roosevelt nearly 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were among the earliest and most vocal proponents of conservation and wildlife management efforts; and

Whereas, Recognizing one day to celebrate hunting and fishing is a 37-year tradition that first began in 1970 when Pennsylvania Governor Raymond Shafer adopted the idea of an “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” in that state; and

Whereas, In 1971, with prompting from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Senator Thomas McIntyre, of New Hampshire, introduced Joint Resolution 117 authorizing a National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September; and

Whereas, On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation recognizing a National Hunting and Fishing Day to commemorate these great outdoor traditions and encouraging citizens to enjoy them. States across the country quickly followed the President's lead and established state hunting and fishing days; and

Whereas, Conservationists created hunting and fishing licenses and encouraged funding of efforts to ensure the proper management of wildlife. These efforts have helped ensure safe and plentiful hunting and fishing opportunities for current and future generations; and

Whereas, Populations of white-tailed deer, antelope, wild turkey, wood ducks, elk, and many other species began to recover in Michigan and nationwide as a result of these conservation and management efforts. Hunters and anglers continue to work hard to ensure proper management of wildlife; and

Whereas, Michigan has long honored the tradition of hunting and fishing in our great outdoors and one out of every six Michigan residents are hunters or anglers; and

Whereas, Michigan citizens are encouraged to carry on these traditions of hunting and fishing, and bring attention to the importance of conservation and wildlife management to ensure these great sports continue to thrive; and

Whereas, Sportsmen and women in Michigan generate $3.45 billion much needed economic activity for the state's economy on an annual basis; and

Whereas, Sportsmen and women create essential employment opportunities and support more than 33,000 jobs in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 22, 2007, as Hunting and Fishing Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Department of Natural Resources as evidence of our support for its endeavors.