Rep. Lahti offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 188.

A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Whereas, Over 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were the earliest and most vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management, and they were the first to recognize that rapid development and unregulated uses of wildlife were threatening the future of many species; and

Whereas, Led by fellow sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first laws restricting the commercial slaughter of wildlife. They urged sustainable use of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies. These actions were the foundation of the North American wildlife conservation model, a science-based, user-pay system that would foster the most dramatic conservation successes of all-time; and

Whereas, During the next half-century, in addition to the funds they contributed for conservation and their diligent watch over the restored health of America's outdoors, sportsmen worked countless hours to protect and improve millions of acres of vital habitat and innumerable waterways for the use and enjoyment of everyone. Populations of white-tailed deer, elk, antelope, wild turkey, wood ducks and many other species began to recover from decades of unregulated exploitation; and

Whereas, In the 1960s, hunters and anglers embraced the era's heightened environmental awareness but were discouraged that many people didn't understand the crucial role that sportsmen had played in the conservation movement; and

Whereas, The first to suggest an official day of thanks to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe's Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. In 1970, Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe's idea and created "Outdoor Sportsman's Day" in the state; and

Whereas, With determined prompting from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the concept soon emerged on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In June 1971, Sen. Thomas McIntyre, of New Hampshire introduced Joint Resolution 117 authorizing National Hunting and Fishing Day on the fourth Saturday of every September. Representative Bob Sikes, of Florida, introduced an identical measure in the House. In early 1972, Congress unanimously passed both bills; and

Whereas, On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing, "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations." By late summer, all 50 governors and over 600 mayors had joined in by proclaiming state and local versions of National Hunting and Fishing Day; and

Whereas, National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most effective grassroots effort ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation; and

Whereas, Sportsmen and women in Michigan annually pay $132.9 million in state sales, fuel and income taxes; Licensed hunters alone contribute $1.3 billion annually to Michigan’s economy; and

Whereas, One of every six Michigan residents hunt or fish, and Michigan ranks third in the nation in the number of licensed hunters; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body recognize the contributions of Michigan sportsmen and women by celebrating the 35th anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Governor Granholm and the Department of Natural Resources.