Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 24)

The Washington Times ^ | September 23, 2011 | Ted Nugent

[jazusamo]

Wilderness is clean, well-stocked, thanks to outdoor recreation community

It is sad to admit that hardly anyone knows what the acronyms SCI, DU, NSSF, NWTF and RMEF stand for or what those organizations do. That’s not your fault but rather the hunting community’s dismal failure to conduct fundamental public relations. As public relations go, the hunting community couldn’t sell a blanket to a naked man in a blizzard.

The accomplishments of SCI (Safari Club International), DU (Ducks Unlimited), RMEF (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and many other hunting/conservation organizations are extraordinary. But because of their failure at relating to the public, the average American will never know of their incredible wildlife and environmental conservation accomplishments, which literally are envied around the world.

Saturday was the 39th annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day. President Nixon established this important day back in 1972 as a day to recognize American sportsmen for our herculean conservation efforts.

If you were unaware of this day, don’t feel bad, because the vast majority of American hunters and fishermen also are unaware of it. Of the few who are, fewer still will write a letter to their local newspaper, post information about it on an Internet blog or celebrate it in any way, shape or form.

The national television news media, newspapers and informational websites will not mention National Hunting and Fishing Day. This is because they, too, are unaware of it. Again, this is because of the hunting-and-fishing community’s abject failure to conduct Public Relations 101.

Across America, numerous local and national hunting and fishing clubs provide, at their own expense, wonderful education outreach programs in which knowledgeable instructors introduce young people to fishing and hunting in a safe, professional environment. There is no coverage of these events by the media...

[jazusamo]

Most welcome on the pings, Fly.

I really don’t know how you’re able to come across the mountain lions you’ve been fortunate enough to have sighted, just lucky I guess. :-)

I’ve hunted, fished and camped the better part of my live and have never spotted one in the wild that I could confirm. There were a couple of times I got a glimpse of what might have been a lion but it was just a fleeting glance at fairly long range and neither could be close to being sure it was in fact a lion.

Spotting a badger is also a very rare thing and I had no idea they were in that part of AZ.

FReepmail coming.

[Flycatcher]

Not to rub it in, Jaz -- Ha ha! -- but I've seen 2 mountain lions (heard a third) and have seen 3 badgers this year!

And, yes, it really is dumb luck!

I do have a nemesis animal, though. With all my years spent hiking and camping out in the desert, I have NEVER seen a Gila monster. All my co-workers have, but not me.

Here's hoping that you see your mountain lion and I see my Gila monster!