Despite changing demographics, Chenango County and the surrounding counties are still flush with hunting and fishing enthusiasts, for there are thousands of residents who enjoy these great outdoor activities. If you are one of the many who annually buys a hunting, fishing, trapping or combined license, feel pride in the fact that, without you, conservation would fall flat on its face, much to the probable surprise and concern of non-participants. And this Saturday, you are being lauded and recognized for your efforts, as the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed.

National Hunting and Fishing Day – the 36th annual, Congress-appointed, president-proclaimed celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation – is set for September 22, 2007. Honorary chairman, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, is joined by a host of national sponsors and a growing list of public celebrations around the country – including a signature event at the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., – are in place to help communicate the day's core message.

More than a century ago, hunters and anglers were among the first to realize that expanding civilization and unregulated market hunting were causing serious wildlife population declines, threatening the sustainability of many species. The efforts of hunters and anglers to change that situation helped pave the way for todayís systems of wildlife management, where regulated hunting, fishing and habitat management programs have restored and maintained sustainable wildlife populations for all people to enjoy.