When it comes to the great outdoors, few places rival Idaho. With more than 34 million acres of public land (about 63% of the state) and over 107,000 miles of rivers and streams, Idaho is a true playground for hunters and anglers. From chasing elk through mountain ranges to casting a line in pristine alpine lakes, our state offers some of the best opportunities in the nation to experience the time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing.
That’s why National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday in September, is such a perfect fit for Idahoans. This federally recognized day honors hunters and anglers for their vital role in wildlife conservation, celebrates the traditions of the sports, and inspires the next generation to carry them forward.
Why Hunting and Fishing Matter in Idaho
Hunting and fishing are more than just pastimes here—they’re part of our way of life. Idaho’s diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to rolling farmland and high desert, provide habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. Whether it’s whitetail deer and elk in the north, trout-filled rivers in the central mountains, or bass fishing in the Snake River, opportunities abound year-round.
But beyond the thrill of the chase or the cast, hunting and fishing are deeply tied to conservation. Sportsmen and women contribute directly to the stewardship of our natural resources:
- More than $57 billion raised for conservation nationwide through self-imposed fees, license sales, and excise taxes on equipment.
- That’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes supporting wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and public access.
- Here in Idaho, these funds ensure that we can keep enjoying healthy elk herds, thriving fish populations, and well-managed public lands.
A Legacy of Conservation
One of the main goals of NHF Day is to increase public awareness of how hunting and angling fuel conservation efforts. In Idaho, you don’t have to look far to see that legacy in action:
- Idaho Fish and Game manages over 400,000 acres of wildlife management areas, set aside to protect habitat and provide recreation.
- The state is home to more than 3,000 natural lakes, many of which are stocked and managed to provide exceptional fishing.
- From sagebrush steppe to alpine peaks, the habitats maintained through these efforts benefit not just game species, but countless birds, mammals, and plants that call Idaho home.
Celebrate, Participate, Pass It On
NHF Day is also about recruitment—inviting new people to experience hunting and fishing for the first time. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or someone who’s always wanted to try, there’s no better time than now.
Ways to celebrate in Idaho this year:
- Take a friend fishing or hunting and introduce them to the sport.
- Visit one of Idaho’s many community ponds or reservoirs with kids for an easy, fun fishing trip.
- Support local conservation groups and events that honor NHF Day.
- Share your outdoor experiences on social media to spread awareness of the connection between hunting, fishing, and conservation.
Honoring Idaho’s Sporting Heritage
In honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the land, waters, and wildlife that make Idaho so remarkable—and the sportsmen and women who have safeguarded them for generations.
Hunting and fishing aren’t just about filling the freezer or landing the big one. They’re about connection—to nature, to tradition, and to the conservation legacy that ensures Idaho’s wild places remain abundant for years to come.
So grab your gear, head outdoors, and celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day the Idaho way.