CPW celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day to honor Colorado sportspersons and their contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation

Joey Livingston
Statewide Public Information Officer
303-345-4658 / [email protected]

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recognizes the contributions of the state’s sportspeople by celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 23. National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of September, honoring hunters and anglers for their leadership in conserving America's wildlife and habitats.

Recently, Governor Jared Polis officially proclaimed September 23, 2023 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Colorado as a tribute to sportspersons and their contribution of more than $11 billion spent on a broad range of outdoor activities in Colorado last year. This spending helped fuel the outdoor economy, which comprised 2.7% of Colorado’s GDP in 2022.

In order to ensure that outdoor traditions can be passed down to future generations, CPW has dedicated itself to protecting critical wildlife habitats so wildlife and recreation can be enjoyed in Colorado for decades to come.

In Colorado, hunters and anglers fund more than 70 percent of CPW’s wildlife management programs through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps, as well as taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, firearms and ammunition. This generates millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit both game and nongame species statewide. 

“Hunters and anglers are one of the biggest reasons Colorado enjoys such abundant wildlife,” said CPW Statewide Hunter Outreach Coordinator Bryan Posthumus. “While only roughly 40 of the 960 species in Colorado are huntable, the fees from hunting and fishing licenses help conserve all wildlife in the state, including threatened and endangered species.”

Recent conservation efforts include reintroducing the greenback cutthroat trout, Colorado’s state fish, to its native waters, and the reintroduction and continued monitoring of black-footed ferrets on the state’s Eastern Plains.

Learn more about CPW’s conservation efforts here.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge all that our sportspeople do for conservation, and in turn, recreation in Colorado. CPW remains committed to connecting people to the great outdoors and dedicating funds to sustain state lands. Learn more about Colorado's Outdoor Principles and how outdoor recreation can be enjoyed and balanced with thoughtful conservation. 

Please note that National Hunting and Fishing day coincides with National Public Lands Day each year. On Sept. 23, entrance to all National Parks is free of charge, but Colorado State Parks admission will still require a daily or annual parks pass.