WHEREAS, hunting and fishing have always been an important part of the American tradition. While these activities may no longer be necessary for survival as in colonial times, they are still relevant today; and

WHEREAS, for over 100 years, sportsmen have been at the forefront of the conservation movement. Not content with merely vocalizing their support for conservation, hunters and anglers have requested taxes and special fees on their equipment to help pay for wildlife and fish management, habitat restoration and other conservation programs; and

WHEREAS, having raised over $23 billion, hunters and anglers also volunteer countless hours of their time for local conservation projects. Over the years, programs financed by hunters and anglers have led to the dramatic comeback of many fish and wildlife species. In Connecticut, these include striped bass, wild turkey and fisher.

THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor, would like to take this opportunity to commend hunters and anglers in our State for their efforts on behalf of fish and wildlife and their contributions to conservation, by officially designating Saturday, September 22, 2007, as