August is National Shooting Sports Month:

NSSF, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, is the driving force behind many of the activities and programs that are highlighted throughout the month of August as we promote and celebrate gun ownership and the dozens of target shooting sports.

More than 2.5 million people have joined the firearm-owning community so far in 2020 and many have done so through introduction to ownership and target shooting by a mentor. NSSF’s +ONE Movement is their program which encourages experienced shooters to be a mentor and help even more newcomers discover how to safely handle firearms and have fun breaking clay targets or knocking down steel target plates.

The hashtag, #LetsGoShooting, is the theme of National Shooting Sports Month with which you can share your experiences on your favorite social media networks and remind others to head out to the range for an enjoyable day of fun shooting and socializing (as well as social distancing, of course!).

With the onslaught of the Corona virus, getting involved in the shooting sports is a great way to get outside, in the fresh air, and not be bombarded all day with the latest statistics of COVID-19.

In a recent press release from the White House celebrating National Shooting Sports Month, President Donald J. Trump stated “As we encourage our fellow Americans to take part in learning more about firearms this month, including safety and proper instruction, we also pledge to continue doing our part to ensure that our rights are never infringed upon. I ask those Americans who currently participate in shooting sports to share this cherished tradition with others. Together, we can proudly ensure that the next generation knows how to safely and responsibly enjoy their Second Amendment freedoms.”
National Hunting and Fishing Day is September 26, 2020:

National Hunting and Fishing Day is an event that is celebrated in all 50 states on the fourth Saturday in September. It was created in 1972 when Congress passed two bills establishing a specific day to celebrate the conservation contributions of the nation’s hunters and anglers. Most state fish and game departments plan public events to help celebrate this day, but it now appears that the COVID-19 outbreak is about to put a damper on all of that. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries just announced the cancellation of their planned events across the state because of the virus.

I would suggest that if an event that you might plan to attend ends up being cancelled, that it would be a great opportunity to take the bull by the horns and celebrate the day on your own, or preferable with a few close friends or family members. Spend the day along a stream or pond, or take time to go to your nearby shooting range. Take along a friend, relative or neighbor and be thankful for the outstanding hunting and fishing opportunities we have right in our own backyard.
The Great American Outdoor Act:

The Great American Outdoor Act is a bill passed by the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on August 4, 2020. It has two major components: to fully fund and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million dollars per year, and provide $9.5 billion over the next five years to address maintenance backlog at our American national parks. None of the funding will come from taxpayer dollars. Instead, programs would be funded by royalties from energy developments on federal lands and waters. The new act will create an additional 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and also drive tourism to aid local communities surrounding national parks. This is certainly the most significant conservation legislation enacted in the past 50 years.

Virtually all of our national conservation organizations have voiced their support for this monumental legislation that will be of benefit to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, regardless of the activities they pursue. It would seem that Congress actually can get good things done on occasion!