No joke: Comedian Jeff Foxworthy has been named honorary chairman for this year's National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 22.
In his new volunteer position, Foxworthy will spend coming months communicating the annual celebration's message that hunting and fishing are vital conservation tools, important economic engines and, most of all, just plain fun.
"I'm flattered to be asked to serve as the 2007 honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Without question, sharing hunting and fishing trips with my family had a profound impact on my life, and undoubtedly shaped and molded the person I am today," said Foxworthy.
Although his "you-might-be-a-redneck" jokes are his signature material, Foxworthy is a decidedly sophisticated entertainer. He is the best-selling comedy recording artist in history, star of the popular Blue Collar comedy tours, television series and movies, a multiple Grammy award nominee, host of a weekly country music radio show airing in 220 markets nationwide, and a best-selling author.
"We're very excited to have Jeff as our official ambassador for 2007. He's an especially passionate hunter who grew up in the outdoors and has never forgotten that legacy. He's now teaching his daughters to hunt and fish, but he's also clearly devoted to those sports in a much more public way," said Tony Schoonen, executive director of Wonders of Wildlife, home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Wonders of Wildlife, a fish and wildlife museum and aquarium based in Springfield, Mo., is the only hunting- and fishing-focused facility that's both affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of September, was founded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and formalized by Congress in 1971. Every U.S. President from Richard M. Nixon to George W. Bush has recognized the day via formal proclamations.
Honorary chairs have included Hank Williams Jr., Tom Seaver, Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, George Brett, Robert Urich, Ward Burton, Louise Mandrell, Travis Tritt, Wade Boggs, Tracy Byrd and many other sports and entertainment personalities.
Official partners in commemorating the 36th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day include Wonders of Wildlife, NSSF, The Outdoor Channel, Take Me Fishing, Bass Pro Shops, Woolrich, National Wild Turkey Federation, Field & Stream and Outdoor Life magazines, Realtree, Gunbroker.com and Smith & Wesson. More are expected to come aboard to help build the day into an ever more important national rally for hunters and anglers who are proud of their outdoor heritage.
Last year, more than 100 public celebrations of National Hunting and Fishing Day were held around the country. Even more are anticipated for 2007. Each event showcases the accomplishments of hunters and anglers, such as providing more than $1.7 billion a year for fish and wildlife conservation, habitat protection and resource management programs.
For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day, including a hunting-and-angling profile of Jeff Foxworthy, go to www.nhfday.org.