National Hunting and Fishing Day will be celebrated this year on Sept. 28. In conjunction with this annual tradition, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds Californians of the many opportunities to enjoy hunting and fishing in the Golden State and thanks them for their contribution to conservation.

"Hunting and fishing are time-honored aspects of our American heritage," said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. "Our efforts to preserve California's pristine wildlife habitats are supported by the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and we commend hunters and anglers for the vital role they play in the conservation of our natural resources."

President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1972. It is honored on the fourth Saturday in September each year to promote outdoor sports and conservation.

California is the third-largest state in the nation and about half of its land is publicly owned. That translates into millions of acres of huntable public property and CDFW offers varied hunting opportunities across the state.

Fishing opportunities also abound in the more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, 4,172 lakes and reservoirs and 80 major rivers in California. The state also features more than 1,100 miles of coastline that is home to hundreds of fish and shellfish species. CDFW even offers two "free fishing" days each year in the state - prospective anglers received those opportunities on July 6 and Sept. 7 of this year.

For more information on the varied hunting and fishing opportunities in the Golden State, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov. For information on how to purchase a fishing or hunting license, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/alds/.