Letter to the editor: We should celebrate outdoorsmen

American hunters and fishermen contribute millions of dollars to conservation every year and pour billions of dollars into our general economy, including thousands of jobs in the outdoor industry. In honor of their leadership in conservation, Congress designated the fourth Saturday in September as National Hunting and Fishing Day almost 50 years ago.

In the past, parks and other areas all over America used to have celebrations on this day. Unfortunately, possibly due to public apathy, these events have been diminishing. To the best of my knowledge, only one sportsmen’s club in the area, the Irwin Sportsmen’s Association, has a public open house in celebration of this day.

I was disappointed that the Tribune-Review made no mention of National Hunting and Fishing Day. I am sad to think that you have no one interested or informed enough to help us bring this day to the forefront. I am sure that all of us sportsmen would like to see more outdoor coverage, not less, as has been the case.

There are at least several dozen sportsmen’s clubs in Westmoreland County alone. A lot of these clubs have events weekly giving you plenty of material for coverage

Sam Petrill

Jeannette