National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 22, 2007- Start Planning Now!!

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Right on time to help hunters and anglers organize hometown celebrations of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 22, 2007, a free assortment of new planning and promotional tools are now available at www.nhfday.org. 

And for every celebration listed on the Web site, the event organizer will receive a free one-year subscription to an online, custom-printed topographic and aerial map service (a $29.95 value).

"We're aiming for 200 event listings nationwide, which would be a new record for our Web site and a valuable resource to help the public find events close to home. Thanks to our newest partner, MyTopo.com, for the great incentive," said Denise Wagner, National Hunting and Fishing Day coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife Museum.

The Springfield, Mo.-based museum is the official home of the annual commemoration founded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and appointed by Congress in 1972. The fourth Saturday of every September is set aside to recognize the vital conservation funding and leadership of hunters and anglers.

To help spread this message via more public events and celebrations, www.nhfday.org is offering these free resources:

● Audio public service announcements from this year's National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman, Jeff Foxworthy

● Event planning guides, ideas and timelines

● Promotional posters

● Logos

● Temporary tattoos with hunting and fishing themes

● Templates for news releases, event announcements, proclamations for mayors, senators, etc.

● Tips for working with the media , courtesy of the Professional Outdoor Media Association

Also useful are the topographic maps and color aerial photo maps from MyTopo.com's subscription mapping service.

"Event organizers can download maps into NHF Day flyers, brochures and printed materials, maps for volunteers and attendees, and, of course, for scouting their next hunting and fishing spots," said Paige Darden, vice president of MyTopo.com.

Darden added, "We also hope that event organizers will share the message with hunters and anglers headed into the backcountry that they should carry a paper map with them, leave a copy along with their trip plans with family members and park rangers or the nearest law enforcement entity. It's a safety precaution that could help save a life."

Official sponsors of National Hunting and Fishing Day now include Wonders of Wildlife, NSSF, Realtree, Baron Technology, National Wild Turkey Federation, Smith & Wesson, Bass Pro Shops, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, GunBroker.com, Field & Stream and Outdoor Life, Woolrich, The Sportsman Channel, Cabela's and The Outdoor Channel. A host of partners also lend support.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.