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DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recognizes the contributions of the state’s sportspersons every year by celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day. Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of September each year to honor hunters and anglers for their leadership and essential role in conserving America’s wildlife and habitat. Recently, Governor Jared Polis officially proclaimed September 27, 2025, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Colorado as a tribute to sportspersons and their contribution of $13.8 billion spent on a broad range of outdoor activities in Colorado last year. This spending helped fuel the outdoor economy, which comprised 2.6% of Colorado’s GDP in 2023. A core tenet of CPW’s mission is to ensure that Colorado’s wildlife resources and outdoor recreation opportunities can be enjoyed by future generations. For over 125 years, CPW has dedicated itself to protecting critical wildlife habitats and recreation opportunities, conducting work that could not have been done without financial contributions from hunters and anglers. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAMWC) is the cornerstone of modern wildlife conservation across the U.S. This revolutionary model was formed around the turn of the 1900s when sportspeople realized that market hunting was taking an undeniable and potentially irreversible​ toll on North America’s wildlife. Looking toward the future, these visionaries determined that, to ensure the health and longevity of all wildlife, a structured system was needed. To this day, the NAMWC is the most successful wildlife management model in the world and is largely responsible for the abundance of wildlife in North America. A core principle of the NAMWC is a funding system where sportspersons contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and taxes on associated equipment. In Colorado, hunters and anglers fund more than 70 percent of CPW’s wildlife management programs through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps, as well as taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, firearms and ammunition. This generates millions of dollars each year for conservation programs that benefit both game and nongame species statewide. “Hunters and anglers are one of the biggest reasons Colorado enjoys such abundant wildlife,” said CPW Statewide Hunter Outreach Coordinator Bryan Posthumus. “While only roughly 40 species in Colorado are huntable, the fees from hunting and fishing licenses help conserve all wildlife in the state, including threatened and endangered species.” Learn more about CPW’s conservation efforts here. National Hunting and Fishing Day is an opportunity to acknowledge all that our sportspeople do for conservation, and in turn, recreation in Colorado. CPW remains committed to connecting people to the great outdoors and dedicating funds to sustain state lands. Learn more about Colorado’s Outdoor Principles, a set of seven guidelines for advancing outdoor recreation and conservation. Please note that National Hunting and Fishing day coincides with National Public Lands Day each year. On Sept. 27, entrance to all National Parks is free of charge, but Colorado State Parks admission will still require a parks pass.

Playing for the Home Team

Adams County’s business community is stronger when it plays as a team. To support local owners, entrepreneurs, and employers, the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, the Community & Economic Development Department, and the Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP) are hosting a business-focused town hall on Monday, Sept. 29, from 4–5:30 p.m., at the Community Reach Center, 1870 W. 122nd Ave., Westminster.

The tailgate-themed event, Playing for the Home Team: Adams County Business Huddle, will give business leaders a chance to connect with county officials and resources, share ideas, and ask questions about the opportunities and challenges shaping Adams County’s economic future.

“Topic-specific town halls allow us to meet people where they are and focus on the issues that matter most to them,” said Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners.
“This huddle is a way for our business community to get the answers, resources, and connections they need directly from county leaders and allows us to hear directly from people with skin in the game about what they need from us. It’s a win-win.”

County Manager Dionne Stroter emphasized the value of ongoing dialogue.

“Businesses are a cornerstone of our economy, and their feedback helps guide how we provide services, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen our workforce,” Stroter said. “By having conversations like this, we’re building two-way communication that benefits both the county and the business community.”

Jenni Hall, Director of Community & Economic Development at Adams County, added the format is designed to be both engaging and practical. County departments will host resource tables and be available for one-on-one conversations with businesses on the topics that directly affect them from business assistance and workforce development programs to road and infrastructure projects to code enforcement and more.

“We know time is valuable, especially to our local businesses. That’s why we promise to wrap up in time for kickoff of the Monday Night Football Broncos game,” Hall said. “What better way to get ready for game day than to huddle up with county and business leaders and get like-minded people on your sideline?”

To add additional value to the event, Adams County is partnering with the AC-REP, spotlighting the county’s continued commitment to collaboration, partnership, and ensuring businesses have access to whatever resources they want and need, both inside the county’s services and out.

“Adams County is a hub for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and we’re proud to partner on this event and help foster opportunities for conversation,” said Lisa Hough, President and CEO of AC-REP, who will emcee the conversation. “Events like this bring people together to share challenges, celebrate successes, and find ways to move forward as a united team.”

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders of all sizes are encouraged to attend. RSVP to join the huddle in person, receive a calendar invite for the livestream, or submit a question in advance.