For millions of Americans, time spent hunting and fishing are treasured moments. Hunting and fishing bring friends and family together and provide one of the most immersive outdoor experiences you can have. However, today fewer people are connecting with nature through hunting and fishing. For the future of conservation, we can — and must — change that. We urge you to join Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) honorary chair, in pledging to take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting by Sept. 23. (VIDEO: Richard Childress’ passion for the outdoor sports and urge for participation in NHFT #HuntShootFish.)

Childress is renowned for his NASCAR victories as a driver and an owner. He has another passion besides stock car racing – hunting and fishing! Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he cherished the trips afield with his stepdad to hunt for squirrels and fish for bluegill and largemouth bass. No matter how busy he’s been at the track, Childress always has found time to enjoy the great outdoors. His greatest memories come from taking his grandsons hunting and fishing and letting them experience nature just like he did at their age.

You can share your love of hunting and fishing, too. For every new hunter and angler you create, you’re helping fund conservation. Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment or fishing tackle, they are contributing to habitat conservation and science-based wildlife management through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program.

The WSFR is the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in North America because it brings funding from the sporting arms, archery and fishing industries and sportsmen and women back to state wildlife management agencies. These monies, in addition to hunting and fishing license fees, are critical for conserving fish and wildlife across our nation.

Please join this proud conservation tradition today. Take the pledge to invest your time in getting someone else involved in hunting, fishing and target shooting.

Help a friend learn how to hunt, fish and shoot; it will enrich their life and yours. Accept this challenge and enter the NHFD Challenge Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package for two or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s Conservation Capital from Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium by visiting NHFDay.org or calling 417 225-1162.