What a crock. He knows we're a huge voting block and thinks he can fool a few of us.

I'm indifferent. The Prez has more to lose than to gain by making a pro hunter statement. It was not gun toting hunters who voted him in afterall.

I shall remain cautiously untrusting until I see something more concrete than words.

Maybe the fly fishing did have some effect on him... or maybe the President was surfing the F&S website, noticed how we salute and celebrate these "ageless pursuits" EVERY DAY and wanted to chime in. Either way, I'll take it.

Is this the same president who now has Cass Sunstein on his payroll ? If he believes so strongly in our "ageless pursuits", how can he have a Czar like Sunstein ?

I'm willing to give him a little more benefit of the doubt than some on this site. Obama is not up for re-election. If this was something he did last October, it would be one thing, but he just started his term like six-months ago. Besides, whether its a little bit of pandering or not, wouldn't you all rather see him endorse hunting than keep quiet about it or condemn it?

Good on him for the public endorsement.

Politicians say whatever the people listening to them want to hear....they want you distracted by one hand while the other hand is stealing your wallet or feeling up your wife.....honest politicians need to be put on the endangered species list, but then again, they may already be extinct in the District of Columbia, we may need a reintroduction program, it work for the wolves...just an idea...

Sound to me that he's sucking up to the people supporting the one part of the economy that isn't tanking. Gun sales are on the rise and bullets are getting harder and harder to find because of the rapid sales. Some places are limiting the amount of ammo you can buy at one time.

Perhaps he found out how much money the hunters and fisherman contribute to conservation.

However, he's a politician. Listen to what he says, but pay more attention to what he does. Politicians are known for saying one thing and doing the opposite. Oh, and keep your hand on your wallet because that's the first thing they'll go after.

I'm with seadog, I'll be out with my bow before dawn and have my shotgun close by to jump puddles for ducks on my way back into town to get ready for a wedding. You heard me, I have a friend who planned a wedding on opening archery deer and waterfowl. He's almost written out of my will at this point.. But my point is, it's true, every politician is going to play their cards to sound supportive of everyone.. One day he's going to salute our traditions, the next day he's gonna denounce firearms. I'm done listening to it. If you think that means I'm not going to stand up for my rights, you are dead wrong. I proudly support a half dozen organizations that fight the good fight for the rights that I care about. And will continue to do so til my last breath.

If Obama got an "atta boy" e-mail from every hunter and fisherman tomorrow he probably would come to realize what a strong voter block was waiting for his positive actions.
And if he got several offers to take him hunting or fishing he might realize what a good bunch of people these sportsmen are.
Take a positive attitude and work it for all you're worth.
Have a good NHFD day!

Well ill say as much as no matter your sucsess in the field that day, cos he interfeared with your normal habitual actions, he is gonna think more of u as a brother etc. cos u cut your day short to be there on HIS special day.. and although he might not know the folly of modern females, i pray he never will and will be happy with his choice of both friends and female companionship throughouth his days. but still im pretty sure u will be there no matter what his marriage might turn into.. even after if there is such a thing, and then u can tell him that u probably missed out on some special buck only seen once each 20 years and that day u had a good feeling:P:))
( i know i might sound like a bitter old fuddy duddy, but im actually in love with a girl that ive spent 14 months convincing that hunting is conservation and the most humane choice to eat meat:P)

Question for Malcolm - Do deer flee sideways? I wish...

Why should I trust Urkel?????

What you need to remember is that he was a blood sucking lawyer before he was president.

Wow I guess this started with Nixon. To me a proclamation speech signifies something new, but apparently the potus proclaims it every year? Guess it wasn't much for publicity. Last year's chairman was Michael Waddell. You would think I would know about these things...

Here is another LA times article, a much more honest and informed one -

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/09/national-hunting-and-fi...

that is the only good thing obama ever said, eventhough it was just him trying to get a little bit of support and didnt really mean it

You know when he is lying? His lips are moving! ;)

Dannjs25,
"Obama is such a hypocrite. Seems like I remember him voting yes on a certain gun ban..."

I know a lot of democrats that are both pro-hunting and pro-limited gun control. They have no problem with long guns and firearms used for hunting purposes, but are very wary of handguns (as most crimes are committed with handguns).

I'm not saying I agree with thier stance, but I think it probably describes Obama's attitude towards firearms and why he does not view it as hypocritical.

(1) A similar proclamation is going to be made each year by whomever occupies the White House, so
(2) There aren't any tea leaves to read, which means,
(3) Malcolm is off base, and
(4) So is anyone else who either gets upset about the proclamation or Malcolm's comments on it.

I would agree with the post that said it was "the best thing Obama ever said, even though he didn't mean it" with the possible exception of the time he called Kanye West a jackass, which I think was sincere.

He's trying to get outdoorsmen to get behind him on issues that have nothing to do with hunting or fishing. As for this special day, there has always been one. Here in Kansas we call it "opening day". Obama is such a hypocrite. Seems like I remember him voting yes on a certain gun ban...