LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclmation Friday declaring Sunday as Hunting and Fishing Day.

Michigan Hunting and Fishing Day will promote awareness of the importance of hunting and fishing activities in Michigan and recognize the contributions of hunters and anglers to wildlife conservation.

“Michigan has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and fishing,” Whitmer said “I’m proud to highlight the importance of hunting and fishing activities here in Michigan and recognize the contributions of hunters and anglers to wildlife conservation.”

Nearly two million hunters and anglers support the state’s economy by spending more than $11.2 billion annually while engaged in pursuits. That spending supports over 171,000 jobs in the state.

Michigan’s sportsmen and women were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to conserve fish, wildlife, and their habitat.