State: CA

Why It Matters: Decisions surrounding California’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) network can impact recreational fishing opportunities and access throughout the state. Remaining engaged in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission’s rulemaking process around MPAs is crucial to ensuring that California sportsmen and women’s interests and voices are heard.    Highlights:  On October 13, the […]

Why It Matters: California’s ban on bobcat hunting and trapping, enacted through Assembly Bill (AB 1254) remains in place more than six years later. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has now released their draft Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan, required by AB 1254, opening a public comment period through November 1, 2026. […]

Why It Matters: The 2025/2026 California state legislative session officially came to a close on September 30, which was the last day Governor Gavin Newsom could sign or veto legislation. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is celebrating three pro-sportsmen’s bills that made it across the finish line the final week of September.    Highlights:  During the […]

Why It Matters: On August 27, California Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1912 into law. California will now allow licensed hunters to carry a firearm capable of being concealed on their person while archery hunting for deer, removing an outdated restriction that currently leaves bowhunters uniquely vulnerable.  Highlights:  Governor Newsom signed AB 1912 into law […]

Why It Matters: California’s 2026 legislative session is nearing its conclusion, with the session set to adjourn on August 31. Governor Gavin Newsom will have until September 30 to sign or veto legislation. Several bills have moved through the Legislature that impact California’s anglers, hunters, and recreational shooters.   Highlights:  The 2026 California legislative session has […]

Why It Matters: After a month-long recess, California is back in session for August before adjourning on August 31. With only a few weeks remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers will make final decisions on several bills that could significantly impact California’s sportsmen and women. From firearm regulations to hunter safety and forest management, these […]

Why It Matters: California’s archery deer hunters deserve the same ability to protect themselves as other sportsmen and women in the field. Assembly Bill 1912 would allow licensed hunters to carry a firearm capable of being concealed on their person while archery hunting for deer, removing an outdated restriction that currently leaves bowhunters uniquely vulnerable.  Highlights:  Archery deer […]

Why It Matters: Before the California legislature leaves for its summer recess, lawmakers continue to advance legislation that could impact the rights and privileges of sportsmen and women across the state. Several bills moving through the legislature this year would affect firearm ownership, hunter safety regulations, and youth participation in hunting and fishing traditions. These include Senate Bill 948, Assembly Bill 1987, […]

Why It Matters: As the California legislature returns from its spring recess, lawmakers continue to place legislation on the docket that could impact the rights and privileges of sportsmen and women across the state. Several bills moving through the legislature this year would affect firearm ownership, hunter safety regulations, and youth participation in hunting and fishing traditions. These include Senate Bill […]

Why It Matters: Legislation restricting forest management on State Demonstration Forests undermines the State Demonstration Forest System’s primary purpose, which is to educate the public about the benefits of multiple-use land management, including active forest management. They are called “State Demonstration Forests,” not “State Observation Forests,” for a reason. Dispelling misconceptions about forest management through education is essential for maintaining public support for […]

Why It Matters: After a long four-year legal battle, a federal court has overturned California’s youth firearm marketing law, marking a significant victory for youth sportsmen recruitment and Second Amendment rights. California’s sportsmen and women are a cornerstone of conservation funding through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). Laws that restrict youth engagement not only infringe on constitutional rights but also threaten the future […]