Why It Matters: The decisions made by elected officials directly affect hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities, wildlife management, conservation funding, public land access, and the future of our outdoor traditions. With the November 2026 elections approaching, sportsmen and women in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine have an opportunity to make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.
Highlights:
- New Hampshire faces ongoing questions about conservation funding and the future of its wildlife management system.
- Vermont sportsmen have a stake in public land management, forest health, hunting access, and methods of take.
- Maine’s outdoor traditions and rural economies depend in part on policies affecting wildlife, habitat, and recreational access.
- Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to repeal Chapter 135, the overreaching, and unconstitutional gun control law implemented in 2024.
As the leaves turn and sportsmen across northern New England head into the woods and on the water, another important date is approaching, Election Day. For hunters, anglers, and trappers, this year, November is about more than the transition from one season to the next. It is an opportunity to help shape the policies that will affect our outdoor traditions for years to come.
Wildlife management, hunting access, conservation funding, and our sporting heritage are all influenced by who we choose to represent our community and its policy issues.
In New Hampshire, the long-term sustainability of fish and wildlife management depends on reliable conservation funding and support for professional wildlife managers. Recent discussions surrounding Fish and Game funding demonstrate how important legislative decisions are to maintaining the services both sportsmen and the public depend on.
In Vermont, debates over public land management and forest health have direct implications for wildlife habitat and the future of hunting opportunities. In 2026, CSF opposed legislation that would prohibit certain forest management practices on public lands, highlighting the importance of management flexibility for healthy forests and wildlife.
In Maine, sportsmen have a stake in the policies governing hunting opportunity, access, wildlife management, and the state’s outdoor economy. The Congressional Sportsmen’s’ Foundation’s (CSF) work with the Maine Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus during the 2025–2026 legislative session demonstrates that these issues require continued engagement with policymakers, as we saw a multi-year effort come to a stronger position for the right to hunt, fish, and trap in Maine.
In Massachusetts CSF (along with instate partners) worked tirelessly to defeat the multiple year, multiple iterations of the Chapter 135 – An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws. Now, Massachusetts citizens will have the opportunity to take matters into their own hands-on November 3, 2026, when they can vote to repeal Chapter 135 via ballot question #9 with a NO vote. Citizens supporting the repeal are actually voting against keeping Chapter 135, which is why (despite the counterintuitive nature) a NO vote is required for repeal.
Different states face different challenges, but the underlying principle remains the same, the people elected to public office help determine how our natural resources are managed and what opportunities future generations will have access to.
Being an informed sportsmen-voter means looking beyond campaign slogans, party affiliation, or a candidate’s latest, camo clad photograph with a fishing rod or a shotgun over their shoulder. Ask questions. What is a candidate’s record on hunting and/or fishing legislation? Do they understand the role of professional wildlife managers? How do they approach conservation funding, public land access, habitat management, and the role of responsible sportsmen and women in the conservation of our treasured resources?
CSF works on a nonpartisan basis with bipartisan policymakers who influence sporting and conservation issues. That approach recognizes an important fact: conservation should not belong to one political party. Healthy wildlife populations, responsible management, and access to outdoor recreation benefit communities across the political landscape.
Sportsmen are often among the first to volunteer for conservation projects, purchase licenses, support habitat improvements, and introduce young people to the outdoors. Participating in elections is another way to engage in the future of our natural resources. That means registering to vote, learning about the candidates and issues on your ballot, and making time to vote. It also means staying involved after Election Day. Contact elected officials, attend public meetings, and let policymakers know why hunting, fishing, trapping, and conservation matter to you and your community.
CSF will continue working with legislators and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), and partners across the political spectrum to protect and advance our outdoor traditions.
This November, know the issues. Know who’s on your ballot and make a plan to vote!
I Hunt. I Fish. I Vote. is more than a slogan, it is our right, and it is our responsibility.