News Category: Hunting

Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women are the original conservationists and, as our sporting-conservation heritage is threatened by a growing number of ballot-box biology initiatives, it is imperative that hunters, anglers, and trappers participate in the political process. Ensuring that each license purchaser that is eligible to vote is provided with a registration opportunity stands…

Why It Matters: In just a handful of states, Sunday hunting restrictions remain as remnants of puritanical blue laws originally enacted to encourage church attendance. Now, Sunday hunting restrictions limit the ability of sportsmen and women (the primary funders of conservation through the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation…

Why It Matters: Early in the legislative session, North Dakota legislators introduced a bill that would prohibit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) from adopting or implementing policies on baiting, or supplemental feeding, on private property and the bill ultimately passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor. Removing management…

Why It Matters: The attacks on the use of lead ammunition have continued throughout the 2025 legislative sessions across the northeast. The use of lead ammunition in hunting is a contentious issue in some states, with the primary concern being the potential effects on wildlife. However, bans on such lead products can cause a decrease…

Why It Matters: Even states as pro-sportsmen as Arkansas have opportunities to further support sportsmen and women by enacting new legislation. This session, Arkansas saw several important bills introduced, with many of them successfully crossing the finish line before the Legislature adjourned last week. From updating the No-Net-Loss baseline, to preempting laws related to knife…

Why It Matters: Hunters work tirelessly to prepare year-round to pursue their favorite game species. As months turn into weeks and weeks turn into days, hunters dial in their calls, weapons of choice, and perhaps most importantly – the coveted in location as seasons approach. Hunters, especially in the East, often rely on private land…

Why It Matters: Massachusetts House Bill 903, was introduced into the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources this past month. This legislation would authorize the establishment of old growth forest reserves on state-owned lands – which include “old growth forests” plus vaguely defined “buffer areas” where sustainable forestry and wildlife habitat improvement practices would be…

Why It Matters: Hunters are the original conservationists and have shouldered the duty of managing wildlife populations through their participation afield and their funding of state fish and wildlife agencies through license and sporting goods purchases. Ensuring that hunters are not barred from participating in the management of populations is critical for the continued success…

Why It Matters: The use of dogs is not only a deep-seated component of our hunting heritage, it is also a critical tool in the toolbox of science-based wildlife management. A petition brought before the Arizona Game and Fish Department Commission (Commission) sought to ban hunting with hounds in Arizona, which would have severely limited…

Why It Matters: Efforts to promote and conserve our sporting heritage today stand to benefit sportsmen and women for generations to come. Whether that is revolutionizing fisheries management or recruiting the next generation of hunters, proactive efforts today will last for well into the future for all Georgians. Highlights: On February 13, Georgia Legislative Sportsmen’s…

Why It Matters: For the continued success of our time-honored outdoor traditions, it is critical to secure policies that provide increased access and opportunity for hunters to remain engaged in their outdoor pursuits regardless of age or injury, as well as offering additional avenues for new hunters to be introduced to the stand or blind….

Why It Matters: Governed in-part by the notion that wildlife management decisions and regulations be decided using the best available science, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is regarded as the most successful model of wildlife management in the world. Careful and strategic game management decisions coupled with funds generated as part of the…