Why It Matters: Florida’s black bear hunt has entered a new chapter following the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) decision to re-establish a highly regulated hunting season. After nearly a decade without a statewide bear hunt, Florida sportsmen and women can participate in the management of one of the state’s most iconic wildlife […]
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: Previously, in Delaware, individuals who were at least 16 years old but under the age of 18 could not hunt with a firearm unless directly supervised by someone who was at least 21 years old and who was the lawful holder of a hunting license or who is lawfully exempt. The supervising […]
Why It Matters: Hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) remains a key focus of state fish and wildlife agencies and hunters alike. Hunters are the primary funders of science-based wildlife management through the purchase of sporting licenses, which is the backbone of the “user pays – public benefits” structure that is the American System of […]
Why It Matters: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently soliciting public feedback on a large packet of hunting rule proposals that will shape the 2027-2029 seasons for deer, elk, moose, waterfowl, upland birds, small game, carnivores, and hunting methods. This three-year season-setting process provides a critical opportunity for sportsmen and women […]
Why It Matters: The long-term success of conservation depends on engaging the next generation of sportsmen and women. Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) supports policies and initiatives that promote recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3), strengthen hunter and angler education programs, and remove barriers to youth participation to help ensure conservation funding, wildlife management, and outdoor traditions […]
Why It Matters: Access remains one of the biggest factors influencing participation in hunting and fishing. The Department of the Interior’s (DOI) final rule expands opportunities for sportsmen and women across the country while continuing to advance the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has long supported expanding responsible access to public […]
Why It Matters: Hunting, particularly in states with limited public lands, requires state agencies to balance demand with competition among hunters which has become more apparent in recent years. Many states have attempted to achieve this balance by limiting opportunities for non-residents, often through reduced tag and permit availability or increased prices in an attempt to lower demand. While […]
Why It Matters: In the Mid-Atlantic, deer, dove, and teal season(s) are right around the corner. To kick things off, hunters are beginning to scout for white-tailed bucks and are awaiting the arrival of the migrating mourning doves, green-winged and blue-winged teal. With all the excitement of hunting season approaching, there are a few changes to the region’s […]
Why It Matters: Widely known as the most successful conservation framework in the world, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has flourished, in part, due to the “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). Sportsmen and women play a pivotal role in this system through the purchase of sporting licenses. Thus, hunters make up the bulk […]
Why It Matters: Although sportsmen and women have long carried the banner as the primary funders of conservation, supplemental revenue streams are needed in nearly every state to meet fish and wildlife management needs. Without alternative funding sources that complement the long-standing leadership of sportsmen and women, conservation programs, and associated outdoor opportunities, are likely to suffer. Highlights: Throughout the country, conversations in the halls […]
Why It Matters: Louisiana’s black bear hunt is one of the state’s most sought-after hunting opportunities and represents a remarkable conservation success story. As interest in the limited-entry hunt continues to grow, protecting applicants’ personal information is critical to maintaining confidence in the lottery process. Earlier this year, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked alongside the Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to advance […]