Why It Matters: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has launched a critical public comment period for shaping the state’s 2027-2029 hunting seasons, offering sportsmen and women a direct voice in regulations that affect everything from bag limits to access on public lands. This three-year cycle ensures sustainable game populations while maximizing hunting…
Why It Matters: Although hunters are at home in the field or woods, they must still be aware of what happens in the halls of their state government. Changes and updates to hunting laws and regulations can impact the pursuit of sportsmen and women’s favorite species, and hunters must stay on top of those changes…
Why It Matters: It is no secret that the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) can be challenging when it comes to protecting and promoting our sporting heritage. IIn 2025 the region saw just about an equal number of pro-sportsmen’s bills (15.6%) and anti-sportsmen’s bills (16.8%). The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation continues to work with…
Why It Matters: Revenue generated by sportsmen and women purchasing their licenses and tags is the foundation of the American System of Conservation Funding. However, as years pass, the costs that state fish and wildlife agencies incur while carrying out their missions exceed the revenue generated from these license and tag purchases, and legislatures must…
Why It Matters: Alaska’s Roosevelt elk population on Raspberry Island has rebounded to healthy levels, thanks to careful science-based management by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). As a result of these successful conservation efforts, Alaska is now able to open a limited draw-only hunting opportunity for residents, balancing harvest with conservation to…
Why It Matters: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission’s recent updates to hunting and fishing regulations aim to balance wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities. However, continued legislative restrictions on things like predator management threaten effective management of species like mule deer, which are declining due to both predation and habitat challenges. Highlights:…
Why it Matters: Passing on our time-honored hunting traditions is crucial for the future of conservation. Mentored hunts and youth hunting seasons provide safe, structured opportunities for young hunters to learn hunting skills, ethical shot placement, and develop confidence. These programs provide the first steps for youth and other first-time hunters to become engaged in…
Why It Matters: Hunters in Eastern Washington are facing new challenges from a recent Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak, which threatens deer populations and could impact hunting success in affected areas. Alongside this, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has implemented stricter ungulate regulations in response to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), to minimize…
Why It Matters: For over 80 years, sportsmen and women have been the primary funders of conservation in North America. The “user pays – public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF) relies on those who consumptively use the resource to pay for the privilege to do so. Today, most state fish…
Why It Matters: Across the Midwest, public hunting opportunities are particularly limited. Given that the vast proportion of midwestern states are held in private ownership, many sportsmen and women are relegated to hunting state and federal lands that are suffering from increased competition and, as a result, decreasing hunter satisfaction. For the sporting-conservation community, increasing…
Why It Matters: National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich traditions of hunting and fishing with national, state, regional, and local organizations hosting related events. Launched in 1971 by Congress, NHFD has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in conservation. NHFD is observed and celebrated…
Why It Matters: Each year, state fish and wildlife agencies introduce regulations that impact hunting, fishing, trapping, and sometimes, recreational shooting. While the agency follows the required process for the potential adoption of these regulations, most sportsmen and women are unaware that they can potentially impact these regulations through the public comment period and staying…