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…
Why It Matters: With dove season marking the official start of fall hunting across the Great Plains, sportsmen and women look forward to hitting the fields for one of the most popular and accessible bird hunts. Dove hunting provides exciting action, generous bag limits, and an opportunity for new hunters to experience their first hunt….
Why It Matters: Seemingly innocuous bills can sometimes carry significant unexpected consequences for law-abiding sportsmen and women. Currently, California Assembly Bill 519, which has moved through both chambers with wide support, is one such example that has some members of the sporting-conservation community concerned. On the surface, the bill reads as an anti-puppy mill effort,…
Why It Matters: The “Sportsman’s Paradise” has seen several different pieces of legislation and regulations cross the finish line thus far in 2025. From committing funding to revitalize one of the most historic waterfowl hunting areas in the state, to incentivizing private landowners to enhance wildlife habitat, expanding black bear hunting opportunities, modernizing primitive firearms…
Why it Matters: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides important hunting and fishing opportunities across the country. Despite the importance that FWS lands, particularly through the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS), play for sportsmen and women, there are often inconsistencies between state and federal regulations, as…