Why It Matters: California’s ban on bobcat hunting and trapping, enacted through Assembly Bill (AB 1254) remains in place more than six years later. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has now released their draft Bobcat Conservation and Management Plan, required by AB 1254, opening a public comment period through November 1, 2026. […]
Why It Matters: As New Jersey’s 2026 bear hunt kicks off this October, it is important to acknowledge that regulated black bear hunting is an important tool for managing wildlife populations and maintaining balance between bears and the areas they inhabit. New Jersey’s black bear population has steadily increased over the past decade and is […]
Why It Matters: Reaching audiences beyond the hunting and fishing community can help build broader support for conservation policy. America the Beautiful offers an opportunity to introduce viewers to the conservation efforts behind the lands, waters, and wildlife Americans enjoy. Highlights: America the Beautiful explores the nation’s mountains, plains, rivers, and wetlands while telling the […]
Why It Matters: The 2025/2026 California state legislative session officially came to a close on September 30, which was the last day Governor Gavin Newsom could sign or veto legislation. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is celebrating three pro-sportsmen’s bills that made it across the finish line the final week of September. Highlights: During the […]
Why It Matters: Colorado’s avocational beaver season opened October 1, and sportsmen and women heading out this year will be working under several new rules adopted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, beaver season has been shortened by one month and now runs October 1 through March 31. […]
Why It Matters: Healthy big-game populations depend on access to quality seasonal habitat and the ability to move between those areas. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) continues to support state-led, science-informed, voluntary conservation efforts that improve habitat connectivity while respecting private property rights, maintaining working landscapes, and supporting hunting opportunities across the West. Highlights: For […]
Why It Matters: The cost of managing resources held in the public trust, maintaining public access, and delivering conservation programs continues to increase while hunting and fishing license revenues are failing to catch up. As a result, agencies in several states have considered implementing license fee increases to help close budget gaps. While license fees […]
September 28, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, September 26, the nation came together to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), recognizing the contributions of America’s sportsmen and women and the critical role they have played in conserving the nation’s fish, wildlife, habitat, and outdoor heritage. Established by Congress in 1971 and […]
Why It Matters: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides an established process for determining whether recovered species should remain federally protected. The Department of the Interior (DOI), through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), can conduct a species status review at any time, but elevating such a review among USFWS’ ESA priorities can be […]
Why It Matters: While legislators are back in their districts knocking on doors, it is important for sporting conservation stakeholders to ensure that they are ready to advocate for sound hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting policy once the gavel falls in 2027. Highlights: Last week, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation joined sporting conservation partners just outside […]
Why It Matters: It is no secret that many state-level fish and wildlife agencies are in financial distress. These agencies are tasked with conserving and managing our wildlife, fisheries, public lands, boat ramps, and more that all residents and visitors enjoy and utilize, not just sportsmen and women. With the cost of living rising and […]
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 […]