News Category: Wildlife Management

October 5, 2026

Colorado’s Beaver Season Is Open: What to Know About New Furbearer Rules   

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. […]

October 5, 2026

New Investments in Big Game Habitat Across the West 

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 […]

September 28, 2026

When License Fees Aren’t Enough: Exploring Other Opportunities for Conservation Funding 

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

National Hunting and Fishing Day 2026: America’s Sportsmen and Women Celebrate 250 Years of Outdoor Heritage

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 […]

September 14, 2026

President Trump Signs Executive Order to Review Gray Wolf Status 

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 […]

September 14, 2026

Partners Meet in Wisconsin to Discuss Upcoming Legislative Session 

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 […]

September 14, 2026

The Reimbursement of Free and Discounted Licenses is Crucial to Conservation Funding

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 […]

September 8, 2026

Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Demonstrates Success of Science-Based Wildlife Management 

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 […]

August 31, 2026

Healthy Big Game Populations Need Connected Habitat

Why It Matters: Deer, elk, pronghorn, and other wildlife depend on more than the places hunters see them during the season. These animals move between seasonal ranges to find food, reproduce, and survive harsh conditions. Conserving migration corridors and the seasonal habitats they connect helps support healthy wildlife populations.  Highlights:  Some mule deer travel upwards […]

August 31, 2026

Kansas Commissioners Reestablish Fall Turkey Hunting Season 

Why It Matters: Kansas residents will be able to hunt turkey this fall for the first time since 2023. Last week, Kansas Commissioners voted to reestablish the fall turkey hunting season, allowing increased opportunity for Kansans to hit the field this fall and participate in our time-honored outdoor traditions.   Highlights:  In 2023, Kansas Department […]

August 24, 2026

Public Input Sought on Washington’s 2027-2029 Three-Year Season Proposals 

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 […]

August 24, 2026

Prepare for Deer Season by Knowing your State’s Chronic Wasting Disease Resources 

Why it Matters: With the fall weather approaching, many deer hunters are starting to dial in their equipment and scout out their hunting spots. One important factor hunters should take into account, while scouting new hunting spots, is potential Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) restrictions or other management considerations.  The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) recommends accessing […]