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 […]
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 […]
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: 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 […]
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: Hawaii is home to unique fish and wildlife resources and a strong outdoor heritage. Hunters pursue species such as wild boar, feral goats, and axis deer, while anglers can target popular offshore species including marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and ono (wahoo). These hunting and fishing opportunities provide important recreational experiences while also contributing to conservation […]
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: Sportsmen and women rely on science-based management consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation for sound regulations, sustainable harvest opportunities, and proper stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. When fish and wildlife commissions receive undue influence from anti-hunting and anti-fishing interests, the result can be obstruction of proven conservation practices, reduced access and opportunities, […]
Why It Matters: The fundamental necessities for wildlife to persist are food, shelter, and water. Lack of access to any one of these needs impacts individual animal survival and potentially the persistence of entire populations of wildlife. Ensuring wildlife can reach these needs is a core component of habitat connectivity. Unfortunately, habitat connectivity is compromised in many places throughout our country. Habitat […]
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 […]