Latest News

June 22, 2026

Spring and Summer Free Fishing Days Conclude in the Great Lakes 

Why It Matters: Although sportsmen and women are the backbone of conservation funding through their license and sporting gear purchases, states offer brief, limited opportunities to fish without purchasing a license in an effort to grow the base of anglers.  Highlights:  With summer officially upon us, almost all of the statehouses in the Great Lakes region have emptied their chambers of legislators while nearby […]

May 4, 2026

Minnesota Legislature Makes Crossbow Inclusion in Archery Season Permanent 

Why It Matters: Expanding opportunities for sportsmen and women to hunt with horizontal bows ensures that they may continue to pursue their favorite game species, despite age or injury preventing their use of traditional vertical bows. Crossbows are also an excellent introduction to prospective hunters, whether they are youth or adults who are simply newly interested in participating afield.  Highlights:  Capping […]

October 6, 2025

Expanded Opportunities Available to Great Lakes Hunters this Season

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…

July 14, 2025

Crossbows Fully Included in Minnesota Archery Season Through 2026

Why It Matters: Allowing hunters to use a crossbow during archery seasons ensures that sportsmen and women may continue to participate in the pursuit of their favorite species, even if they can no longer use traditional vertical bows due to age or injury. Crossbows are also an excellent introduction to prospective hunters, whether they are…

February 24, 2025

Senior Skip Pay: Bill Providing and Reimbursing Discounted Fishing Licenses Heard in Minnesota

Why It Matters: Providing discounted licenses to deserving demographics such as seniors or veterans can increase hunting and fishing opportunities, but, if done incorrectly, they can also diminish the funds available to state fish and wildlife agencies through the American System of Conservation Funding. Reimbursing the agency from a state’s General Fund can offset that…