Recently, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Central Midwestern States Coordinator Joel Hodgdon traveled to Nebraska and Missouri to join events hosted by sportsmen-legislators in each state. On February 27, the Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen’s Forum hosted a conference and wild game luncheon, which gathered senators from around the state to learn more about current legislation that could …
On February 27, Washington House Bill 1464, a bill that would encourage private landowners to allow increased access to their lands for hunting and angling, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 89-7. HB 1464, which is sponsored by Washington Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Representative Brian Blake, would “Provide that landowners who enter …
Washington: Bill to Increase Access to Private Lands Passes House Read More »
Over the weekend, members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) joined representatives from the sportsmen’s community in Washington, DC during the annual National Governors Association Winter Meeting for a reception hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). CSF President Jeff Crane welcomed seven governors and other attendees and presented the event’s theme, ‘The American System …
Bills recently introduced in California and Hawaii would legalize the use of firearm suppressors for hunting in both states. Senate Bill 710, introduced by California Outdoor Sporting Caucus Member Senator Joel Anderson, would remove the felony prohibition on possession of a suppressor, and authorize individuals to use suppressors while hunting in California. A companion bill …
California, Hawaii Consider Firearm Suppressor Bills Read More »
On February 15, fifty-six sportsmen’s conservation organizations, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), urged President Trump to integrate strategic investments in America’s outdoor economy into the upcoming infrastructure package. Specifically, the letter sent to the President encouraged the Administration to dedicate 5 percent ($5 billion annually) of the $1 trillion infrastructure package towards natural infrastructure …
Recently, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission announced that they have directed the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to develop draft legislation that would create a new surcharge on resident adult hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses that would provide funding for both wildlife depredation issues and sportsmen’s access programs managed by the Department. According …
Idaho: New Depredation, Sportsmen’s Access Legislation Proposed Read More »
Two bills in the Indiana state legislature could impact the conservation and management of the state’s forest habitat, which is vital to many game and non-game species. Indiana S 420 would set aside at least 10 percent of each state forest as an old growth forest area, and also prohibits the Indiana Department of Natural …
Indiana: Sportsmen Oppose Bill that Limits Forest Management Read More »
On February 17, as part of the 2017 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a reception with leaders of the Minnesota conservation community. The gathering shared ideas to elevate the discussion about conservation efforts throughout the state and learned more about the accomplishments of the community. Caucus …
On February 22, the bipartisan National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council President Representative Brandon Phelps (IL) submitted a letter to all members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) urging them to support and cosponsor the Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 367/S. 59). The Hearing Protection Act will provide America’s sportsmen and women with easier …
NASC Executive Council Shows Support for Hearing Protection Act Read More »
On February 21, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation welcomed Governor Chris Sununu as the 30th member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC). Governor Sununu joins a group of bipartisan governors from across the country who are dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. The next day, on February 22, Governor Sununu signed …
A resolution before the Watauga County Board of Commissioners to ban Sunday hunting with firearms failed on February 21. During a public hearing on the proposed resolution, many county residents spoke against the ban. Additionally, a letter from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and …
North Carolina: County Resolution to Ban Sunday Hunting Fails Read More »
On February 16, the North Dakota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a sportsmen’s reception. More than 30 state legislators, leaders of national and in-state conservation organizations, and staff from the Department of Game and Fish gathered for a reception in Bismarck to discuss issues affecting the sportsmen and women in the state and celebrate North Dakota’s …
North Dakota: Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Hosts Reception Read More »
Pennsylvania legislators kicked off the 2017 legislative session by re-introducing two bills to provide sustainable conservation funding for the state’s fish and wildlife commissions – Senate Bills 30 and 192. This legislation would provide the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) the authority to establish license and permit fees. Both bills …
Pennsylvania: Conservation Funding Bills Re-Introduced Read More »
Legislation clarifies intent of Pacific billfish conservation measures Conservationists and anglers are praising a bill filed by U.S. Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) that seeks to clear the way for full implementation of a landmark law to raise protections for billfish. The Billfish Conservation Act (BCA) …
On February 15, the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted its first meeting of the 2017 legislative session. Legislators, legislative staff, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) personnel, and conservation organization representatives attended the informational meeting. Attendees heard from Stephen Tucker from Sumner County, Tennessee who recounted the story of recently harvesting a new world record whitetail buck …
Tennessee: Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Hosts Informational Meeting Read More »
On February 21, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) welcomed Governor Phil Scott as the 29th member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC). Governor Scott joins a group of bipartisan governors from across the country who are dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. “Hunting, fishing and outdoor sports are such an …
Vermont: Governor Scott Joins Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Read More »
On February 16, over 120 attendees gathered at the Vermont State House to celebrate Vermont’s rich sporting heritage at the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus’ Annual Reception and Fundraiser. Included in the attendees were over 50 members of the bipartisan and bicameral Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, members of Governor Phil Scott’s Cabinet, Vermont Fish and Wildlife …
Vermont: Sportsmen’s Caucus Annual Reception a Resounding Success Read More »
On February 14, the Hearing Protection Act reached a major milestone, as the 100th cosponsor was added to the House version of the bill. The Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 367/S. 59) will provide America’s sportsmen and women with easier access to firearm suppressors by removing them from the scope of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing …
Hearing Protection Act Continues to Build Support Read More »
On February 9, the Maryland Hunting Coalition hosted its annual “Blaze and Camo Day” rally at the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis. The annual rally provided an opportunity to celebrate Maryland’s rich outdoor sporting heritage while discussing policies, with state lawmakers, on opportunities to advance hunting and fishing. Several members of the bipartisan Maryland Legislative …
Maryland: Hunters Rally at the State Capitol for Annual “Blaze and Camo Day” Read More »
On February 9, the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted its first breakfast briefing of the year in Lansing, Michigan. Caucus members, Department of Natural Resources staff, and members of the local sportsmen’s community gathered for a forum to discuss priority issues for hunters and anglers in the state. Michigan Caucus Co-Chair Representative Triston Cole addressed …
Michigan: Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Hosts First Policy Briefing of the Year Read More »