Why It Matters: If you have ever fished offshore in the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to Texas, chances are, you found fish near an offshore oil and gas platform. For three-quarters of a century, these steel structures that were constructed to extract petroleum to meet energy demands have created valuable habitat for fish, corals, …
CSF and TRCP Work to Raise Awareness on Efforts to Save Offshore Habitat in the Gulf Read More »
On July 10, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) held a policy forum and reception in Charleston, South Carolina during the 77th Annual Council of State Goverments’ Southern Legislative Conference. Speakers discussed the Farm Bill reauthorization and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) proposed vessel speed limit …
Why it matters: Congress is currently considering appropriations bills that provide funding for Fiscal Year 2024. Appropriations bills significantly influence the actions taken by federal agencies by controlling spending levels, directing funding for specific purposes, or restricting certain actions by federal agencies. The passage of these bills at both the Subcommittee and Committee levels are …
Why it Matters: Bringing legislators together to discuss important issues that sportsmen and women face, and to discuss the important role they play in conservation, is one of the hallmarks of CSF’s mission. As part of the Council of State Governments’ Midwest Legislative Conference, CSF staff and leaders of the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus led …
Midwestern Legislators Gather for CSF Regional Policy Forum Read More »
Why It Matters: New Hampshire Senate Bill 15 (NH S 15) and House Bill 221 (NH HB 221) seek to improve New Hampshire’s sporting community’s relationship with private landowners while at the same time protecting private property rights of the state’s sportsmen and women. Both bills are the culmination of years of negotiations between in-state …
Why It Matters: California’s law-abiding hunters and recreational shooters have long played a vital role in funding conservation through various wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays — public benefits” program, California’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for …
Firearm and Ammunition Tax Passes California Senate Public Safety Committee Read More »
Why It Matters: Through the “user pays – public benefits” American System of Conservation Funding, state fish and wildlife management agencies rely significantly on the sale of hunting and fishing licenses to support their conservation efforts. As the costs associated with these management activities continue to increase, periodic increases in licenses fees are necessary to …
License Fee Increases Enacted in Arkansas, Proposed in Missouri Read More »
Why It Matters: Extending the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) ability to set license fees through the regulatory process affords it the opportunity to make smaller adjustments over a gradual period, thereby avoiding the sticker shock that is often associated when increases are made through one legislative effort. In 2022, Pennsylvania had 1,146,972 certified …
CSF-Supported PFBC License-Setting Authority Receives Unanimous Committee Support Read More »
Why It Matters: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a slow and progressive neurological disease occurring in free ranging and farmed cervid species (deer family) that is always fatal and is spreading across the North America and elsewhere. This disease is a massive threat to cervid populations which threatens quality hunting experiences as well as opportunities to …
Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Florida – Continuing its Spread Across the Southeast Read More »
Why it matters: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 245 million acres of federal land and water and is required to maintain a multiple-use, sustained-yield mandate intended to support a wide range of issues including recreation, energy production, grazing, timber, among others. It is critical that the BLM continues to support these Congressionally …
CSF Expresses Concern with BLM Conservation Rule as Currently Written Read More »
Why it Matters: To ensure wildlife populations continue to be managed sustainably – and that the public continues to benefit from the immense contributions made by hunters and anglers – it is critical that policy makers continually work with the outdoor sporting community and professional wildlife managers to maintain scientific management of our wildlife resources. …
Why It Matters: Introduced on March 1, 2023, LD 958 makes it illegal to sell or offer for sale painted lead jigs weighing one ounce or less or measuring 2 1/2 inches or less in length beginning September 1, 2024, and illegal to use them beginning September 1, 2026. On June 20, 2023, LD 958 …
Maine Governor Signs Lead Jig Prohibition into Law Read More »
Why it matters: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the top federal agency dedicated to conserving our nation’s fish, wildlife, and their associated habitats. FWS supports more than 2.4 million hunting related visits and 7.3 million fishing visits annually, making the agency one of the most important federal land management agencies for sportsmen and …
Why It Matters: Oregon’s law-abiding hunters and shooters have long played a vital role in funding conservation and wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” structure, Oregon’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for the Oregon …
Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women, as well as outdoor gear manufacturers and retailers, are responsible for funding state fish and wildlife management agencies through license sales and excise taxes on outdoor goods. Visiting a sporting goods store in preparation for your favorite season benefits not only hunters and anglers, but fish and game, as …
Sporting Goods Stores Help Sportsmen Fill Tags, Live Wells, and Agency Coffers Read More »
Why It Matters: A recently discovered but little-known species of whale, called the Rice’s whale, in the northern Gulf of Mexico, is considered endangered and in need of protection. However, before the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) can even establish a plan and options to aid in the species recovery, they have been petitioned, with …
Rice’s Whale Petition Threatens Recreational Fishing in Northern Gulf Read More »
Why It Matters: As an avid sportsman, Senator Shane Wilkin is dedicated to protecting and advancing Ohio’s outdoor sporting traditions. Senator Wilkin is a member of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and it is critical to have pro-sportsmen representation on this key committee for issues impacting hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters. Highlights: …
Why it Matters: Events such as the Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus’ Annual Cigar Reception, offer forums and opportunities for candid conversations among both new and tenured Caucus members, agency staff, and industry professionals about crucial conservation-related issues within the Keystone State, while also serving to celebrate the great work that has been accomplished thus far …
Keystone State Sporting Heritage Celebrated During Premier Caucus Event Read More »
Why It Matters: Oregon’s law-abiding hunters and recreational shooters have long played a vital role in funding conservation and wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” structure, Oregon’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for the …
Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women depend on healthy forests to provide quality wildlife habitat, and forest owners and land managers need accurate and accessible information to effectively manage forests. The Forest Data Modernization Act would update the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Program to better inform forest management decision-making to improve forest …
CSF Supported Forest Data Modernization Act Introduced Read More »
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