Contact: John Culclasure, Director, Southeastern States Why It Matters: The South Carolina Southern Sporting Classic highlights the economic and conservation funding contributions of South Carolina’s sportsmen and women as well as the cultural importance of hunting and fishing to the Palmetto State. Additionally, the event facilitates interaction between Caucus members and conservation allies, underscoring the …
Why It Matters: Conservation has been a cornerstone of the recreational fishing and hunting community for more than 100 years. When the global “30 by 30” initiative to protect 30% of a nation’s lands and waters began to build steam in the United States, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) led an effort to organize sportsmen …
Contact: Ellary TuckerWilliams, Assistant Manager, Rocky Mountain States Why it Matters: The US Forest Service requires that groups of 75 people or more apply for and obtain a “special use permit” before hosting an event to ensure that the event is consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable Land and Resource Management Plan, …
Large Gathering Threatens Colorado’s Second Largest Elk Herd Read More »
Contact: Kent Keene, Assistant Manager, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Why it matters: As the original conservationists, sportsmen and women are arguably among the most connected to the natural world around us. While much of our interest can be traced back to the critters that we enjoy pursuing, the conservationist mentality that we share …
Contact: Joe Mullin, Manager, Northeastern States Why It Matters: For decades, CSF has engaged on legislative efforts that encourage and expand the abilities of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers to enjoy their pursuits in the field. This year’s legislative sessions in Vermont brought numerous opportunities for CSF to work with the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s …
Recapping a Busy Year in the Green Mountain State Read More »
Contact: Ellary TuckerWilliams, Rocky Mountain States, Assistant Manager Why it Matters: Human development and roads overlap with critical fish and wildlife habitat and bisect important migration routes for numerous wildlife species in Colorado, including its iconic mule deer and elk herds. Every year there are around 14,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado, resulting in human injuries …
Colorado Department of Transportation Receives $5 million for Wildlife Crossings Read More »
Why it matters: State fish and wildlife agencies have long been recognized as the primary and most effective managers of fish and wildlife in the United States. Unfortunately, in recent years, state fish and wildlife agencies have increasingly come under attack by those seeking to provide federal regulators with greater control of fish and wildlife …
CSF Leads Effort to Oppose Bill That Undermines State Wildlife Management Authority Read More »
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: Members of local communities in Tennessee have expressed concerns about harvesting hardwood species and the supposed consequential negative impact on wildlife populations and hunting opportunities. However, the TWRA’s utilization of science-based active forest management practices, including timber harvesting and prescribed fire, to improve wildlife habitat is critical to supporting …
Forest Management – It’s a Hot Topic in Tennessee Read More »
Contact: Joe Mullin, Manager, Northeastern States Why it Matters: State events such as the Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus’ Annual Cigar Reception offer forums and opportunities for candid conversations about crucial conservation-related issues within the state, while also serving to welcome new Caucus members into the fold. The Cigar Reception brings together leaders and members from …
Pennsylvania Caucus’ Annual Cigar Reception Makes an Impressive Return Read More »
Contact: Bob Matthews, Senior Coordinator, Upper Midwestern States Why It Matters: Modern night-vision scopes and binoculars produce clear images that allow hunters to reliably identify targets. Although South Dakotans were already permitted to hunt predators on public lands at night, they were not permitted to use night-vision devices, which hindered their ability to hunt predators …
Predator Hunting Will Soon Be Safer and More Effective in South Dakota Read More »
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: The passage of HB 762 and HB 406 positions Louisiana to establish a new conservation funding source where the state could leverage significantly more federal funds to implement conservation programs that benefit fish and wildlife resources. Expanding methods of take through the passage of HB 422 allows …
2022 Session Highlights for “Sportsman’s Paradise” Read More »
Why it matters: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the top federal agency dedicated to conserving our nation’s fish, wildlife, and their associated habitats. The Service also supports more than 2.4 million hunting related visits and 7.3 million fishing visits annually, marking the Service one of the most important federal land management agencies for …
2022 – 2023 Hunt Fish Rule, Mixed Bag for Sportsmen and Women Read More »
Contact: Keely Hopkins, Manager Pacific States and Firearm Policy Why It Matters: Wild horse and burro management is critical to conserving public lands, vegetation, and riparian areas. Overpopulation causes severe damage to the ecosystems and habitat upon which the horses rely, along with other wildlife and fish populations. Existing water and vegetation resources cannot sustain …
Contact: Robert Matthews, Senior Coordinator, Upper Midwestern States Why It Matters: Because state natural resource agencies rely, in part, on anglers for funding, it is imperative that states create initiatives that are focused on strengthening and growing their angler-base. Free fishing weekends offer an opportunity for people that have never picked up a pole to …
Free Fishing Days Are a Worthwhile Investment That Can Create Lifelong Anglers Read More »
Contact: Joe Bachar, New England States Coordinator Why it Matters: Dogs play an integral role in many of our nation’s sporting pursuits. From hunting-related traditions, such as tracking big game, pointing, flushing, and retrieving downed fowl, to competing in a variety of field trials across the country, our four-legged friends play an irreplaceable part in …
Massachusetts Municipalities to Potentially Limit Number of Dogs Owned Read More »
Why it matters: The anticipated House vote this week represents the first time the House has held a floor vote on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act as an individual bill. Importantly, Recovering America’s Wildlife Act includes a permanent and dedicated funding structure, a critical mechanism to promote on-the-ground species conservation efforts and to provide more …
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, Top CSF Priority Set to Receive Vote in U.S. House Read More »
Contact: Joe Mullin, Manager, Northeastern States Why it Matters: Firearm suppressors are often referred to as the hearing protection of the 21st Century. Vermont acknowledged this in 2015 when it authorized their ownership and authorized their use at firing ranges. Thanks to the recent signing of S. 281, they will now also be legal to …
A Decade in the Making: Vermont Gains Right to use Suppressors While Hunting Read More »
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: The passage of HB 762 positions Louisiana to establish a new conservation funding source where the state could leverage significantly more federal funds to implement conservation programs that benefit fish and wildlife resources and by extension, the sportsmen and women who enjoy the “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Counties, municipalities, state …
Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program Advances to Governor’s Office Read More »
Why it matters: The announcement of a request for proposals from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation marks one of the most significant steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to advance the America the Beautiful Initiative. Closely tied to the global Thirty-by-Thirty (30×30) initiative which seeks to protect 30% of lands and waters by …
NFWF Announces Request for Proposals to Advance the America the Beautiful Challenge Read More »
Contact: Kent Keene, Assistant Manager, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Why It Matters: After months of legislative work across the region, the 2022 regular sessions have adjourned in the Lower Midwest. While the sportsmen’s community is able to celebrate many victories, there is still much more work to be done as we seek to …
