Latest News

Hunter looking into the woods
February 17, 2026

CSF Priority Legislation on the Move in Mississippi

Why It Matters: The sale of hunting and fishing licenses makes up the bedrock of conservation funding in the United States. While efforts to provide certain groups of well-deserving individuals with a financial break on license fees are commendable, it threatens funding that benefits resources held in the public trust. Additionally, science-based wildlife management depends on reliable data to determine harvestable…

Aerial view of forest
February 17, 2026

CSF Backs U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Fire Project in Vermont

Why It Matters: The proposed forest health improvement treatments on the Green Mountain National Forest, particularly prescribed fire, support fire-adapted plant communities and promote species (like oaks) that are critical for wildlife. Fire suppression leads to changes in forest composition and structure and builds fuels, increasing wildfire risk to nearby communities. Environmental interests criticized the project, and it is important for the sporting-conservation community to support the work of trained foresters, biologists, […]

Aerial view of farm
February 17, 2026

House Agriculture Leadership Releases First Draft of 2026 Farm Bill

Why It Matters: Generally reauthorized every five years, the last full iteration of the Farm Bill expired in late-2023. Representing one of the largest and most important pieces of legislation passed by Congress, the Farm Bill covers topics ranging from crop insurance to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps). The Farm Bill’s provisions touch nearly all Americans […]

Image of wooded area
February 17, 2026

Looming Budget Shortfalls in the Pacific Northwest Threaten Conservation Efforts

Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife agencies in the Pacific Northwest are facing significant budget pressures amid economic challenges and competing demands for decreasing state general funds. In Oregon and Washington, directives for cuts and proposed reductions threaten core conservation programs, habitat management, and recreational access that sportsmen and women rely on.   Highlights  In preparation for the 2026…

Close up of recently caught fish
February 17, 2026

Final Step for Better Data and More Fishing Opportunities for South Atlantic Red Snapper

Why It Matters: Poor recreational catch data has been the Achilles heel for angler access to the highest biomass of South Atlantic red snapper in history. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been encouraging a state-led approach for red snapper management in the South Atlantic since the Gulf Council officially implemented state management in 2020. That time has finally come, […]

Buck in the snow in the woods
February 17, 2026

Drone-Assisted Game Recovery Legislation Introduced in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: Drone technologies present an opportunity for lawful hunters to minimize harvest loss and increase recovery rates. Recognizing this, states like Iowa and South Dakota have introduced legislation to allow the use of drones to recover mortally wounded game, which the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been active in supporting. Highlights: The Congressional…