State: AK

Why It Matters: The 2nd regular session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature recently concluded, delivering key victories for hunting, trapping, and guiding opportunities while highlighting ongoing challenges in advancing pro-sportsmen firearms legislation. Going forward, continued vigilance and advocacy will be essential to sustaining Alaska’s rich outdoor heritage, abundant wildlife, and the time-honored traditions that rely on science-based management and public access.  Highlights:  The Alaska legislative session provided a mix of meaningful advancements and notable setbacks for sportsmen and women, […]

Why It Matters: The Department of Justice’s February 17 court brief defending the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) veto of the proposed Pebble Mine reinforces long-standing protections for one of America’s most important hunting and fishing landscapes – the Bristol Bay watershed. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) applauds the Trump Administration for reaffirming that clean water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat, and…

Why It Matters: The recent renovations at the Hank Harmon Public Shooting Range in Juneau exemplify the enduring impact of sportsmen and women’s contributions through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF) – a “user pays-public benefits” model that has fueled wildlife conservation for over 85 years. By channeling excise taxes from sporting goods and…

Why It Matters: Alaska’s Roosevelt elk population on Raspberry Island has rebounded to healthy levels, thanks to careful science-based management by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). As a result of these successful conservation efforts, Alaska is now able to open a limited draw-only hunting opportunity for residents, balancing harvest with conservation to…

Why It Matters: Comprised of nine Governor-appointed volunteer members, the Alaska Big Game Commercial Services Board is responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial big game hunting and transportation services ensuring public safety, wildlife management, and professional standards. A bill proposal working its way through the Alaska State Legislature aims to enhance that current structure by…

Why it Matters: On May 16, 2024, the 33rd Alaska State Legislature adjourned Sine Die, with several sportsmen’s bills passing through the House and Senate. Those bills now await transmittal to Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Governor Mike Dunleavy for signature or veto. Throughout the session, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked alongside the Alaska Legislative…

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for access to activities like hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. As these agencies develop strategies to manage federal lands, it is critical for those who support these activities…

In many areas of the country, state court rulings, as well as actions taken by local and state governments, have limited freshwater angling access. To prevent unnecessary closures that negatively affect freshwater angling, it is important that closures be based on scientific evidence. Recent developments regarding freshwater angling access have led to a growing concern…

Lack of access is one of the biggest issues facing sportsmen and women today and is reported as the number one reason (over which state agencies have control) that lapsed hunters and anglers cite when asked why they no longer hunt or fish. In an attempt to address this issue, land access programs have been…

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable of supporting a diversity of wildlife. On federal lands, however, young forests and other early seral habitats are often underrepresented. The most efficient method to improve wildlife habitat is through…