Why It Matters: Sometimes, a bill that would harm the interests of sportsmen and women has the support of both legislative chambers in a state. When this is the case, it is imperative that the groups defending those interests do all that they can to educate legislators on how the language could be improved to…
Why It Matters: Legislation pertaining to the ownership and possession of firearms continues to be a popular topic throughout the Midwest, and around the country. CSF continues to engage on both pro and anti-sportsmen legislation pertaining to firearms. Given both the importance of firearms to many outdoor pursuits, as well as their critical role in…
Recent advances in technology, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s), which can assist in the tracking and taking of game, have posed an ethical debate within the hunting community. Legislators and sportsmen should be mindful of Fair Chase issues and, on a state-by-state basis, determine if legislation is warranted to ensure hunting is practiced ethically…
Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife management agencies, who are responsible for making science-based decisions affecting fish and game populations, must have the authority to take necessary action to ensure the long-term viability of those populations. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation works closely with partners to oppose bills that create unnecessary obstacles and threaten the…
Why It Matters: Conservation efforts are threatened when anti-hunters hold seats on game commissions, and it is important that qualification requirements for such commissioners bar these anti-hunters from receiving an opportunity to undermine our time-honored outdoor traditions. Experienced hunters and anglers, or those who at the very least recognize and appreciate the important role of…
Why It Matters: Presently, Michigan does not have a well-regulated system for controlling its commercial hunting and sport fishing guide industry. A package of bills that would remedy this problem by providing important requirements for guides while simultaneously providing funding to the state natural resource agency is still waiting to be brought to the House…
Why It Matters: Being aware of changes to state laws and regulations is the first step in any successful hunting season. Before the buck-of-a-lifetime walks into your crosshairs this year, make sure that you are up to speed on any changes that may or may not be taking effect this hunting season. Highlights: Midwestern states…
Contact: Bob Matthews, Senior Coordinator, Upper Midwestern States Why it Matters: The state agency charged with managing fish and wildlife populations is the most knowledgeable and well-equipped entity to make important wildlife management decisions. Without healthy, well-maintained populations, sportsmen and women cannot enjoy the waters and hunting grounds that have existed long before statehood. In…
Contact: Nick Buggia, Senior Coordinator, Upper Midwestern States Manager Highlights Why it Matters: Similar legislation has been popping up around the country in response to restrictions established during the COVID-19 pandemic. HB 5187 & 5188 would protect the firearms industry and the Second Amendment rights of Michigan citizens during another pandemic or similar emergency. This legislation…
Contact: Nick Buggia, Upper Midwestern States Manager Highlights Why it Matters: Several recently introduced pieces of legislation could have positive effects on Michigan’s sporting communities. HB 5358-5360 would ensure that guides hired in the Great Lakes State are licensed, responsible, and trained to handle an emergency. HB 5187 & 5188 would protect the firearms industry and citizens’…
Contact: Nick Buggia, Upper Midwestern States Manager Highlights Why it matters: Following the removal of gray wolves from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife, the newly formed Michigan Wolf Management Advisory Council is seeking public input on the best way to manage the states wolf population. CSF, which has long maintained that state fish and…
Contact: Nick Buggia, Upper Midwestern States Manager Highlights Why it Matters: Michigan Senate Resolution 68 (SR 68), which declares July as “Conservation Month” in the state, celebrates the American System of Conservation (ASCF) and the role that sportsmen and women play in both funding conservation and helping to manage wildlife populations. In 2020 alone, hunters and…