Why It Matters: On September 23, 2023, sportsmen and women across the nation celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). This year’s efforts from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) helped secure proclamations commemorating the day from 39 governors and the President of the United States. Governors from all 12 Southeastern region states signed NHFD proclamations …
Why It Matters: There was no shortage of legislation impacting hunters and anglers in the Magnolia State during the 2023 legislative session. Everything from establishing a dedicated source of funding for the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, to codifying key tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, safeguarding Mississippi Department of Wildlife and …
Key Priorities Stall in Mississippi but Foundation Laid for 2024 Push Read More »
Why It Matters: HB 999 would establish a dedicated source of revenue for the Fund by dedicating sales tax on outdoor gear under the North American Industry Classification System Tax Code Section 451110. This added security in funding through 2025 would enhance the Fund’s capability to contribute to projects benefiting fish and wildlife, their habitats, and opportunities …
CSF Submits Comments in Support of Dedicated Conservation Funding in Mississippi Read More »
Why It Matters: Mississippi HB 998 and HB 1206 would have codified three key tenets of the most successful wildlife management model in the world, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: (1)Wildlife resources are held in the public trust, or in other words, wildlife resources are owned by the public and managed by the government for …
Why It Matters: With the creation of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund and the subsequent $10 million appropriation from the State General Fund, Mississippi received additional dollars to further qualify for federal conservation programs to benefit fish and wildlife resources along with hunters and anglers. HB 999 would establish a consistent source of revenue for …
Significant Dedicated Conservation Funding Bill on the Move in Mississippi Read More »
Why It Matters: Every year across the country, many bills are introduced that aim to provide certain segments of the population with free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses. While many of these bills are well intended, the passage of these bills can negatively impact conservation funding for state fish and wildlife agencies. Highlights: On …
New Bill Aims to Safeguard State Agency Funding in Mississippi Read More »
Why It Matters: States have recognized the importance of providing positive outdoor recreation experiences for youth. It is no secret that hunter numbers are declining across the board so taking kids hunting and doing whatever possible to provide them with positive experiences only serves to benefit recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts as well as provide …
What Mississippi’s Youth Deer Season Means to Me Read More »
On June 28, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council held their annual Mid-Year Meeting in Tupelo, Mississippi. NASC Executive Council Member and Mississippi State Rep. Scott Bounds said, “”I was proud to host my colleagues on the NASC Executive Council in Tupelo, Mississippi for our Annual Mid-Year Meeting. There aren’t many places …
Mississippi Hosts Annual NASC Executive Council Mid-Year Meeting Read More »
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: With the passage of HB 606 and SB 2780 and pending the signature of Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Tate Reeves, Mississippi will have additional dollars to qualify for federal conservation programs to benefit Mississippi’s fish and wildlife resources along with it hunters and anglers. For example, Mississippi could …
Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Awaits Governor’s Signature Read More »
Mississippi: American System of Conservation Funding Fact Sheet