The Sportsmen's Voice | Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Advocacy with Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Latest Episodes:

Episode 43 - Sunday Hunting Prohibitions Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

In this feature episode of The Sportsmen's Voice, Fred sits down with Steve Smith, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Game Commission, to discuss Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania and the years-long and ongoing push to pass landmark legislation to remove the remaining restrictions.

Then, Fred is joined by CSF Vice President of Policy Brent Miller to dive deeper into the the complexities surrounding Sunday hunting legislation across the United States as a whole (a subject Brent actually wrote his thesis on!). They explore the historical context and theories of Sunday hunting bans (hint, it’s not what people think), the incremental approach to changing these laws, and the various arguments for and against Sunday hunting, including safety concerns, discrimination against hunters, the opposition from professional guides and landowners, the importance of youth hunting opportunities and the bipartisan efforts to advance hunting rights.

Key Takeaways:

Historical Context Is Everything: Discrimination against hunters is evident in Sunday hunting laws. Diving into the history of these bans can reveal the potentially classist, and possibly even racist roots of Sunday hunting bans, while safety concerns regarding hunting on Sundays are largely unfounded.
Longstanding Priority In The Keystone State: The push for Sunday hunting has been a long-standing priority for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Legislative momentum is building, with a majority of hunters now supporting Sunday hunting.
Stakeholder Updates: The Farm Bureau's support for Sunday hunting marks a significant shift in stakeholder perspectives, along with the support of hunters themselves

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TSV Roundup Week of March 31st, 2025 Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Mid-Atlantic Assistant Manager, Kaleigh Leager to discuss Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s VETO of antigun legislation in the state. Kaleigh and Fred break down the implications of age restrictions on firearm purchases, the ongoing debate surrounding assault weapon legislation, and the importance of retaining young sportsmen and women in the hunting community. Fred also covers a policy briefing on Capitol Hill, updates from South Dakota's legislative session, nominations for the Department of Interior, developments in Nevada's hunting laws, Connecticut's restrictions on Sunday hunting, and the potential for elk hunting in North Carolina. Get all the news fit to print about the great outdoors and the sports we all love right here!

Takeaways

Unifying Priorities For Sportsmen And Women: The American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) sponsored a policy briefing on Capitol Hill focused on unifying priorities for sportsmen and women.
Two Anti-Sportsmen’s Bills Defeated in South Dakota: CSF, working with partners and the South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, defeated bills that would have reduced funding for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks and limited hunting access.
Department Of Interior Nominations: The following CSF-supported nominees are working through the confirmation process right now, Brian Nesvik is vying to be the next Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Katherine MacGregor will serve as the next Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

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TSV Roundup Week of March 24th, 2025 Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Mid-Atlantic Assistant Manager Kaleigh Leager to discuss the Maryland lead hunting ammunition ban. Kaleigh breaks down the legislative process, the scientific arguments surrounding lead ammunition, and the economic implications for hunters and conservation. Fred also covers recent legislative updates affecting fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation across various states, including Georgia, Alabama, Nebraska, and Montana. From the passage of House Bill 443 in Georgia aimed at improving fisheries management, to new firearm legislation in Nebraska, habitat improvement projects in Montana, a significant court ruling on corner crossing in Wyoming, and proposed sales tax holidays for firearms in Georgia and Alabama. Get all the news fit to print about the great outdoors and the sports we all love right here!

Takeaways

Lead Bans Are Bad Policy For Hunting & Conservation: Maryland's lead hunting ammo ban, aimed at phasing out lead ammunition for all game species, was successfully opposed this year. Due to the nature of specific science to each state, economic impacts and more, a blanket ban on lead ammunition is simply not appropriate.
ACTION ALERT: Pennsylvania Sunday Hunting: Kaleigh and Fred break in with an update on ongoing efforts to pass legislation for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania, discussing the history of Senate Bill 67, the need for modernizing hunting laws, and the role of YOU, as constituents, in influencing legislative outcomes.
ACTION ALERT: Georgia House Bill 443: This bill aims to improve fisheries management in Georgia.
Corner Crossing Update: We have new clarification of the rules for corner crossing and its implications on access to public lands

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Episode 42 - Breaking Down the Latest Federal Policy Moves Impacting Outdoorsmen Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Sportsmen's Voice, Fred sits down with the federal policy team from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for an in-depth Q1 review of the new administration and Congress. From groundbreaking legislation to exciting conservation wins, this jam-packed conversation is essential listening for sportsmen and women who care about the future of America’s outdoor heritage.

Key Topics Covered:

Federal Policy Landscape: Fred and Director of Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz break down the latest legislative developments in Washington, D.C. Learn about the bipartisan support behind the Farm Bill and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as the challenges presented by digital markets and foreign manufacturer taxation.
Wildlife Conservation: Get insights into the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, a crucial initiative designed to combat habitat fragmentation and improve wildlife connectivity.
Fisheries Policy Updates: Senior Director of Fisheries Policy Chris Horton shares updates on the MAP Waters Act, MAP Oceans Act, and legislative measures tackling shark depredation. Discover how the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act and the 75th Anniversary of the Dingle-Johnson Act are shaping the future of fisheries management.
Forestry Management: Director of Forestry Policy John Colclasure dives into the Fix Our Forest Act, wildfire management strategies, and the Cottonwood fix. Hear how new leadership and cross-sector collaboration are driving forestry conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways:

Legislative Wins: Bipartisan collaboration remains a cornerstone of successful conservation policy.
Action Needed: Supporting initiatives like the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act can have lasting impacts on wildlife corridors.
Fisheries Management: Innovative policies and funding mechanisms are crucial for sustainable fisheries.
Forest Health: Active management and legislative support are vital for wildfire prevention and forest restoration.

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TSV Roundup Week of March 17th, 2025 Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred explores the ongoing push in Maine to amend the state constitution to safeguard the right to hunt and fish, diving into the importance of community involvement, the challenges posed by declining hunter participation, and the significance of a unified sporting voice. Fred also covers Arkansas' recent conservation initiatives aimed at supporting outdoor recreation and engaging new hunters. From forest conservation programs to modernizing muzzleloader regulations, we break down the latest legislative updates and how they affect sportsmen.

Takeaways

A Right To Hunt And Fish In Maine: Constitutional protections for hunting and fishing are vital for wildlife management and grassroots involvement is essential to secure legislative victories.
Forest Conservation Is Top Of Mind: Forest conservation easement programs play a key role in habitat preservation.
Gun Bills Set to Wreak Havoc in the West: Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon are all dealing with bills that would negatively impact access and conservation funding.
Louisiana: Seeks to modernize language for modernmuzzleloading.
Priority Legislation in Arkansas: NASC Executive Council president and AR Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair, introduces 3 pro sportsmen’s bills in the AR House.

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TSV Roundup Week of March 10th, 2025 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by guest Christian Ragosta, CSF Assistant Manager, Northeast States, to discuss the New York Big Five Trophy Ban. They explore how this legislation could negatively impact African conservation efforts, local economies, and wildlife management. The team highlights the importance of hunting in funding anti-poaching initiatives and supporting local communities. Fred then covers all the rest of the top news affecting sportsmen and women across the nation, including the appointment of Tom Schultz as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, updates on Iowa legislation affecting sportsmen, red snapper management, the establishment of the Collegiate Sportsmen and Women's Coalition at Penn State, the introduction of hunter education in Georgia schools, and the promotion of trapping education in Idaho.

Takeaways

New York’s Big Five Trophy Ban is BAD For Conservation: The New York Big Five Trophy Band targets key African species, and is a bad policy that may harm African nations reliant on hunting tourism.
US Forest Service’s New Chief: Tom Schultz's leadership is crucial for sustainable forest management. As an experienced leader in forestry and public lands management, Tom Schultz will guide a multiple use mission agency that has significantly reduced its timber harvesting levels over the last few decades.
Red Snapper Season Update: CSF has testified on the South Atlantic Red Snapper Update at a final public hearing to rectify a one day season in 20204 despite a high abundance of fish.

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Changing Of The Guard: Meet The New Leadership Of The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Fred Bird sits down with some of the leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) in this special ‘Changing of the Guard’ episode which focuses on sportsmen’s issues and caucus legislative priorities ranging from the farm bill to access bills to wildfire prevention and forestry and beyond. Hear from CSC Co-Chairs Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Representative Bruce Westerman, also of Arkansas, as well as CSC Vice-Chairs Representative Troy Carter of Louisiana and Representative August Pfluger of Texas as they speak to some of the priorities that are important for sportsmen and women and how CSC members put aside their differences, working across the aisle, in promoting bipartisan efforts for wildlife management and conservation. Get a glimpse into learning more about their personal outdoor sporting interests, from fishing to spring gobbler chasing, and what their home states have to offer.

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TSV Roundup Week of March 3rd, 2025 Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by Bob Matthews to discuss critical issues surrounding the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund in Wisconsin. Bob Matthews discusses the need for reauthorization of the fund, the implications of a Supreme Court ruling, and the efforts of various coalitions to ensure continued support for hunting and fishing access. Fred then covers the rest of the headlines affecting sportsmen and women across the country, including the advancement of House Bill 3872 in South Carolina, the implications of Colorado's SB3 on gun rights and hunting participation, the reintroduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act, and the importance of sustainable forestry practices in South Carolina.

Takeaways

South Carolina House Bill 3872: House Bill 3872 aims to limit the loss of hunting land in South Carolina. It was reported favorably by the Ag and Natural Resources Committee and was quickly followed by unanimous 110-0 House vote and is now headed to the Senate.
Colorado Senate Bill 3: Colorado's SB3 semi-automatic firearms ban is moving in Colorado. The bill has now been amended to allow continued ownership of some semi-automatic firearms popular with hunting and shooting with new requirements - but still threatens to severely limit hunting rights and Pittman-Robertson funding.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund: 90% of Wisconsin residents support the stewardship fund, which is vital for conservation in Wisconsin. Recent Supreme Court decisions have impacted legislative oversight of the fund, while coalitions are working to ensure the fund's reauthorization.

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TSV Roundup Week of February 24th, 2025 Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Takeaways

Protecting Conservation Funding Is Paramount: Foreign manufacturers often evade taxes that support conservation efforts, while the proliferation of online marketplaces has created loopholes in conservation funding. The GAO now recommends that Congress to addresses the tax collection issue.
Washington Trappers And Fly Fishers!: House Bill 1775 in Washington could impact trapping and fly fishing.
Discount Licenses For Seniors: Minnesota's House File 276 aims to provide discounted fishing licenses for seniors without harming DNR funding.

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Episode 40 - Will Primos’ Legacy Of Conservation Revealed In Rare Interview Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this very special sit-down interview, Fred Bird is joined by renowned conservationist and outdoorsman, Will Primos, for a wide-ranging discussion on the importance of conservation, Will’s legacy, and the impact hunting and conservation have had on Will’s life and our nation. Will shares his personal journey, the evolution of his company, and just how important it is to continue educating future generations about conservation efforts. Fred and Will both then discuss the deep emotional connections sportsmen often have to their firearms and their role in conservation efforts. And finally, Mr. Primos shares his journey of donating a unique collection of guns to benefit five of the nation’s greatest conservation organizations, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the ripple effect such actions have on the greater good.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Will Primos’ Legacy: Whether talking official Primos Hunting gear and calls or beyond, dive deep into Will Primos’ hunting career and the legacy he hopes to leave behind for sportsmen and sportswomen.
Protecting What We Love: Conservation is about protecting what we love and educating others, therefore it becomes necessary to cast a wide net and foster collaboration between various organizations for the benefit of wild places and wild things.

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