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

Latest Episodes:

TSV Roundup And Election Wrap-up Week of November 6th, 2024 Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

In this special POST-ELECTION episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred Bird catches up with Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Vice President of Policy, Brent Miller, along with key players in the Yes On 2 Amendment campaign in Florida and the No On Proposition 127 campaign in Colorado to save mountain lion and bobcat hunting to talk about these two incredible wins for conservation, discuss what happens next, and celebrate what happens when sportsmen come together

Takeaways

Colorado Proposition 127 - PENDING WIN: Proposition 127 is all but defeated, and awaiting certification by the Secretary of State of Colorado.
Vote YES On Florida Amendment 2: Amendment 2 won by a HUGE margin and enshrines the right to hunt, fish and trap into the state constitution of the great State of Florida.

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of October 28th, 2024 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, the LAST one before the election, host Fred Bird discusses the importance of voting in the upcoming elections, particularly for hunters, anglers, target shooters, trappers and other sportsmen and women in key conservation battleground states like Colorado and Florida. Hear from Travis Thompson and Mark Lance who discuss Florida’s Amendment 2 RTHF Amendment and Dan Gates who speaks about Colorado’s Proposition 127 and emphasizes the need for informed voting and civic responsibility, urging listeners to get OUT of the tree stand or OFF the water for Election Day and participate actively in the electoral process.

Takeaways

Vote NO On Colorado Proposition 127: Proposition 127 poses significant risks to wildlife management in Colorado. The vote will come down to getting out the vote and rely on community engagement in educating voters about Prop 127, meanwhile, voter fatigue is a risk.
Vote YES On Florida Amendment 2: Amendment 2 aims to establish the right to hunt and fish in Florida, and the odds look great with recent polling showing strong public support nearly 67%. Myths surrounding Amendment 2 include impacts on private property rights, which are unfounded.

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 32 - Legendary Huntmaster Gregg Ritz on Thompson Center's Rebirth and the Future of Hunting Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

In this powerhouse episode of The Sportsmen's Voice, host Fred Bird sits down with Gregg Ritz, the legendary Huntmaster, to explore the incredible rebirth of Thompson Center and the game-changing evolution of muzzleloading. Get ready to dive deep into the history of Thompson Center, uncover the importance of wildlife management, and understand the cultural shifts that are reshaping hunting today.

Gregg Ritz shares his passion for hunting, emphasizing how crucial it is to engage the next generation of sportsmen and women. He highlights the role product development plays in creating unique outdoor experiences and why the innovative Firestick technology is revolutionizing the muzzleloading game. Together, they also tackle the legislative challenges that hunters are facing and the urgent need for community participation in wildlife conservation efforts.

Takeaways

Thompson Center’s Legacy: A deep history rooted in muzzleloading innovation.
Wildlife Management: Vital to maintaining healthy game populations and ecosystems.
Cultural Shifts: Changing perspectives in hunting impact conservation efforts.
Forest Management: Crucial for supporting diverse wildlife and hunting opportunities.
Next-Gen Engagement: It’s essential to inspire and empower younger hunters to preserve outdoor traditions.
Product Innovation: How unique technologies like Firestick simplify and enhance the hunting experience.
Community Matters: Active involvement is key to protecting the future of hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of October 21st, 2024 Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined once again by CSF’s own Chris Horton to discuss the current state of fisheries legislation, access and advocacy ahead of the new administration that will be decided Election Day, highlighting the state of a number of fisheries access bills including the MAP Waters Act and more. They cover recent policy recommendations for the next administration, the economic impact of recreational fishing, and the challenges faced in fisheries management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining funding for conservation programs and the need for better data to support sustainable fishing practices.

But that’s just the start! Fred also tackles important topics like youth hunting opportunities, the future of firearm regulations, and the role mentorship plays in passing down the traditions of hunting and trapping. With declining participation rates, the stakes are high. Fred explores how the USDA is working to enhance wildlife habitats and why engaging the next generation is crucial to preserving these sports we all love.

Takeaways

Conservation Funding Must Be Protected: The National Fish Habitat Partnership is key to restoring fisheries across the country. Invasive species like Asian carp are a major threat to our freshwater ecosystems.
The Economic Impact Of Recreational Fishing: Recreational fishing supports 90,000 American jobs and contributes $148 billion to the U.S. economy. 1 in 6 Americans participate in fishing, making it a vital link between people and nature.
Take A Kid Hunting This Fall: Youth hunting programs are essential for securing the future of wildlife conservation and keeping the tradition alive.

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of October 14th, 2024 Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined once again by CSF’s ow Barry Snell to discuss the current state of gun legislation in California, highlighting the recent passage of anti-gun bills and the unique political landscape shaped by urban and rural divides. Barry Snell discusses the implications of these laws, the resilience of gun owners, and the importance of community advocacy in the face of restrictive legislation.

Then, Fred is back covering all that’s fit to print related to hunting, fishing, and other conservation issues across the nation including CSF’s 20th Annual Wine, Wheels, and Wildlife event, emphasizing the importance of hunting and fishing rights, new hunting regulations in Massachusetts, Missouri's deer management efforts, Pennsylvania's new “Sportsman” license plate initiative for youth hunting, support of Amendment 2 in Florida and the opposition to Prop 127 in Colorado. Fred highlights the role of sportsmen in conservation and the need for legislative support to protect outdoor traditions.

Takeaways

California Legislative Landscape: While California's legislative landscape is often dominated by anti-gun bills, this year saw a reduction in the number of anti-gun bills passed. Most new laws are minor corrections rather than significant changes.
Wine, Wheels, and Wildlife: Wine, Wheels, and Wildlife celebrates 20 years of supporting outdoor heritage.
Proposition 127 In Colorado: Opposition to Prop 127 in Colorado is vital for protecting our hunting heritage and science-based wildlife management, with a strong coalition of outdoor groups opposing it.
Amendment 2 in Florida: Floridians should support Amendment 2 to secure the Right to Hunt and Fish in the Sunshine State. Protecting Hunting and Fishing at the Ballot Box in Florida – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Right to Hunt, Fish and Harvest Wildlife – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 31 - The Sportsmen’s Voice On The Hill, Part 2 - The Wildlife Movements Through Partnerships Act Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode continuing coverage of our legislative priorities in Congress, Fred Bird is joined on Capitol Hill by Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Wild Sheep Foundation’s Corey Mason, and Ryan Bronson of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to discuss The Wildlife Movements Through Partnerships Act. Fred and the guests discuss the benefits of the bill to wildlife migration for big and small game populations, how the bill seeks to improve habitat and the partnerships between landowners and stakeholders, and just what benefits wildlife will receive from the passage of the Act.

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 31 - The Sportsmen’s Voice On The Hill, Part 1 - The Tax Stamp Fund Reallocation Bill Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this special episode, Fred Bird is joined on Capitol Hill by Utah Congressman Blake Moore, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Larry Kane, and Silencer Central Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox to discuss The Tax Stamp Fund Reallocation Bill. Fred and the guests discuss misinformation surrounding the bill, how the bill seeks to be a net boon to conservation in the United States, and also provides benefits for non-hunting recreational shooters.

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of October 7th, 2024 Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined once again by CSF Director of Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz to discuss the recent decision by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to close the Bears Ears National Monument to recreational shooting, a move that has raised concerns among the sporting community. Fred and Taylor delve into the implications of legislation such as the Dingell Act, which mandates that federal lands are open unless closed, and how this decision appears to contradict that principle. Taylor emphasizes the need for community action and awareness regarding the management of national monuments and the potential loss of access to recreational activities to sportsmen and women.

Then, Fred is back covering all that’s fit to print related to hunting, fishing, and other conservation issues across the nation including Florida's Amendment 2, Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting expansion, Wisconsin's public land acquisition fund, and Wyoming's celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Takeaways

Bears Ears National Monument + BLM VS The Dingell- Act: The Bears Ears National Monument is now closed to recreational shooting, meanwhile the Dingell Act establishes that federal lands are open unless closed raises questions about compliance with the Dingell Act concerning the closure.
Amendment 2 In Florida: Amendment 2 in Florida aims to protect hunting and fishing rights. Bipartisan support is crucial for the success of Amendment 2. Right to Hunt, Fish and Harvest Wildlife – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Sunday Hunting Coming To The Keystone State?: Sunday hunting expansion in Pennsylvania is gaining momentum, opening up key access to public lands which would be vital for outdoor traditions. Sunday Hunting Restrictions – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of September 30th, 2024 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is back covering all that’s fit to print related to hunting, fishing, and other conservation matters across the nation. Fred begins by reporting that the President and 44 (a new record!) Governors signed proclamations celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, citing the contributions of sportsmen and women to conservation efforts across our nation. Fred then shifts to the ongoing opposition campaign against Colorado's Prop 127, which seeks to restrict hunting and predator management. Fred breaks down the Fix Our Forests Act, emphasizing its importance in wildfire management and forest health. We close with some important updates on fall turkey hunting regulation changes, a passionate defense of trapping practices, a proposed sporting dog county ordinance in South Carolina that faced opposition from the sporting community, concerns regarding the U.S. Forest Service’s National Old-Growth Amendment, and the announcement of Angi Bruce as the new Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Takeaways

Vote NO On Colorado Proposition 127: Colorado's Prop 127 threatens science-based wildlife management. Protecting Sportsmen’s Interests in Ballot Initiatives and Referenda – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
The Fix Our Forests Act: The Fix Our Forests Act aims to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks.
Wyoming Game And Fish Department Director: Angi Bruce's appointment marks a significant milestone for women in wildlife management.

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TSV Roundup Week of September 23rd, 2024 Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

In the FIRST of TWO lead stories on this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred catches up with the Speaker of the House, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana to discuss the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus as a shining example of bipartisan cooperation and advancing pro sporting legislation, while in a hyper partisan environment. Fred then follows up with CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy Chris Horton highlighting bipartisan legislative actions, the impact of proposed vessel speed reduction rules on fishing industries, and the importance of technology in wildlife conservation.

Fred is then joined for a special update on Colorado Prop 127 by Colorado Wildlife Deserve Better Campaign Manager, Mark Truax and CSF’s Assistant Manager for the Southwestern States, Barry Snell to discuss the implications of the proposition, the confusion it creates among voters, and the need for effective messaging to engage non-hunters. The crew emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation, while also addressing the financial aspects of the campaign and the urgency of mobilizing voters ahead of the election.

Takeaways

Colorado Proposition 127 Misinformation: Proposition 127 aims to ban mountain lion and bobcat hunting in Colorado. The opposition has invested heavily in media campaigns to sway public opinion, including the inclusion of lynx in the proposition - which is misleading as they are already protected, and polling indicates a close race, necessitating targeted outreach efforts. Protecting Sportsmen’s Interests in Ballot Initiatives and Referenda – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
The ACE Reauthorization Act: This bill is critical for wetlands conservation
The Vessel Speed Restriction Rule: This regulation will do drastic harm to the fishing industry, necessitating state legislatures to actively push back against federal rules like it.
Arkansas Expansion: The Natural State is expanding hunting opportunities with new seasons.

Home - Wildlife Deserve Better

CSF Protecting Outdoor Pursuits Conservation Raffle: POP4Conservation

Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices