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

Latest Episodes:

TSV Roundup Week of August 5th, 2024 Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Fred is joined in this week's lead story for the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup by CSF’s Northwestern States Senior Coordinator Marie Neumiller. The conversation discusses the impact of wildfires on hunting and fishing seasons in the Western United States, highlighting closures and restrictions in Oregon and Montana due to active fires and high temperatures. The team also explores the causes of wildfires, the importance of responsible forest management, and the potential reimbursement of license and special tag draws for affected hunters.

Dive in with Fred as he covers all the news that’s fit to print for sportsmen around the nation, including sustainable forest management, updates on walleye fishing regulations in Minnesota, reimbursement for Free and Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Fish and Wildlife agencies, the proposed hunt fish rule by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and an update on the Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus.

Takeaways

IMPORTANT - Wildfires Are Affecting Current Seasons: Wildfires in the Western United States are impacting hunting and fishing seasons, with closures and restrictions in place
Proactive Wildfire Management: Responsible forest management practices can help prevent intense wildfires and protect wildlife. Including proactive measures, such as restrictions on target shooting and cigarette smoking, are being implemented to prevent accidental fires. . Active Forest Management – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Minnesota Walleye: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updated its regulations to allow anglers to harvest up to two walleye a day on Millilax Lake.
Top CSF Priority: Reimbursement for Fish and Wildlife agencies for free and discounted licenses is a top priority for the CSF, which is supporting efforts to implement the Tennessee model in various states. Reimbursement to Fish and Wildlife Agencies for Free and Discounted Licenses – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Lead Bans Looming: The proposed hunt fish rule by the US Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to expand hunting and fishing opportunities but also includes restrictions on traditional ammunition and tackle. Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle Bans – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

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Episode 26 - Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Mid-Year Policy Review! Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Fred is joined by Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Vice President of Policy, Brent Miller on the heels of an incredible mid-year policy report. Brent takes us through the process of turning ideas into action for the sporting community, and shares the tremendous successes that CSF has garnered over the past year - along with a sneak preview of where we are going from here!

Read the full Outdoor Heritage Report: https://congressionalsportsmen.org/reports/csfs-outdoor-heritage-report-2024-mid-year-review/

Takeaways

Stable Hunter Recruitment And Retention: Brent highlights the need to ensure stable ranks of hunters, anglers and trappers through policy initiatives such as college student discount licenses.
Reimbursements To State Agencies For Free Licenses: The team discusses the need to reimburse state agencies for free license programs to ensure the health of the resources while pursuing incentive programs for veteran hunters and others.
Fish And Game Commission Makeup: Brent and Fred discuss the war to continue hunter representation on fish and game boards and anti-sportsmen initiatives to infiltrate these commissions in Washington State, among others.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 29th, 2024 Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

This week's Sportsmen's Voice Roundup covers all the news that’s fit to print for sportsmen around the nation, including CSF speaking out against the flounder closure season in North Carolina, talking garbage in California, an update on the Massachusetts firearm bill, and more.

Takeaways

North Carolina anglers are facing a summer flounder closure in addition to recent hits to recreational fishing opportunity, including a merely 24-hour red snapper season.
Supporting future conservation leaders with a pipeline for college grad students entering natural resource management.
A response to the Pacific garbage patch issue by the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus, seeking to mitigate how trash makes it into the patch from our river systems.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 22nd, 2024 Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

This week's Sportsmen's Voice Roundup covers various topics, including the American Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council meeting, opposition to wilderness designations in Big Cypress, a computer glitch impacting special hunt permits in Washington State, the importance of recreational shooting to conservation funding, and how to get involved in the legislative process.

Takeaways

The American Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act (ACE) is a priority for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and reauthorizes important conservation programs and protections for recreational anglers.
The NASC Executive Council is a bipartisan group of state sportsmen legislators who provide advice to CSF on the administration of the NASC program.
The Florida Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus opposes wilderness designations in Big Cypress, as it could limit access for sportsmen and women and hinder natural resource management.
A computer glitch in Washington State resulted in the misallocation of special hunt permits, causing challenges for the Department of Fish and Wildlife in maintaining fairness and herd conservation.
Recreational shooting is a significant contributor to conservation funding and provides opportunities for newcomers to become comfortable with firearms and join outdoor traditions.
Getting involved in the legislative process is crucial for protecting hunting and fishing rights, and understanding the process and timing can be key to making an impact.

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Episode 25 - Rigs-To-Reefs With Congressman Garret Graves And Chris Horton! Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

Join Fred in this week's short but information-packed episode as he welcomes CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy, Chris Horton, and special guest, Congressman Garret Graves. They dive deep into the significant role of offshore oil and gas infrastructure in enhancing marine habitats and supporting both recreational and commercial fishing. Congressman Graves sheds light on the success of the Rigs-to-Reefs program, which converts decommissioned oil and gas structures into artificial reefs. Discover how his bill aims to improve this program by including pipelines and other offshore infrastructures in the state's registry program. The conversation highlights the essential need for education and understanding of these structures' benefits to the marine ecosystem.

Takeaways

Boosting Marine Habitats: Offshore oil and gas infrastructure enhances marine habitats and supports recreational and commercial fishing.
What Is Rigs-To-Reefs: The Rigs-to-Reefs program successfully converts decommissioned oil and gas structures into artificial reefs.
Energy Infrastructure Contributing To Conservation: Congressman Garret Graves' bill aims to improve the program by including pipelines and other offshore infrastructure in the state's registry program.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 15th, 2024 Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

This week's Sportsmen's Voice Roundup covers the defeat of a ban on hunting, fishing, trapping, and even ranching in Oregon and the potential for a right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment in 2026; updates on the anti-hunting ballot initiative in Colorado; firearm purchaser's privacy legislation in New Hampshire;and land conservation legislation in North Carolina; andupdates on the Atlantic red snapper season and Florida's innovative management approach.

Takeaways

Efforts to ban hunting, fishing, trapping, and ranching in Oregon were defeated, but there is a potential for a right to hunt and fish constitutional amendment in 2026.
The anti-hunting ballot initiative in Colorado is still being evaluated, and the sporting conservation community is prepared to challenge the validity of the signatures if necessary.
New Hampshire has passed legislation to protect firearm purchaser's privacy, while North Carolina has enacted land conservation legislation that offers tax credits to landowners.
The Atlantic red snapper season in the South Atlantic is limited due to poor data collection, but Florida is exploring innovative management approaches through exempted fishing permits. Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Management
The upcoming feature presentation will cover Rigs-to-Reefs, a concept that repurposes offshore oil and gas platforms as artificial reefs. Rigs-to-Reefs

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Episode 24 - Shark Week Special: Exploring the SHARKED Act with CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy, Chris Horton and Martha Guyas Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a special Shark Week-themed episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice! In this exciting feature, host Fred Bird is joined by CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy Chris Horton and special guest Martha Guyas, of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). Dive into an engaging discussion centered around the SHARKED Act, a pivotal bill addressing shark depredation issues in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters.

Takeaways

SHARKED Act Overview: Learn about the SHARKED Act, a crucial legislative effort aimed at mitigating shark-human interactions and reducing shark depredation in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters. The House bill on shark depredation has passed, but a Senate bill is needed for further progress.
Challenges in Shark Population Management: Understand the complexities of managing shark populations and the necessity for updated stock assessments and understanding regional differences in shark species.
Impact on Fisheries: Discover how shark depredation affects other fisheries and the broader implications for sportsmen and fishermen.
Proposed Solutions: Explore innovative solutions such as utilizing technology to deter sharks, implementing aggregate bag limits, and considering regional differences in shark species.
Expert Opinions: Hear from CSF’s Chris Horton, a leading expert in fisheries management, and ASA’s Martha Guyas as they share their perspectives on the SHARKED Act and its potential impact.
Sportsmen’s Perspective: Join Fred Bird in discussing the importance of fisheries conservation for sportsmen and fishermen, emphasizing sustainable fishing practices.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 1st, 2024 Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

This week's Sportsmen's Voice Roundup lead story with returning guest and CSF Senior Director, Fisheries Policy to cover the recent House Natural Resources Committee hearing on a package of four bills ranging from coastal and estuary resilience, to mapping public waters, to fisheries data modernization, and the ever-controversial vessel speed rules for North Atlantic right whales - along with a brief discussion on the recent Supreme Court ruling on Chevron and its potential impact on fisheries management. Other topics covered include increasing the minimum age for trapping in New Jersey, an update on the mountain lion controversy in Montana and Washington state, an update on the Arkansas General Assembly budget issue, and a special award presented by Dallas Safari Club honoring CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane.

Takeaways

The House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on four bills related to coastal and estuary resilience, mapping public lands, fisheries data modernization, and vessel speed rules for North Atlantic right whales.
The Supreme Court ruling on Chevron could have significant ramifications for fisheries management and may require Congress to be more specific in writing bills.
The Fisheries Data Modernization Accuracy Act aims to improve recreational harvest data collection and incorporate alternative management approaches in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act framework.
A bill has been introduced to delay changes to the vessel speed rule for North Atlantic right whales and establish a program to study and implement technological solutions.
Other topics discussed include increasing the minimum age for trapping, mountain lions in Montana and Washington state, an update on the Arkansas General Assembly budget issue, and the honoring of CSFPresident and CEO Jeff Crane.

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TSV Roundup Week of June 24th, 2024 Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

This week's Sportsmen's Voice Roundup lead story with returning guest and CSF Director, Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz covers the introduction of the ACE Reauthorization Act, a top priority for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). The team covers the bill’s provisions such as the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish Habitat Conservation through partnerships, as well as providing a five-year protection to prohibit the EPA from regulating the use of lead fishing tackle. Other policy highlights that Fred covers include the North Atlantic right whale issue, funding for conserving big game migration corridors, important bills in the Kentucky legislative session, access to air rifles in New Hampshire, mountain lion hunting opportunities in Nebraska, efforts to restore Walker Lake in Nevada, and so much more.

Takeaways

The ACE Reauthorization Act is a top priority for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and includes provisions such as the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish Habitat Conservation through partnerships.
Kentucky had a successful legislative session, with Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 357 being defeated, and Senate Bill 60 being opposed by CSF.
New Hampshire is considering expanding access to air rifles for hunting, with a proposed funding mechanism to support conservation efforts. Airguns & Arrow Shooting Airguns
Nebraska is looking to expand mountain lion hunting opportunities by creating a new hunting unit.
Nevada’s Sportsmen’s Caucus held a fly fishing retreat and educational event to discuss efforts to restore Walker Lake and address concerns over anti-hunting activists.

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Episode 23 - Knox Williams and Brandon Maddox || The Sportsmen’s Voice On Suppressors And Silencers Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In the first half of this week’s feature on suppressors, silencers and sportsmen Fred catches up with Knox Williams of the American Suppressor Association (ASA). The two talk about recent victories in Vermont and the remaining states that do not allow hunting with suppressors. Knox highlights the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding suppressors and the need for education and advocacy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the federal regulations and the potential for regulatory reform. Fred and Knox dive deep into the history of suppressors and the National Firearms Act, and the need for suppressor reform.

Next, Fred is joined by CSF board member and CEO of Silencer Central Brandon Maddox, and the two explore the potential $200 million windfall that redirecting federal suppressor ‘tax stamp’ revenue to conservation would bring to conservation. Maddox explains that currently, silencers are not taxed for conservation funding, unlike firearms and ammunition. The conversation also touches on the lack of awareness among the shooting community about the impact of their purchases on conservation funding. Maddox also talks about his involvement with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and the benefits of being on the board..

Takeaways

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) works to advance suppressor-friendly legislation and promote the benefits of suppressor use, such as hearing protection and reduced noise pollution.
A recent victory in Vermont removed the sunset on hunting with suppressors, while eight remaining states do not allow hunting with suppressors
Suppressors are classified as firearms and require a tax stamp and registration, which creates unnecessary barriers for law-abiding citizens.
The National Firearms Act was originally intended to ban guns, but due to constitutional limitations, it imposed a tax on firearms instead.
Live fire demonstrations are effective in showcasing the safety and benefits of suppressors, and the ASA is willing to host demonstrations for legislators and regulators.
House Resolution 6352 proposes redirecting 85% of the $200 tax on silencers to conservation funding, a potential $200 million windfall.

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

Get your ticket to this year’s NASC Summit: https://csf.salsalabs.org/nascsummitregistration2024/index.html

Read More About Silencers And Suppressors In Our Issue Brief: https://congressionalsportsmen.org/policy/firearm-suppressors/

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