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

Latest Episodes:

TSV Roundup Week of August 25th, 2025 Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Explore new hunting and fishing laws shaping access, conservation, and the future of outdoor sports.

In this week’s Sportsmen’s Voice podcast roundup, we dive into the latest news impacting hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide. We cover a groundbreaking executive order designed to expand saltwater fishing access, along with Montana’s finalized 2025–2026 hunting and fishing regulations. The episode highlights Hunting Heritage Protection Acts in the Northeast, ensuring public access and preserving our outdoor traditions.

We also examine a new two-tier program that lowers barriers for beginner duck hunters, the growing push to bring hunter education into schools, and the economic impact of recreational fishing across the U.S. Whether you’re passionate about hunting, fishing, the future of outdoor access, or other conservation issues, this episode is packed with updates every sportsman or woman needs to know.

Takeaways

New executive order expands saltwater fishing opportunities for recreational anglers.
Montana finalizes statewide wildlife and fisheries regulations for 2025–2026.
Hunting Heritage Protection Acts safeguard public access for hunters and anglers.
Two-tier duck hunting program makes it easier for new waterfowl hunters to get started.
Hunter education in schools helps recruit and train the next generation of sportsmen.
Protecting hunting and fishing access on public lands remains a top priority.
Recreational fishing continues to deliver massive economic benefits to local communities.
Stronger collaboration between agencies, conservation groups, and sportsmen is essential.

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Episode 53 - Sport Fish Restoration Fund’s 75-Year Legacy in Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation Aug 22, 2025

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Discover how the Sport Fish Restoration Fund fuels fishing fisheries conservation across America.

For 75 years, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund has been the backbone of fishing and conservation in the U.S. This episode explores how the Fund works, why it matters, and what’s needed to ensure its future.

Experts break down the mechanics of the fund—how excise taxes on fishing gear, tackle, boats, and fuel are transformed into billions of dollars for state-level conservation programs. We dig into how these dollars support habitat restoration, fish stocking, boating access, and R3 initiatives that bring new anglers into the outdoors.

The conversation also tackles pressing challenges, from legislative threats in Washington to the ongoing need for education and advocacy with policymakers. Listeners will hear why partnerships between state agencies, manufacturers, and conservation groups are critical for keeping the fund strong.

Whether you’re an avid angler or other conservation-minded outdoorsman, this discussion reveals the economic, cultural, and environmental impact of a program that has shaped the outdoor heritage we enjoy today.

Takeaways:

The Sport Fish Restoration Fund remains a cornerstone of conservation in the U.S.
Funding comes from excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel.
R3 programs are vital for recruiting new anglers.
Fishing contributes billions to the American economy annually.
The 75th anniversary is a chance to celebrate and advocate for the future of conservation funding.

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TSV Roundup Week of August 18th, 2025 Aug 20, 2025

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From Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade to new pheasant camps in the Plains, Fred Bird breaks down your weekly outdoor news and the biggest stories in hunting, fishing, and conservation across the nation.

We kick off with Florida’s black bear hunt returning for the first time in 10 years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to reinstate a highly regulated season with limited tags and fair-chase methods, marking a major win for science-based wildlife management.

In Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer officially joins the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus, strengthening bipartisan support for hunting, angling, and outdoor heritage at the state and national level.

Meanwhile, Western states face conservation funding challenges, with agencies in Washington and Oregon navigating historic budget shortfalls that could impact hatcheries, pheasant programs, and wildlife access.

On a brighter note, new hunter opportunities are launching in the Great Plains, including South Dakota’s first youth deer camp and Nebraska’s ladies pheasant hunt program—designed to mentor and recruit the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

Finally, we highlight a prescribed fire project in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, a critical initiative to restore white oak habitat, strengthen wildlife populations, and support industries like bourbon and wood products.

Whether it’s hunting policy, fishing access, or other conservation programs, The Sportsmen’s Voice is your trusted source for outdoor news that matters.

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TSV Roundup Week of August 11th, 2025 Aug 13, 2025

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From Florida’s black bear season decision to nationwide hunting regulation changes, here’s what every outdoorsman should know.

In this episode, we dive deep into today’s historic Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission vote on reinstating the black bear hunting season. Mark Lance joins us to explore the science-based wildlife management strategies behind the proposal, the surge in Florida’s bear population, and how public sentiment—often driven by emotion—shapes these debates. We examine historical bear management in the state, evolving bear hunting methods such as baiting and the use of dogs, and what the commission’s decision could mean for conservation.

The conversation then shifts to nationwide hunting and conservation policy updates, including the reauthorization of Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund for public lands, Wyoming’s open-door approach to public legislative input, and new regulations improving hunter access across the Northeast. We highlight state-level changes such as Maryland’s approval of artificial lights for deer recovery, New York’s inclusion of crossbows in archery season, and New Hampshire’s decision to allow air rifles for big game hunting.

We also cover the proposed Wisconsin season for sandhill cranes, the SHARKED Act’s approach to shark depredation, and the importance of sportsmen staying engaged with legislative processes. Whether you hunt, fish, or simply care about wildlife management, these updates will keep you informed on the policies shaping the great outdoors.

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Episode 52 - Steel To Sanctuary: Reefing Oil Rigs Boosts Gulf Fishing and Marine Conservation Aug 07, 2025

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Can oil rigs actually improve marine habitats and fishing opportunities in the Gulf? The answer is an unequivocal “YES”, as this feature episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Podcast details.

Host Fred Bird is joined by CSF’s Chris Horton and Kevin Bruce from Arena Energy to discuss the Rigs to Reef program—a vital conservation initiative for saltwater anglers, commercial fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The conversation dives deep into how decommissioned oil platforms in the Gulf of America are being transformed into artificial reefs that support marine biodiversity, enhance sportfishing opportunities, and fuel local outdoor economies, along with the challenges this program faces.

They explore:

Why reefing-in-place helps conserve and protect marine ecosystems and coastal fishing access,
How permitting bottlenecks threaten reef development,
The bipartisan push for legislation that supports this critical marine infrastructure, and
Highlights from the new documentary Steel To Sanctuary, which sheds light on the reefing effort and its impact on fishermen, divers, and coastal communities.

Whether you’re a saltwater angler, conservation advocate, or part of the outdoor industry, this episode breaks down how some offshore energy infrastructure can be part of a healthy future for America’s marine fisheries.

Learn more about the Rigs to Reef initiative and how you can support marine conservation efforts at the intersection of policy, ecology, and the outdoor recreation economy.

Watch Steel To Sanctuary - The Rigs To Reefs Story: https://rigstoreef.com

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TSV Roundup Week of August 4th, 2025 Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

State-level conservation issues are heating up across the country as outdoor seasons approach. The Sportsmen’s Voice Host Fred Bird welcomes back CSF’s own Marie Neumiller to break down changing wolf management strategies in Idaho and Montana—including the use of ABC population modeling and legal challenges to trapping seasons due to grizzly bear protections.

The conversation then turns to national conservation updates, including:

The Senate’s confirmation of Brian Nesvik, a lifelong outdoorsman, as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The fight to protect surf fishing access in South Carolina, with legislative sportsmen stepping in to stop a proposed ban that would have impacted anglers and conservation funding alike.
Massachusetts’ debate over providing free hunting and fishing licenses to disabled veterans—well-intentioned, but with potential risks to the state’s conservation funding.
A look at Missouri’s proposal to expand nighttime coyote hunting, offering more opportunity for predator control and sportsmen alike.

Whether you're into wolf conservation, fishing access, or predator management, this episode is packed with insights for hunters, anglers, and anyone passionate about protecting America’s outdoor heritage.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 28th, 2025 Jul 31, 2025

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New laws and regulations are reshaping the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor access nationwide.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, we break down major legislative updates affecting hunters, anglers, and conservation advocates. Topics include Pennsylvania’s new Sunday hunting implementation for the 2025–2026 season, Nebraska’s decision to raise mountain lion harvest limits, and the introduction of the SHARKED Act to protect anglers from unwanted shark encounters. We also cover Wyoming’s stance on landowner hunting tags, progress on knife rights in Delaware, and takeaways from the Southern Legislative Forum.

Whether you hunt whitetail in the East or chase elk out West, staying informed on these legislative moves is key to protecting your access, rights, and role in conservation.

Key Highlights:

Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania: Newly approved for the 2025–2026 hunting season.
Mountain Lion Hunting in Nebraska: Expanded harvests reflect strong predator populations.
The SHARKED Act: A bipartisan effort to reduce shark depredation by establishing a task force to work with fisheries management.
Wyoming Landowner Tags: State commission rejects proposed changes, maintaining the current landowner tag allocation system.
Delaware Knife Rights: Updates aim to modernize outdated carry laws for hunters and outdoorsmen sent to Governor.
Southern Legislative Forum Recap: Key insights from pro-sportsmen lawmakers across the South.

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Episode 51 - Reviving Hunting Participation Through R3 Strategies and Urban Outreach Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Discover how hunters, educators, and advocates are reshaping the future of hunting and conservation.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice, host Fred Bird explores the R3 movement—Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation—and its critical role in the future of hunting, shooting sports, and wildlife conservation across the U.S.

Fred first welcomes Taniya Bethke, a national voice for inclusive hunting access, to talk about the importance of community engagement, education, and partnerships in growing support for hunting and public lands. She breaks down how to better connect with urban populations and why shifting public perception is essential to long-term success in conservation.

Then, Courtney Braunns of the Pennsylvania Game Commission joins to share what's working—and what’s not—at the state level. She highlights youth hunting initiatives, college outreach, and the impact of Sunday hunting legalization in reversing declining participation trends. She also discusses the challenges of land access and the importance of mentorship programs for first-time hunters.

Finally, Fred sits down with Greg Kretschmar, longtime radio host and outdoor advocate in New England. They dive into the role of media in shaping opinions on hunting, how social platforms can both help and hurt, and why personal outdoor experiences remain powerful tools for changing minds and hearts. Greg reflects on the therapeutic value of time in nature and the responsibility of hunters to lead by example.

Takeaways

R3 Framework: Recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts are vital to hunting's future.
Urban Outreach: Engaging city dwellers and college students expands the hunting base.
Land Access: A top barrier to new hunter participation, especially in metro areas.
Mentorship Matters: New hunters thrive when guided by experienced outdoorsmen and women.
Conservation Funding: Hunters contribute directly through licenses and excise taxes.
Social Media's Impact: Perception of hunting is shaped—often negatively—online.
Therapeutic Outdoors: Hunting and time in nature support mental health and well-being.
Inclusive Messaging: Public lands belong to everyone—education must reflect that.
Wildlife Management: Hunting plays a vital role in population control and habitat care.
Partnerships Matter: Collaborations between agencies, NGOs, and hunters amplify success.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 21st, 2025 Jul 23, 2025

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Ballot box biology, poaching crackdowns, and new hunting tech—here’s what’s shaping conservation policy.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred dives into the most important hunting and conservation news across the country. From stronger poaching penalties in New Hampshire to landmark private property rights legislation in North Carolina, sportsmen and women face major changes that will impact how we hunt, fish, and manage wildlife.

Fred breaks down how ballot box biology continues to threaten science-based wildlife management and what hunters can do to fight back. You’ll also hear how new hunting technologies are being debated for use in Indiana, and why smart tech could actually improve safety and reliability in the field.

This episode is packed with updates on conservation funding, sportsmen’s caucus collaboration, and how public education is key to defending our outdoor traditions. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, or other conservationist, you’ll come away informed and fired up to protect what matters most.

Key Highlights:

New Hampshire considers increased penalties for wildlife poaching.
North Carolina advances property rights for private landowners.
CSF defeats anti-sportsman legislation and passes key pro-hunting bills.
Ballot initiatives continue to sideline science in wildlife management decisions.
Indiana weighs the pros and cons of new hunting technologies.
Conservation funding remains vital for effective fish and game management.
National unity among hunters and anglers is critical to shaping future policy.

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TSV Roundup Week of July 14th, 2025 Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Fred Bird and Kaleigh Leager, Assistant Manager, Mid-Atlantic States for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation cover this week’s conservation news, including the recent victories for Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania which Kaleigh joins us for. The conversation highlights the importance of bipartisan support in conservation efforts, the role of key figures like Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro and bipartisan support in the Legislatures, and the ongoing challenges faced in wildlife management and habitat restoration. Fred then turns to the rest of the news from around the nation including a wrap-up of the One Big Beautiful Bill, Crossbows in Minnesota, and much more.

Key Takeaways

Governor Shapiro of Pennsylvania’s support for sportsmen is a positive sign for future legislation.
The One Big Beautiful Bill has significant implications for sportsmen.
The removal of the $200 tax stamp for suppressors is a major win.
CSF's representation in Washington ensures sportsmen's voices are heard.
President Trump's Make America Beautiful Again executive order aims to bolster conservation efforts.
Crossbows are now fully included in Minnesota's archery season.
Wildlife habitat restoration projects in North Carolina are moving forward.
Active management of public lands is crucial for wildlife health.

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

Sign up for FREE legislative tracking through CSF’s Tracking the Capitols tool: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/tracking-the-capitols/

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