Fresh Tracks Weekly

By Marcus Hockett and the Fresh Tracks CrewSports News Daily News Wilderness

Fresh Tracks Weekly episodes

August 18 From Prairie Potholes to AI Data Centers: This Week’s Outdoor News | Fresh Tracks Weekly Ep. 137
On this week's episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we break down massive public land wins, controversial federal approvals, and real-world bowhunting gear data, followed by an in-depth conversation on science storytelling in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and a highlight of the Bison Jam Podcast.
You can listen to the Bison Jam Podcast here - https://www.bisonjam.com/
In the News
• USFWS Drain Tile Victory: A massive win for waterfowl hunters in the Prairie Pothole Region—over 200,000 public comments pushed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep critical wetland drain tile setbacks intact.
• Links
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/feds-backtrack-on-prairie-potholes-rule-change
• AI Data Center on BLM Land: The Bureau of Land Management quietly swaps a clean solar project for an 86-acre AI data center in Boulder City, Nevada. Bypassing NEPA environmental reviews and public comment, this project threatens to pull 167 megawatts of power and up to 600,000 gallons of water annually from record-low Lake Mead.
• Links
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/data-center-approved-forpublic-land-in-nevada
• https://www.blm.gov/announcement/approved-decision-townsite-data-center
• Boundary Waters Mining Block: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signs an executive order halting nonferrous mineral mining permits in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, shifting the battle over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Watershed directly to the upcoming election.
• Links
• https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/764186
• https://www.eenews.net/articles/walz-throws-up-new-roadblock-to-mining-near-boundary-waters/
•https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNGOV/2026/08/18/file_attachments/3749654/bwca-eo-onepager-FINAL.pdf
Bowhunting Metrics with the TRAKR App: Analyzing data from 2,500+ tracking missions to reveal real-world setup effectiveness—including why pass-through shots nearly double recovery rates (48% vs. 26%) and how top broadheads like QAD and SEVR stack up.
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/data-recovering-wounded-deer/
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/1j4VuK9mjCXeWkJtKw1Bqp

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32 min
August 04 The Future of State-Managed Grizzly Bears | Week of August 3rd
Important Links
• Shop Stamps & Merch: https://shopfreshtracks.com
• Check out Casey’s Artwork
• https://caseyunderwood.com/
• Check out Allie's Artwork
• https://www.antilocapraatelier.com/
• Expedition Overland Channel
• https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionOverland
• Submit USFWS Drain Tile Setback Comments
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/24/2026-14995/national-wildlife-refuge-system-request-for-information-on-implementation-of-drain-tile-setbacks
• Grizzly Bear Management Open Comment
• https://www.fws.gov/grizzlyrulemaking
______________________________________________________________________
On this week’s deeper dive, Randy and Marcus examine the proposal to transfer grizzly management authority to Western states, Randy's background with grizzly management, what state management would look like, and the big question: will we be hunting grizzlies anytime soon?
The public comment window close on August 17th. To provide your comment please visit the site below.
https://www.fws.gov/grizzlyrulemaking
______________________________________________________________________
IP28 has FAILED
The "PEACE Act" initiative fails to reach the required signature threshold and will NOT appear on the November ballot. A breakdown of signature verification, out-of-state/foreign funding, and what this means for the future of hunting and agriculture in Oregon.
• News Article Links
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/oregon-hunting-ban-fails/
• https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/07/a-controversial-oregon-measure-misses-the-november-ballot.html?outputType=amp
https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/pages/state-law.aspx
• https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/05/26/campaign-behind-initiative-to-criminalize-hunting-fishing-and-any-intentional-injury-to-animals-in-oregon-submits-required-number-of-signatures/
• https://www.yesonip28.org/post/julypress
______________________________________________________________________
USFWS opens short public comment window regarding drainage tiles
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public feedback on drain tile setback calculations near intermittent wetlands in North America’s "duck factory." Learn how Duck Stamp-funded easements protect waterfowl habitat and how you can submit public comment to help balance private property rights with long-term habitat preservation.
• News Article Links
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/proposed-rule-change-threatens-prairie-potholes
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/usfws-wetland-easement-request/
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/24/2026-14995/national-wildlife-refuge-system-request-for-information-on-implementation-of-drain-tile-setbacks#

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35 min
July 21 Why the Latest ESA Revisions Threatens Conservation | Week of July 20th
On this week’s episode of Fresh Tracks weekly, Randy and Marcus take us for a Deeper Dive into massive regulatory updates to the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Links
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14195/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act#dates
In the News
Sunshine Protection Act - The U.S. House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act which would permanently leave the states in Daylight Saving Time. Effectively ending my ability to duck hunt before work…
• Links
• https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/139/text
• https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-bill-daylight-saving-time-permanent-sunshine-protection-rcna587531
Colorado Fur Ban Trashed, Furbearer Bag Limits Established -
Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission votes 6 to 5 to stop the rule making process for banning the sale, barter, and trade of furs in the Centennial State. The CPW commission also voted, 6 to 5, to impose daily bag limits despite opposing agency science.
• Links
• https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/18/colorado-wildlife-commission-reduces-number-of-fur-bearing-animals-trappers-can-kill/
• https://www.postindependent.com/news/colorado-wildlife-commission-rejects-proposal-to-ban-sale-of-fur/
• https://coloradosun.com/2026/07/18/colorado-wildlife-commission-reduces-number-of-fur-bearing-animals-trappers-can-kill/
• https://completecolorado.com/2026/07/18/cpw-commission-tightens-trapping-limits-balks-at-fur-ban/
• https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/colorado/2026/07/17/colorado-wildlife-board-sets-new-trapping-limits/90958522007/
Grizzly Bear Management: Shifting Authority to Western States - The Department of the Interior has proposed shifting grizzly bear management to Western states. We take a time machine back to earlier this year to revisit a deeper dive in which Randy shares his thoughts on hunting grizzly bears, if they were to be delisted.
Watch Full Episode 123 ("Congress to Delist Grizzly Bears?"):
https://youtu.be/6NBgbEn8d80
• Links
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/feds-transfer-grizzly-bear-management-to-states
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/grizzly-bear-management-returns-to-states/
• https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/sportsmens-alliance-applauds-doi-grizzly-proposal-prepares-for-the-next-delisting-fight/
• https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2026/7/18/800071410/environment/will-trumps-handoff-of-grizzly-management-to-states-lead-to-more-dead-bears/
• http://grandviewoutdoors.com/predator-hunting/will-lower-48-grizzlies-ever-be-hunted
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14195/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act#dates

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31 min
July 15 We Can Have It All: Wildlife, Timber, and Healthy Forests | Week of July 13
Housekeeping Links
• Crew’s Belt, Montana NRL Rifle Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C81fcst0T_k
• Randy’s New Rifle Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYyvcHa-yA&feature=youtu.be
• Hal Herring’s Carrying the Fire Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/7lWLbTPrE5hDybQgZZwIPv?si=06968b4bed1945c7
For this week’s deeper dive, Randy and Marcus leave the studio and take us into the field. Building on their recent conversations about roadless areas, and travel management, the pair hike into a section of national forest just outside of Bozeman. This specific area underwent a thinning treatment in 2022 to protect the city's water supply from catastrophic wildfire.This place offers a firsthand look at how logging and thinning can reduce wildfire risk while simultaneously creating better forage for elk and other wildlife in areas without roads. Ultimately, Randy wants to drive home the point that we can have public lands that can benefit both wildlife and people.
This week's news
• On July 13th, President Trump signed an executive order that removes protections for just over 3 million acres of public land in the Beehive State.
• Links
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/trump-cuts-2-popular-utah-national-monuments-by-90-percent/
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/white-house-shrinks-national-monuments-in-utah
• https://wessiler.substack.com/p/heres-a-map-of-the-new-boundaries
• In Minnesota, the US Forest Service has temporarily closed the Boundary Waters due to increasingly dangerous wildfires.
• Links
• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/forest-service-closes-boundary-waters/
• Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a TRex tooth embedded in an Edmontosaurus' skull, providing some additional context to how these creatures might have lived.
• Links
• https://peerj.com/articles/20796/

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31 min
July 07 She Called Me an Idiot, and She Was 100% Right | Week of July 6
Email us at [email protected]
• Hunt Talk Radio Podcast - Episode 290
• Freezer Burn Party
• Randy's Editorial on Outdoor Life
• The Greatest Accumulation of Wealth - 3 Part Series
• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
The "River Runs Through It" Proposal
• Local ranchers, outfitters, and public-land advocates are fighting to protect the Blackfoot River from mines, gravel pits, and AI data centers. • The plan proposes adding 100,000 acres to the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness Areas while balancing active timber management and motorized recreation.
• Links
• https://ariverrunsthroughit.org/
• https://fieldandstream.com/stories/plan-protects-key-wildlife-habitat-in-montana
Update on Colorado Fur Ban
• Approaching Step 1: CPW is fast-tracking the formal rule-making process following a controversial 6–4 vote on the citizen petition to ban wild furbearer sales.
• The upcoming commission meeting on July 16th and 17th will give us our first look at the official text. Stay informed and prepare to make your voice heard during the next public comment window which will open shortly after the meetings conclude
• Links
• https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/fur-ban-advances-in-colorado-parks-and-wildlife-commission-despite-heavy-opposition/
• https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/fur-ban-advances-in-colorado-despite-statutory-conflicts-and-sportsmens-opposition/
• https://engagecpw.org/commercial-fur-sales

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28 min
June 24 Science Not Politics | | Week of June 22
This week we're discussing the intersection of science and politics, specifically regarding how motorized travel impacts elk populations.
Randy’s Garage Sale: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list
Comment on Federal Grant Rule Change: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001
Wildlife Society Video on How To Comment: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSQRnjLDjRP/?igsh=eDBzY3ZtaGd0Z2Zn
A few news items also include;
The National Park Service continues its efforts to remove non-native mountain goats from Grand Teton National Park.
Proposed federal rule changes regarding grant funding may allow the executive branch to prioritize political agendas over scientific research.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering ending its management lease for the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana due to budget and staffing shortages.

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39 min
June 16 Mike Lee's Last Minute Amendment | Week of June 15
Contact your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Comment on BLM Grazing Rule Change: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/12/2026-09387/revision-of-regulations-for-grazing-administration-exclusive-of-alaska
Buy Randy's garage sale items here: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list
The current legislative landscape highlights a trend of using procedural maneuvers to bypass traditional congressional debate, such as the inclusion of contentious amendments in bipartisan legislation. Mike Lee's recent amendments to rescind the Roadless Rule shows he doesn't care about what his constituents want.
The Public Lands Integrity Act seeks to address these tactics by amending the Congressional Budget Act’s Byrd Rule, which would explicitly classify any provision involving the sale, transfer, or disposal of federal public lands as extraneous to the budget reconciliation process. By removing these land-related measures from the simplified budget reconciliation path, the bill aims to prevent backroom deals and ensure that any potential disposal of public land receives full public scrutiny and debate.
The Bureau of Land Management has proposed new grazing rules that increase allowed grazing by 31% and maintain lower fees, raising concerns about the impact on wildlife and the reduction of public input on land management.
The Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have released a new framework for Migratory Big Game Conservation that focuses on interagency collaboration and incentives for private landowners to manage land for both livestock and wildlife.

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29 min
June 09 Executive Order on Off-Road Travel | Week of June 8, 2026
Buy a hand-muff made from muskrats trapped by Randy Newberg: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list?srsltid=AfmBOoqkvnz41xhiwnbIJR30_pxnmv2yXhwfzkf0oHt4nwltq3pbMaMt
Comment on wild horses on BLM Land: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=F8129444-CA5D-F111-BEC6-001DD8029ED0
Arizona Residents contact your leaders in regards to wild horses: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/hold-the-line
This week we take a look at Trump’s new executive order to rescind previous regulations from 1972 and 1977 that governed off-road vehicle use on public lands. The administration argues these older orders were overly vague and difficult for agencies to implement. Critics contend that increasing road access displaces wildlife, pushes animals onto private land, and alters hunter success rates, which can ultimately lead to fewer available tags and reduced recreational opportunities.
Other news stories include;
The National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System released a list of locations where hunting and fishing opportunities will be opened or expanded. While new access is available, the specific regulations and management changes for many of these sites remain unclear.
American Prairie canceled their public bison hunt after the Bureau of Land Management revoked their grazing permit. This decision followed pressure from Montana state officials and industry organizations, despite the non-profit's work on wildlife management and public land access.
A mule deer was harvested in Alaska for the first time, prompting concerns from wildlife managers regarding disease transmission to native species. Managers have opened year-round hunting with no bag limit to mitigate the risk of parasites and diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease.
A recent oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge received minimal interest, with very few tracts receiving bids. The low turnout highlights the high costs, logistical challenges, and lack of industry incentive to develop in the region.
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the management of wild horses and burros on public lands. There is also a push for Arizona residents to contact officials regarding the removal of unauthorized horses on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

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33 min
June 02 Why Point Systems CAN’T Fix Your Draw Odds | Week of June 1
Every May and June, internet forums explode with angry hunters complaining about point systems, demanding non-resident tag cuts, and blaming state agencies. But in this episode, Randy and Marcus break down the brutal mathematical reality of why Western big game tags are drying up—and it has almost nothing to do with the draw system itself.
Using Montana’s moose, sheep, and goat numbers as a case study, we dive deep into the differences between a "scarcity mindset" (fighting over a shrinking pie) and an "abundance mindset" (working to grow the pie). If you're tired of waiting decades to draw a tag, it’s time to look in the mirror and face the real culprit: habitat degradation.
Freezer Burn Party RSVP - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQ4eRGVib/
Upload videos here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWzxTY7LrXOY5-_YUpORwTKbrlCUZiF8iLZyPrdQipeUd_Qw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101466896678078840531
Randy's Garage Item - https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list

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35 min
May 28 Randy wants YOU to VOTE in your Primary Elections | Fresh Tracks Weekly PSA
Find your deadline to vote in your state - https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/VAO/PrimaryElectionsCalendar.pdf
About 20% of the US population participates in the primary elections but those primaries often determine who will be elected. Have your voice felt this election season. Get out there and VOTE!

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11 min

About Fresh Tracks Weekly

From the publisher's feed

The Fresh Tracks crew, led by Marcus Hockett, keeps you in the know about what's happening in conservation. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Don't miss this weekly podcast covering the everything you…