Join us for a quick dive into the latest hunting and fishing news from June 26 to July 3, 2025. This week’s Hunter’s Brief covers 9 stories, from public land battles to international fishing regulations, with a touch of outdoor humor. Tune in for updates on wildlife management, legislation, and access issues impacting hunters and anglers.

Stories Covered:

National Stories

Mike Lee’s Public Land Sale Defeated in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

Senator Lee’s plan to sell 1.225 million acres of BLM land was axed from Trump’s budget bill after bipartisan pushback.

Relevance: Preserves hunting and fishing access on public lands.

Source: The New York Times, June 28, 2025

Trump’s Ag Boss Cuts 3.3 Million Roadless Acres in Wyoming Forests

USDA opens 3.3 million acres in nine Wyoming forests to logging, threatening elk and deer habitats.

Relevance: Impacts prime hunting and fishing areas.

Source: NPR, June 27, 2025

BLM Proposes New Hunting Access Program

BLM launches pilot program to improve hunting access on 500,000 acres in Montana and Nevada.

Relevance: Expands hunting opportunities on public lands.

Source: BLM Press Release, July 1, 2025

Regional Stories

Colorado Elk Poaching Ring Busted

Colorado authorities arrest five for illegally killing 12 elk in Routt County.

Relevance: Poaching undermines conservation and fair hunting.

Source: Denver Post, June 30, 2025

Oregon Expands Chronic Wasting Disease Testing

Oregon mandates CWD testing for deer and elk in eastern regions to curb spread.

Relevance: Protects game health and hunting sustainability.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting, June 26, 2025

Washington Fish and Wildlife Tightens Cougar Hunting Rules

New rules, influenced by Commissioner Lorna Smith, cut cougar harvest quotas by 20%.

Relevance: Limits cougar hunting opportunities in Washington.

Source: Seattle Times, July 1, 2025

International Stories
Canada Commits $12M to Pacific Salmon Recovery

Canada invests in British Columbia salmon habitat restoration to boost declining stocks.

Relevance: Benefits Canadian and U.S. anglers.

Source: CBC News, June 28, 2025

New Zealand Extends Trout Fishing Restrictions

North Island rivers face new catch limits and barbless hook rules.

Relevance: Impacts U.S. anglers visiting New Zealand.

Source: Stuff NZ, June 26, 2025

Australia Tightens Great Barrier Reef Fishing Quotas

Stricter recreational fishing rules aim to protect Great Barrier Reef fish stocks.

Relevance: Affects U.S. anglers planning Australian trips.

Source: ABC Australia, June 29, 2025

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