From red snapper management to youth hunting traditions, discover how sportsmen shape America’s outdoor future.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, we dive deep into the issues shaping hunting, fishing, and conservation across the country. From the South Atlantic red snapper fishery to Oregon’s restrictive wildlife laws, sportsmen and women face challenges that demand attention and action. We also highlight the vital role of youth hunts, mentored hunting programs, and National Hunting and Fishing Day in ensuring the next generation carries forward America’s outdoor heritage.

Trappers College, a cornerstone for education on modern trapping techniques, also takes the spotlight—showing how education and awareness can reshape the public’s perception of trapping and its role in wildlife management.

Key Takeaways:

Stay informed, stay engaged, and help protect the future of the outdoors.

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Discover how hunting, fishing, and conservation leadership shape policy at the upcoming NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit in Memphis.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice, host Fred Bird welcomes Representative Jesse Chism of Tennessee and Representative Scott Bounds of Mississippi to discuss the upcoming NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit in Memphis. Together, they highlight how state collaboration, bipartisan leadership, and diverse perspectives are vital to conservation efforts that benefit hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

Chism emphasizes the importance of addressing food deserts in urban areas and ensuring access to nutritious food, while sharing his experience on the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council. Bounds reflects on his 23 years in the Mississippi legislature, his deep passion for hunting and fishing, and how outdoor traditions form a cornerstone of Mississippi’s cultural heritage.

Listeners will gain insight into how bipartisan cooperation, networking, and cultural appreciation drive the success of conservation policy. The conversation also previews what attendees can expect at the Memphis summit—from hands-on learning opportunities to celebrating the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Key Takeaways:

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Explore the latest conservation updates, hunting access battles, and why sportsmen remain America’s strongest conservationists.

This week on The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, we dig into the most important stories in the hunting, fishing, and conservation world. From recognizing the leaders driving wildlife conservation, to examining new legislative updates shaping hunting and fishing policy, we cover the issues every outdoorsman and woman needs to know.

We also discuss how limited public access to hunting lands threatens future generations, why funding initiatives are critical for conservation, and the growing challenges posed by wildlife disease outbreaks. Finally, we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day, highlighting how sportsmen and women have always stood at the front lines of protecting America’s natural resources.

Whether you’re a dedicated hunter, passionate angler, or other outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers insights into the policies, people, and programs shaping the future of the outdoors.

Key Takeaways:

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Hunting, fishing, and outdoor access face new legislative battles—here’s what every sportsman should know.

In this episode, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation team breaks down the latest updates shaping hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation policy at both the state and federal levels.

First, Taylor Schmitz dives into recent public lands legislation, explaining how new proposals could impact hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation. He highlights the fight to remove harmful language from a reconciliation package, stresses the dangers of selling federal public lands, and shares why community engagement is key to protecting access for future generations.

Next, Chris Horton covers Q3 updates in the fisheries and boating sector, including the reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and the latest movement on the SHARKED Act. We discuss how shark depredation is affecting saltwater anglers, why conservation strategies must balance fisheries management with angler access, and how visual storytelling is being used to highlight marine conservation issues.

Finally, John Culclasure brings an update on federal and state forest policy, unpacking the challenges of wildfire threats, roadless rule restrictions, and timber sales. He shares highlights from the American Forest Congress, emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration in active forest management, and explains what new legislation could mean for hunters, anglers, and forest health nationwide.

Key Takeaways for Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts:

Whether you’re passionate about public lands, fisheries, or forestry, this episode will keep you informed on the policy debates shaping the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in America.

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Discover the latest hunting, fishing, and conservation updates shaping outdoor opportunities across the country.

In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, we break down major updates in hunting, fishing, and conservation news that matter to every outdoorsman. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has expanded hunting and fishing access across 11 states, opening up new opportunities for sportsmen nationwide. We also cover New York’s decision to officially include crossbows in its archery season—a win that hunters and conservationists have pushed for over 15 years.

Meanwhile, Louisiana continues to see landmark legislative progress, from expanding black bear hunting opportunities to revitalizing historic waterfowl hunting areas. These bipartisan victories demonstrate how strong collaboration among hunters, anglers, and conservation groups is driving meaningful change.

We also dive into the importance of modern muzzleloading technology, the role of updated regulations in creating better hunting practices, and how expanded outdoor opportunities fuel critical conservation funding.

If you’re passionate about hunting, fishing, and protecting America’s outdoor heritage, this episode delivers the must-know updates shaping the future of our sports.

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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

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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:

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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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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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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:

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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