The Sportsmen's Voice

By Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Congressional Sportsmen Foundation presents the Sportsmen's Voice podcast with your host, CSF's Fred Bird. CSF exists to inform, influence and defend policies that protect and promote our outdoor trad... more

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FAQs about The Sportsmen's Voice:

How many episodes does The Sportsmen's Voice have?

The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.

The Sportsmen's Voice episodes:

September 20, 2024TSV Roundup Week of September 16th, 2024
In this episode of the Sportsman's Voice Roundup, Fred Bird covers key events and updates in the world of conservation and outdoor sports for America’s hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers. Fred highlights the recent Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award presented to Johnny Morris, the legendary Founder and Lead Outfitter of Bass Pro Shops, the importance of bipartisan efforts in conservation through the Congressional Sportsman's Caucus, and successful black bear management stories from Oregon and Louisiana. Additionally, Fred covers initiatives like free fishing days aimed at engaging newcomers in angling and updates on waterfowl hunting seasons in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Takeaways
The Dingell-Young Sportsmen's Legacy Award: This award honors significant contributions to conservation. Johnny Morris has been recognized for his lifelong dedication to conservation efforts.
Black Bear Management: Oregon's black bear population is thriving, leading to successful management practices.
Free Fishing Days: Free fishing incentives are an effective way to introduce newcomers to angling and the outdoor sports.

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

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32min
September 13, 2024 Episode 29 - The Conservation Governor: A Conversation with Chris Sununu
Fred Bird is joined, in true New England style after a morning of weeding and mulching, by 4-term New Hampshire Governor and Governor Sportsman’s Caucus Chairman Chris Sununu to discuss his distinguished career as ‘The Conservation Governor.’ Governor Sununu talks about his own passion for hunting and fishing, how his leadership on conservation issues has led to better outcomes across the board on everything from attracting businesses from less-friendly states to building bridges between communities, landowners, and users; and more.

See more from Governor Sununu: https://www.chrissununu.com

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

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1h
September 12, 2024TSV Roundup Week of September 9th, 2024
This week's roundup lead story sees CSF Director of Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz rejoin Fred on the show to cover his recent trip to Capitol Hill to testify on behalf of 3 CSF priority bills before Congress, including the bipartisan Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife Recreation Act, the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, and the BioSafe Act.

Fred then covers all the news updates related to wildlife management and hunting around the nation, including firearm preemption laws and their roles protecting opportunities for sportsmen and women, the role of nonresident hunters in conservation of the Western US, hunting dog policy and an update on the first anniversary of the Sportsman’s Voice Podcast! A big THANK YOU to all our listeners on this achievement!

Takeaways
Firearm Pre-Emption Laws: Firearm preemption laws protect the right of sportsmen to legally own firearms in their state without having to worry about overcomplicated regulations created by local, lower-level government as a barrier to entry to hunting. South Dakota legislators recently passed Senate Bill 339, strengthening their firearm preemption laws.
Non-Resident Hunters In The Great American West: From higher hunting and fishing fees to a bigger financial impact through greater reliance on local businesses from hotels to food and more, nonresident hunters make a valuable contribution to the states in which they hunt.
Hunting Dog Policy: Fred covers policy initiatives in the Southeast that sporting dog owners should be aware of, including unnecessary proposed tethering requirements in Tennessee, exemptions for sporting dogs in mandatory spay-neuter bills, and more.

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

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31min
September 06, 2024TSV Roundup Week of September 2nd, 2024
This week's roundup lead story covers recent efforts to complicate the regulatory process for setting harvest limits in Indiana, driving a further need for sportsmen in the state to be more vocal than ever. CSF’s Bob Matthews joins Fred on the Sportsmen’s Voice Podcast to discuss.

Fred then covers all the news updates related to wildlife management and hunting around the nation, including the adoption of temporary bear hunting rules in Idaho. the impact of grizzly bear management on trapping opportunities, the importance of catch and release practices in saltwater fishing and the need to maximize fish survival, an update on National Hunting and Fishing Day in Mississippi and the concerning implementation of ammunition background checks in several states.

Takeaways
Make Your Voices Heard Indiana Sportsmen: The regulatory process for setting harvest limits in Indiana has become more complex and time-consuming, leading to delays in decision-making, including a year-long formal rulemaking process and public comment, which would allow anti-hunting groups to influence the decision-making process - highlighting the need for sportsmen and women to be vocal and participate in commission meetings to ensure their voices are heard and to advocate for the health of wildlife populations.
Gumming Up The process In Indiana: Changes in emergency rulemaking authority in Indiana have raised concerns about the ability to make timely decisions for wildlife management.
Temporary Bear Hunting Rules Idaho: Temporary bear hunting rules have been adopted in Idaho to address the management of grizzly bears and protect hunting opportunities.
The Importance Of Catch And Release: Catch and release practices in saltwater fishing play a vital role in maintaining sustainable fisheries.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is an important celebration of the hunting and fishing community in Mississippi and beyond.
Background Checks For Ammunition Now: The implementation of ammunition background checks in certain states poses challenges and barriers for hunters and recreational shooters.

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40min
August 29, 2024Episode 28 - The Role of Forest Management in Wildlife Conservation with John Culclasure
Fred is joined in this episode by John Culclasure, the newly appointed Director of Forest Policy for CSF. John dives deep into the critical role of forest policy and management in conserving wildlife habitats and enhancing access for sportsmen and women across the nation. From the challenges of managing federal lands to the importance of private forestry practices, this conversation sheds light on key issues impacting hunters, anglers, and trappers.

Takeaways
Active Forest Management: Essential for creating thriving habitats for wildlife, active forest management is a cornerstone for improving hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities.
Public Lands’ Role: Both federal and state lands are pivotal in forest management and conservation efforts, offering vast areas for sportsmen to engage in their activities.
Partnerships and Collaboration: Successful forest management requires strong partnerships between federal and state agencies, NGOs, and sportsmen's groups. These collaborations are key to overcoming challenges and achieving effective habitat improvement.
Challenges in Federal Lands Management: Funding shortfalls and bureaucratic hurdles often impede the management of federal lands, making it difficult to implement necessary conservation strategies.
Public Education and Storytelling: Educating the public on the benefits of forest management is crucial for garnering support. Crafting relatable and engaging stories can help bridge the gap between complex forestry issues and the average citizen.
Bipartisan Forestry Reform: Despite the political climate, there is a growing bipartisan movement towards federal forest management reform, driven by the shared goal of habitat improvement.
Private Forest Management: Private lands play a significant role in providing hunting access and supporting wildlife conservation, highlighting the importance of responsible forest stewardship by private landowners.
Emerging Trends: The conversation also touches on the rising significance of carbon sequestration, carbon markets, and the ongoing battle against invasive species in forestry management.

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

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1h 1min
August 28, 2024TSV Roundup Week of August 26th, 2024
This week's roundup lead story covers the East Coast legislative sportsmen's caucuses' efforts to address the vessel strike rule on North Atlantic Right Whales. Fred and CSF’s own Conner Barker report on the potential economic impact of the vessel strike reduction rule, as well as the safety concerns for boaters, along with the rule's inconsistency with states’ approved plans.

Fred then covers all the news updates related to wildlife management and hunting around the nation, including the No-Net-Loss policy and dove hunting seasons. The No-Net-Loss policy aims to limit the loss of access to hunting and fishing opportunities by establishing a minimum acreage of publicly owned areas open to sportsmen and women. Several states have implemented this policy, while others are still working through legislative options. And, with fall in the air, dove hunting seasons - which are the first fall hunting opportunity for many hunters - are coming along with your pumpkin spice lattes. Fred highlights that dove hunting is an approachable entry point for those interested in the outdoors and provides a recruitment opportunity for new hunters. Fred ends the roundup with a report on a successful event in California where a key water quality bill was passed.

Takeaways
The No-Net-Loss Policy aims to protect hunting and fishing opportunities by setting a minimum acreage of publicly owned areas open to sportsmen and women. No-Net-Loss – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Dove hunting seasons are the first fall hunting opportunity and serve as an entry point for new hunters.
Water Quality In California: A successful event in California assisted in the passing of a key water quality bill, which will help ensure conservation of ocean resources and protect the future of fishing in the state.
North American Right Whales: The vessel strike reduction rule could have a significant economic impact and pose safety concerns for boaters, and is inconsistent with approved state plans. We can, and should, find better ways to protect whales while preserving fishing and boating traditions.

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24min
August 21, 2024TSV Roundup Week of August 19th, 2024
Fred is joined by returning guest and CSF Director, Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz to cover the American Wildlife Conservation Partners Summer Meeting, the importance of funding for conservation, and the challenges of the upcoming political cycle, including the need for increased funding for conservation and the challenges ahead such as the importance of bipartisan support and changing the perception of conservation as a luxury to a necessity.

Fred then covers all the news updates related to wildlife management and hunting around the nation, including Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) detection in Washington State, the Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry joining the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, efforts to provide free and discounted licenses for veterans, and the management of bear populations in New Hampshire. The conversation also touches on the importance of hunting as a wildlife management tool and the need for responsible outdoor practices.

Takeaways
The American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) hosted their annual meeting in Montana, discussing their priorities and developing the Wildlife for the 21st Century document. The AWCP is working to make conservation a priority and a necessity, rather than a luxury.
CWD in Washington: Washington State has detected CWD in deer, making it the 35th state with positive detections. The state is implementing an emergency response and management plan. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
A New GSC Member: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has joined the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation’s Governor’s Sportsman’s Caucus and is actively supporting pro-sportsman legislation. Caucus Groups – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
New Hampshire Bears: New Hampshire is calling on hunters to manage bear populations that have exceeded management goals, as bear-related damages and conflicts increase in residential areas. Hunting as Preferred Management Tool – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

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27min
August 16, 2024Episode 27 - Ducks Unlimited’s Adam Putnam Talks Waterfowl, Conservation Wins, and Inspiring Future Wildlife Scientists
Fred is joined by Adam Putnam, the CEO of Ducks Unlimited to discuss a slew of recent policy successes (and challenges!) in the sporting community, including the Duck Stamp Modernization Act and the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. Putnam also dives deep into the current state of waterfowl conservation, the importance of habitat improvement, the state of brood production and counting in a drought environment and the need to engage and educate the next generation of wildlife scientists and conservationists. Adam Putnam also talks about his love of hunting sea ducks and highlights the importance of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation in advancing the cause of hunting and angling.

Takeaways
Conservation Wins For American Waterfowlers: The Duck Stamp Modernization Act and the America's Conservation Enhancement Act are examples of successful bipartisan legislation for sportsmen.
Brood Production Is Increasing: Waterfowl populations have rebounded over the past 40 years, thanks to programs like the Duck Stamp Program and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
Habitat As The Path Forward: Habitat preservation is crucial for waterfowl and other species, and partnerships with ranchers and farmers can be beneficial for conservation efforts.
Young Waterfowl Enthusiasts Are The Future: Engaging and educating the next generation of wildlife scientists and conservationists is essential for the future of hunting and angling.

See more from Adam’s team at Ducks Unlimited: https://www.ducks.org/

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

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47min
August 14, 2024TSV Roundup Week of August 12th, 2024
Fred is joined in this week's lead story for the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup by CSF’s Assistant Manager for the Southwestern States, Barry Snell. Barry and Fred talk about ‘the Alamo for sportsmen in America’ - the proposed cat hunting ban in Colorado, and how citizens from around the country can get involved and help fight the fight.

Then, dive in with Fred as he covers all the news that’s fit to print for sportsmen around the nation, including a North Atlantic Right Whale conservation update, proposed excise tax on ammo in Nebraska, New Hampshire updates electronic Duck Stamp regulations, and a successful NCSL reception held in Kentucky!

Takeaways
Get Involved To Save Cat Hunting In Colorado: Regulated hunting in Colorado is under attack. This November, Coloradans will be voting on a ballot measure that—if passed—would prohibit the hunting of mountain lions and bobcats across the state. Learn more at: https://wildlifedeservebetter.com Protecting Sportsmen’s Interests in Ballot Initiatives and Referenda – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
A New Direction For Right Whale Conservation: Explore the Manchin/Graham “Protecting Whales, Human Safety And The Economy Act”, a proposed piece of legislation that would shift the conversation on North Atlantic Right Whale conservation.
New Hampshire Duck Stamp Update: Governor’s Caucus Chair Chris Sununu signed a piece of legislation updating NH duck stamp regulations to be in line with the federal government. Electronic Duck Stamps – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Proposed Excise Tax on Ammo in NE: Special session to address a proposed 5% “sin tax” on ammunition purchases in Nebraska. American System of Conservation Funding – Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Donate To Keep Proposed Initiative 91 Off the Ballot In Colorado!: https://wildlifedeservebetter.com

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40min
August 08, 2024TSV Roundup Week of August 5th, 2024
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

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

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38min

FAQs about The Sportsmen's Voice:

How many episodes does The Sportsmen's Voice have?

The podcast currently has 56 episodes available.