The Sportsmen's Voice

Fred Bird hosts The Sportsmen's Voice, a podcast from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation dedicated to conservation, hunting, and fishing advocacy. Join us as we explore key issues in hunting, fishing, outdoor access, gun rights and wildlife management. CSF exists to inform, influence and defend policies that protect and promote our outdoor traditions. Listen in as Fred delivers the most important news and explores the most pressing topics in the hunting, fishing, gun rights and outdoor heritage spaces.

Wilderness
News Commentary
Politics
26
TSV Roundup Week of May 19th, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred Bird and CSF Assistant Manager, Midwestern States Bob Matthews kick off with our lead story discussing a new bill in Michigan aimed at integrating hunter education into public schools. Fred and Bob dive into the importance of this initiative, why the hunter ed in schools legislation is a priority for the CSF, the role of hunters in wildlife management, and the need for increased public understanding of conservation funding. Then, Fred dives into the rest of the headlines affecting sportsmen and women in the US, including legislation targeting poachers, increased public access to lands, new fishing regulation updates, and more news to support outdoor traditions and communities.
52 min
27
Episode 46 - Turkey Hunting, Conservation & Pub...
In this feature episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice, host Fred Bird sits down with Mark Damian Duda, founder and executive director of Responsive Management, to reflect on a recent New England turkey hunt the two shared and dive deep into the human dimensions of wildlife conservation. They explore the vital role that hunters play in conservation funding, the public’s changing attitudes toward hunting, and how research-based communication strategies can shift perceptions and build stronger public support. From demographic trends to the importance of wildlife councils, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of hunting and conservation in America. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, a wildlife advocate, or simply curious about how legal, regulated hunting contributes to conservation, this conversation delivers valuable insight backed by decades of public opinion research.
76 min
28
TSV Roundup Week of May 12th, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred Bird and Chris Horton kick off with our lead story discussing the introduction of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act in the Senate and how this bipartisan bill stands to combat tax and conservation funding avoidance. They then tackle an update on the Rigs to Reef legislation, new legislation out of North Dakota's recent legislative session, enhancements to Alaska's Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Fix Our Forest Act aimed at wildfire risk reduction, and efforts to expand Sunday hunting opportunities in Connecticut.
33 min
29
TSV Roundup Week of May 5th, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred tackles it solo, covering all the news that’s fit to print concerning the outdoor community around the country including legislation aimed at enhancing access to public lands, paint balling bears in California (you read that right), voter registration initiatives for sportsmen in Michigan, advancements in muzzleloading technology in Louisiana, and an update to draconian knife legislation in Delaware.
41 min
30
Episode 45 - Wyoming Wildlife at a Crossroads: ...
In this week’s feature episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Podcast, host Fred Bird sits down with Angi Bruce, the first female director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, to talk about the evolving challenges and opportunities in wildlife management in the Cowboy State. From emerging legislation and the push for science-based policy to the tension between resident and non-resident hunters, Angi provides a candid look at how Wyoming balances conservation, tourism, and access to public lands. This episode unpacks the realities of conservation funding, the role of hunters in protecting wildlife, and why community engagement and bipartisan support are essential to the future of Wyoming’s outdoor heritage.
65 min
31
TSV Roundup Week of April 28th, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Senior Coordinator of Southeastern States Conner Barker for this week’s lead story on the ongoing debate surrounding Sunday hunting restrictions in North Carolina. Conner and Fred dive into the historical context, recent legislative changes, and the implications of recent court rulings on the future of the policy, along with the impact of these restrictions on hunters and the broader conservation community. Fred then dives into all the rest of the key headlines affecting sportsmen and women around the country, including recent legislative changes affecting wildlife management in North Dakota, the ongoing scrutiny of lead ammunition in the Northeast, and the celebration of Sportsmen's Day in Colorado.
41 min
32
TSV Roundup Week of April 21st, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice podcast, Fred covers critical state-level legislative developments that could shape the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation across the country. With updates from Arkansas, Washington, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina, this episode gives sportsmen and women around the country the insights they need to stay informed and engaged.
33 min
33
Episode 44 - Smarter Fishing: How Georgia’s Hou...
In this episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Podcast, host Fred Bird is joined once again by Senior Director of Fisheries Policy Chris Horton to break down House Bill 443—a game-changing piece of legislation aimed at improving recreational fishing data collection in Georgia. They dive into why federal fishery management systems are falling short, and how state-led efforts can lead to more accurate, real-time data, longer fishing seasons, and better policy decisions for anglers. The conversation covers everything from slot limits and discard mortality to the impact of artificial reefs and post-release mortality rates. If you care about sustainable fishing, angler rights, and better fishing seasons, this episode is a must-listen.
59 min
34
TSV Roundup Week of April 14th, 2025
In this episode of the Sportsmen's Voice podcast, Fred Bird and CSF’s Assistant Manager for the Southwestern States Barry Snell, discuss two Arizona bills aimed at protecting Second Amendment rights, prohibiting Merchant Category Coding and Firearms Preemption. The conversation then shifts to the controversial hounding petition in Arizona. The two exploring the implications of  and the potential consequences of banning hound hunting, highlighting the importance of community engagement in wildlife management and the challenges posed by urban perspectives on rural wildlife issues. Fred then covers the rest of the news around the nation important to sportsmen, including the management of coyote populations in Michigan, the significance of public access to waterways in West Virginia, the need for effective forest management to prevent wildfires, and the establishment of collegiate coalitions to engage youth in conservation efforts. 
54 min
35
TSV Roundup Week of April 7th, 2025
In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred covers all the news fit to print about the world of hunting, fishing and shooting policy including the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fishing Restoration Act, a deep dive into the American System of Conservation Funding, and recent legislative developments in Maine, Oregon, Minnesota, and Georgia, along with emphasizing the importance of self-funding conservation programs and the role of sportsmen and women in wildlife management.
41 min
36
Episode 43 - Sunday Hunting Prohibitions
In this feature episode of The Sportsmen's Voice, Fred sits down with Steve Smith, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Game Commission, to discuss Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania and the years-long and ongoing push to pass landmark legislation to remove the remaining restrictions. Then, Fred is joined by CSF Vice President of Policy Brent Miller to dive deeper into the the complexities surrounding Sunday hunting legislation across the United States as a whole (a subject Brent actually wrote his thesis on!). They explore the historical context and theories of Sunday hunting bans (hint, it’s not what people think), the incremental approach to changing these laws, and the various arguments for and against Sunday hunting, including safety concerns, discrimination against hunters, the opposition from professional guides and landowners, the importance of youth hunting opportunities and the bipartisan efforts to advance hunting rights. 
83 min
37
TSV Roundup Week of March 31st, 2025
In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Mid-Atlantic Assistant Manager, Kaleigh Leager to discuss Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s VETO of antigun legislation in the state. Kaleigh and Fred break down the implications of age restrictions on firearm purchases, the ongoing debate surrounding assault weapon legislation, and the importance of retaining young sportsmen and women in the hunting community. Fred also covers a policy briefing on Capitol Hill, updates from South Dakota's legislative session, nominations for the Department of Interior, developments in Nevada's hunting laws, Connecticut's restrictions on Sunday hunting, and the potential for elk hunting in North Carolina. Get all the news fit to print about the great outdoors and the sports we all love right here!
46 min
38
TSV Roundup Week of March 24th, 2025
In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Mid-Atlantic Assistant Manager Kaleigh Leager to discuss the Maryland lead hunting ammunition ban. Kaleigh breaks down the legislative process, the scientific arguments surrounding lead ammunition, and the economic implications for hunters and conservation. Fred also covers recent legislative updates affecting fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation across various states, including Georgia, Alabama, Nebraska, and Montana. From the passage of House Bill 443 in Georgia aimed at improving fisheries management, to new firearm legislation in Nebraska, habitat improvement projects in Montana, a significant court ruling on corner crossing in Wyoming, and proposed sales tax holidays for firearms in Georgia and Alabama. Get all the news fit to print about the great outdoors and the sports we all love right here!
52 min
39
Episode 42 - Breaking Down the Latest Federal P...
In this episode of The Sportsmen's Voice, Fred sits down with the federal policy team from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for an in-depth Q1 review of the new administration and Congress. From groundbreaking legislation to exciting conservation wins, this jam-packed conversation is essential listening for sportsmen and women who care about the future of America’s outdoor heritage.
61 min
40
TSV Roundup Week of March 17th, 2025
In this week’s episode of The Sportsmen’s Voice Roundup, Fred explores the ongoing push in Maine to amend the state constitution to safeguard the right to hunt and fish, diving into the importance of community involvement, the challenges posed by declining hunter participation, and the significance of a unified sporting voice. Fred also covers Arkansas' recent conservation initiatives aimed at supporting outdoor recreation and engaging new hunters. From forest conservation programs to modernizing muzzleloader regulations, we break down the latest legislative updates and how they affect sportsmen.
52 min
41
TSV Roundup Week of March 10th, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by guest Christian Ragosta, CSF Assistant Manager, Northeast States, to discuss the New York Big Five Trophy Ban. They explore how this legislation could negatively impact African conservation efforts, local economies, and wildlife management. The team highlights the importance of hunting in funding anti-poaching initiatives and supporting local communities. Fred then covers all the rest of the top news affecting sportsmen and women across the nation, including the appointment of Tom Schultz as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, updates on Iowa legislation affecting sportsmen, red snapper management, the establishment of the Collegiate Sportsmen and Women's Coalition at Penn State, the introduction of hunter education in Georgia schools, and the promotion of trapping education in Idaho.
55 min
42
Changing Of The Guard: Meet The New Leadership ...
Fred Bird sits down with some of the leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) in this special ‘Changing of the Guard’ episode which focuses on sportsmen’s issues and caucus legislative priorities ranging from the farm bill to access bills to wildfire prevention and forestry and beyond.  Hear from CSC Co-Chairs Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee Representative Bruce Westerman, also of Arkansas, as well as CSC Vice-Chairs Representative Troy Carter of Louisiana and Representative August Pfluger of Texas as they speak to some of the priorities that are important for sportsmen and women and how CSC members put aside their differences, working across the aisle, in promoting bipartisan efforts for wildlife management and conservation.  Get a glimpse into learning more about their personal outdoor sporting interests, from fishing to spring gobbler chasing, and what their home states have to offer.
98 min
43
TSV Roundup Week of March 3rd, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by Bob Matthews to discuss critical issues surrounding the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund in Wisconsin. Bob Matthews discusses the need for reauthorization of the fund, the implications of a Supreme Court ruling, and the efforts of various coalitions to ensure continued support for hunting and fishing access. Fred then covers the rest of the headlines affecting sportsmen and women across the country, including the advancement of House Bill 3872 in South Carolina, the implications of Colorado's SB3 on gun rights and hunting participation, the reintroduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act, and the importance of sustainable forestry practices in South Carolina.
39 min
44
TSV Roundup Week of February 24th, 2025
Fred is joined once again by Chris Horton, CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy, for our lead story concerning CSF’s priority bill aimed at closing loopholes that allow foreign manufacturers to evade taxes, which has significant implications for conservation funding. Chris highlights the importance of maintaining a successful conservation funding model and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the hunting and fishing communities. Fred then covers fur farming, trapping, fishing licenses for seniors, hunting access updates, proposed restrictions on baiting for fur bearers, and so much more!
31 min
45
Episode 40 - Will Primos’ Legacy Of Conservatio...
In this very special sit-down interview, Fred Bird is joined by the legendary Will Primos, one of the most prominent members of the hunting and conservation industry, for a wide-ranging discussion including the importance of conservation, Will’s legacy, and the impact of hunting on wildlife preservation on Will’s life and our nation. Will shares his personal journey, the evolution of his company, and the just how important it is to continue educating future generations about conservation efforts. Fred and Will both then discuss the deep emotional connections sportsmen often have to their firearms and their role in conservation efforts. And finally, Mr. Primos shares his journey of donating a unique collection of guns to benefit various conservation organizations, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the ripple effect such actions have on the greater good.
75 min
46
TSV Roundup Week of February 17th, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred discusses the latest news in conservation, leading off with conservation legend Will Primos' collaboration with leading organizations to promote, The Truth About Conservation through a HISTORIC firearm auction. Fred then gives several updates on legislative initiatives including RTHF in Iowa, new Hunter Ed programs in Georgia, Massachussetts bear population increase leading to management plan changes, and so much more!
49 min
47
TSV Roundup Week of February 10th, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF’s Bob Matthews to discuss the bipartisan support for legislative efforts to introduce hunter education in schools in Michigan and Illinois and the potential impact these bills have on youth engagement in hunting and outdoor activities. Bob highlights the collaboration between the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Education in Michigan, as well as the challenges and prospects for similar legislation in Illinois. Then, Fred covers all the other news fit to print on conservation and hunting legislation around the country, including the appointment of Governor Gianforte as Chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, Maryland's misguided proposed lead ammunition phase-out, updates the Georgia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the reintroduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act, and initiatives from the Hawaii Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus.
35 min
48
Episode 39 - The Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus W...
Fred and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation have a big show today - with not one, but TWO, members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus joining the program. Kicking things off is CSF’s Vice President of Policy Brent Miller who speaks to the history of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, then hear from the new Chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon who talk about some of the sporting issues that matter to their states, what they’re working on in the year to come, and so much more! Meanwhile, in the second half of the show Fred was able to catch up with Angie Bruce of Wyoming Game And Fish as well as CSF Board Members Joe Bartozzi of NSSF and Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central at CSF’s SHOT Show reception!
66 min
49
TSV Roundup Week of February 3rd, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred is joined by CSF Senior Manager for the Western and Midwestern States Kent Keene with some exciting news - Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri is the 23rd active member of the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus! Then, Fred covers other important news to the Sporting Community including the return of the annual attack on New Hampshire Fish and Game, Doug Burgum’s rise to Secretary of the Interior, CSF caucus leadership for the 119th Congress, Arkansas Forestry Day at the state Capitol, priority access legislation in South Carolina, and more!
45 min
50
TSV Roundup Week of January 27th, 2025
During this week's edition of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup, Fred covers some HUGE breaking news regarding some key conservation bills in Congress, talks challenges faced by state wildlife management authorities, and dives deep into the importance of venison donation programs, and the role of sportsmen and women in conservation efforts around the nation.
36 min