Fred catches up with legislators and esteemed guests from partner organizations such as Retay Shotguns, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Boone and Crockett Club and more during the Congressional Sporting Clays event thrown by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation this week, held in Prince George's County. Despite a bit of wet weather, the event was a tremendous success, bringing together CSC caucus co-chairs, industry partners, and leadership. In this episode, you'll hear from influential leaders such as Congressmen Westerman, Graves, and Panetta, as well as key figures from NSSF, Boone and Crockett, and Retay. Tune in to enjoy the sounds and insights from this premier shooting event, and get a sense of the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the Congressional Sportsman's Foundation. Whether you were able to attend or are catching up from afar, this episode offers a fantastic wrap-up of the event.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup lead story, Fred and CSF Senior Director of Fisheries Policy Chris Horton discuss the recent Congressional Fishing Tournament and the importance of fisheries conservation and hosting an event building relationships and promoting passion for hunting and fishing on the Hill. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fisheries management and the need for accurate data. The use of electronic reporting and AI technology is seen as a potential solution to improve data collection and real-time monitoring. The idea of mandating reporting for recreational anglers is also discussed as a way to better manage fisheries. Fred Bird then moves on to discuss various news updates related to hunting and conservation. He covers topics including chronic wasting disease in California, firearm purchaser's privacy in New Hampshire, the Congressional Clay's event, land conservation legislation in North Carolina, and fur bear hunting tournaments in Illinois.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup Fred is bringing you breaking news out of Vermont on SB 258, a unanimous passage on the Hill of the ACE Reauthorization Act - a major CSF priority - Oregon’s new director of Fish and Wildlife, Pennsylania’s proposal to offer resident-priced hunting and fishing licenses to nonresident college students, Louisiana legislation designed to protect conservation funding, applications for elk, black bears and more in Arkansas and Missouri and all the rest of the news that is fit to print (or hear!) in this week’s TSV Roundup!

Fred is joined by Jana Waller of Skullbound TV Fame and Jules McQueen, President of Carbon TV, to discuss their experiences with hunting (and little bit about their love for Game of Thrones!) After catching up about their plans for turkey hunting and bear hunting in the spring, the conversation turns to a wide range of topics such as the challenges of being a non-resident hunter, the excitement of having multiple species tags, and the topic of women in the outdoors and the challenges they face, including criticism and attacks from both men and women. The host and guests discuss the importance of representation and the positive impact that mothers' involvement in outdoor activities can have on their children. The trio also touches on the need for better communication and storytelling to convey the benefits of hunting and outdoor pursuits to legislators and the general public. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of respectful and honest dialogue to bridge the gap between hunters and non-hunters. They emphasize the need to make connections and explain the deeper meaning behind hunting and conservation. They also highlight the significance of voting and getting involved in conservation organizations to protect hunting rights and wildlife. The conversation ends with a call to normalize conversations about hunting and to support and encourage women in the outdoors.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup Fred is joined by Jake Gould, for our lead story out of Kansas, covering the commission restructuring happening in the Bluegrass State The two talk about a bill that would rearrange how the commissioners of the Kansas Game and Parks Commission are appointed. They highlight the concern of partisan politics influencing wildlife management decisions and the importance of protecting the rights to hunt and fish. They also mention recent changes that upset some people, such as reducing non-resident deer tags and setting the non-resident turkey tag system to a lottery system. Fred also reports on various legislative developments related to hunting and conservation in other states, including two pieces of legislation in Louisiana that address hunter harassment and the use of tracking dogs. Fred also talks about the upcoming special session in New Mexico, where anti-gun and anti-sportsman bills have been proposed. He then discusses the release of initial plans for the next iteration of the Farm Bill, which includes priorities for the sporting and conservation community. Lastly, Fred mentions two bills passed by the US House of Representatives that protect access for hunters and anglers and delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup Fred is joined once again by regular guest, Kaleigh Leager, for our lead story out of Pennsylvania, covering the potential changes to Sunday hunting regulations in Pennsylvania. The guests provide an overview of the current restrictions and the proposed legislation that aims to remove them. They highlight the benefits of Sunday hunting, such as increased opportunities for sportsmen and women and potential economic contributions to conservation funding. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing the interests of different stakeholders and the need for legislative support to pass the bill. Overall, there is optimism that Pennsylvania may finally see a change in Sunday hunting regulations.. Fred then covers various topics related to wolf management in the Northwest region, including discussions with the Washington Wolf Advisory Group and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He also touches on recent court rulings and their impact on wolf trapping seasons. Fred concludes with a mention of the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas. The current administration announced the launch of a new website dedicated to America the Beautiful. This initiative is for the sporting conservation community and aligns with their priorities. The Policy Forum component of the evening consisted of a panel discussion led by caucus co-chair and National Assembly of Sportsman's Caucus executive council member, Bobby Cox, and caucus co-chair of representative Heather Bauer, and Senator Steven Goldfinch. The conversation also touches on the importance of protecting the North Atlantic right whale and the need for more effective and reasonable alternatives.

Fred is joined by CSF Director, Federal Relations Taylor Schmitz as the pair catches up with the Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s’ Caucus, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman to discuss the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, which recently passed the House Natural Resources Committee. Fred, Taylor and Chairman Westerman discuss sportsmen's issues and the importance of habitat management. The Chairman highlights the need for better management of public lands and the role of private landowners in wildlife conservation. Chairman Westerman also addresses the challenges of the Endangered Species Act and the struggles we see there, and the need for modernization. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the frustrations of getting bipartisan bills passed and the importance of working together for the benefit of sportsmen and women.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsmen's Voice Roundup Fred is joined once again by last week’s feature guest, Barry Snell, for our lead story out of Colorado, following the success of the Colorado Sportsmen's Day at the Capitol. The two discuss the challenges faced due to bad weather, and the engagement of sportsmen in Colorado in spite of the challenges, the anti-gun agenda in New Mexico and the importance of citizen participation in protecting civil liberties. The conversation highlights the need for momentum and activism to counteract harmful initiatives and protect sportsmen's interests. The topics covered in the roundup include the importance of sportsmen's caucuses, the negative impacts of proposed legislation on conservation funding in Nebraska, the passing of a waiting period for firearm purchases in Maine, the reimbursement for lost conservation funding stemming from free and discounted hunting licenses in Louisiana, and the passing of a comprehensive fish and wildlife habitat bill in a House Committee. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and finding solutions to protect conservation funding and promote responsible hunting and fishing.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsman's Voice Roundup Fred is joined once again by Kaleigh Leager for our lead story in Maryland, where the 2024 legislative session has adjourned, and three anti-sportsman bills were defeated. Senate Bill 983 aimed to establish a lead phase-out plan for hunting ammunition, but it did not pass. House Bill 935/Senate Bill 784 proposed an additional 5% tax on firearms and ammunition, but it also failed. Senate Bill 17 and House Bill 667 sought to lump hunting and fishing under animal cruelty, which both saw defeat as well. Kaleigh and Fred Legislative Sportsman's Caucus and the upcoming 2025 legislative session.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined by Dan Gates of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management to talk about the ongoing ballot initiative fight in Colorado that aims to ban trophy hunting of mountain lions and bobcats. He emphasizes the importance of educating the general public about the implications of the measure and the need for sustainable wildlife management. Gates also highlights the role of organizations like the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project in advocating for conservation and fighting against anti-hunting efforts. The conversation focuses on the importance of unity and collaboration within the sportsman community to protect hunting, fishing, and wildlife management. The speakers discuss the need to cast aside differences and focus on common goals, such as science-based wildlife management and the preservation of outdoor traditions. They emphasize the power of collective action and the importance of engaging with legislators and decision-makers. The conversation also touches on the need to educate the public about the benefits of hunting and conservation, and the role of younger generations in shaping the future of wildlife management. Fred then transitions to interview CSF’s own Barry Snell, Assistant Manager in the West to discuss the work of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) in engaging legislators and advocating for scientific wildlife management. They also talk about the ballot initiative process in Colorado and the efforts to gather signatures for a potential ballot measure related to mountain lion hunting. They highlight the importance of storytelling and communicating the benefits of hunting and conservation to the general public. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the upcoming Sportsman's Day event and the support from legislators in the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsman's Voice Roundup, our lead story brings us to Nebraska where 37 million dollars in sportsmen conservation dollars has been SAVED host Fred Bird discusses is joined by Jake Gould to talk about a thwarted effort in the Nebraska Unicam to take ‘surplus’ from sportsman-conservation funds and transfer them to the state’s general fund. Fred then tackles all the news that’s fit to print about wildlife conservation across the country, including the Explore Act, which aims to improve recreational shooting opportunities, a Massachusetts Senate bill that supports discounted or free licenses, a Kentucky bill that prohibits payment card networks from distinguishing firearm retailers, Wisconsin bills related to hunting and wildlife management, a Colorado bill proposing an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, and the expansion of the Collegiate Sportsmen and Women's Coalition to Clemson and LSU.

In this week’s episode of the Sportsman's Voice Roundup, host Fred Bird discusses various topics related to conservation and legislation. The conversation covers an action alert in Vermont concerning Senate Bill 258 with National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Member, State Representative Pat Brennan of District 19 in Vermont. Fred then covers wetland conservation, gun registration in California, legislative updates in South Dakota and Kentucky, and more. The episode emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement and advocacy in protecting sportsmen's rights. The main themes include wetland conservation, gun control, legislative updates, and the role of citizen activism.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined during the kickoff of the turkey hunting season by Doug Little and Jared McJunkin of the National Wild Turkey Federation, along with NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter. After winding down their 50th anniversary year, the boys talk through 50 years of conservation success in 2023. From wildfire prevention through sound forest habitat management, to predator management and beyond - the group tackles the NWTF’s and CSF’s shared message, mission and legacy - in NWTF’s own words - “to ensure robust wild turkey populations, while benefiting healthy forests, waterways, and communities, and championing the soul of the American hunting lifestyle.” Fred then transitions to interview Jason Burckhalter, co-CEO of NWTF, about the recent 50th anniversary celebration and the success of their convention. They discuss the growth of membership and the importance of having a strong voice in conservation. They also highlight the habitat management and research initiatives being undertaken by NWTF. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of partnerships and how individuals can get involved with NWTF.

In this episode of the Sportsman's Voice Roundup, TSV host Fred Bird is joined by CSF’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Coordinator Kaleigh Leager. On this week of March 25th, Fred and Kaleigh kick it off with the lead story of Delaware's progress on House Bill 271, and the anticipation of Governor Carney's signature on sportsmen legislation. Fred also covers topics such as stream access restrictions in Georgia, the ‘Rigs To Reefs’ bill, Oklahoma’s license overhaul, and more.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined again by CSF’s Conner Barker for this edition of the TSV Roundup. On this week of March 18th, Fred and Conner kick it off with the lead story of Kentucky Senate Bill 3, which aims to restructure the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. The bill proposes attaching fish and wildlife to the Department of Agriculture and giving the Commissioner of Agriculture the appointment power over all nine commission seats. This raises concerns about industry influences and the potential impact on science-based wildlife management. The bill has garnered national attention and opposition from sportsmen's organizations. Action alerts and social media campaigns are being used to rally support and encourage legislators to oppose the bill. Fred then covers the ACE Reauthorization Act, CWD funding in Oregon, firearm bills in Oklahoma, and a caucus member winning the Conservation Leadership Award in New Jersey.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined by John Daniel, President of the National Trappers Association, and Jason Wisniewski, President of Fur Takers of America, to talk about the history and necessity of fur trapping as a predator and furbearer control mechanism. From pheasants, turkeys and other ground nesting birds to the issue of predator control and ecosystem balance, they discuss the impact of legislation and fear-mongering on the industry, as well as the global market for fur products. They also explore the environmental impact of synthetic fur and the importance of balancing human population with wildlife management. Fred touches on the disconnect between the public and trappers with both organizations, as well as the positive effects of trapping on wildlife populations, particularly for turkey management. This conversation explores various aspects of trapping, including best management practices, regulation, trapping techniques and equipment, selective trapping, misconceptions about trapping, the laborious nature of trapping (it’s certainly not as easy as the anti-hunters claim!), trapping as a skill and the unprecedented increases in trapping education nationwide, the importance of trapping for conservation, misinformation and its effects on recent legislation, trapping for self-sufficiency, and the value of trapping education and events.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined again by CSF’s Kent Keene, Senior Manager for the Midwest and Western States for this inaugural edition of the standalone TSV Roundup. On this week of March 11th, Fred and Kent kick it off by reviewing Kent’s article for the Sportsmen’s Voice publication, “NASC Legislators from 41 States Weigh in on Farm Bill Debate” before Fred dives into all the news that is fit to print in the hunting, fishing and trapping world in this short and sharp exploration of the issues. They tackle CSF and other conservation advocates’ opposition to the restructuring of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and what that means for sportsmen and women in the Bluegrass State, the recent financial privacy victory for gun owners in Utah during the 2024 legislative session, the all-encompassing federal farm bill debate, the Voluntary Public Access Habitat and City Program, and what to expect from upcoming episodes of the Sportsmen’s Voice podcast!

TSV host Fred Bird is joined again by CSF’s Northwestern States Senior Coordinator Marie Neumiller to discuss the issue of non-hunters, and even anti-hunters seeking seats on Fish and Game Boards and Commissions. Together, they highlight the impact of these appointments on wildlife management, hunting heritage, and access, along with exploring the qualifications and changes in commission appointments, the challenges of non-hunting commissioners, the debate between conservation and preservation, as well as the lack of trust and accountability in the commission system. The team dives into the tensions and proposed legislation in Washington State, and the conversation concludes with the importance of sharing voices and taking action to bring about change. This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your voice and engaging in discussions about conservation and wildlife management. It emphasizes the need for education and understanding, as well as the role of hunters and anglers in funding and contributing to conservation efforts. Fred and Marie also address the misconceptions surrounding taxpayer funding and the consequences of preservationist ideals. It emphasizes the importance of staying engaged, voting, and working with legislators and commissions to protect the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The conversation concludes by highlighting the importance of education, storytelling, and involving the next generation in sportsmen and women's policy.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined by Isabella Mucci of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Collegiate Sportsmen & Women’s Coalition, along with students Jake Tipton of Ole Miss and Helen Bailey of Clemson University. The conversation discusses the process of starting a student organization focused on hunting and conservation at your university, the challenges of registering as a student organization and creating a constitution, the motivations and goals of the students involved in the organizations, including the desire to educate others about conservation and preservation. The group covers the importance of networking and career opportunities in the field of wildlife conservation.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined live from the recent National Assembly of Sportsmens Caucuses summit by Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Senior Director of Fishery Policy Chris Horton and Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Leonard of the American Sportfishing Association. The group dives into Rigs to Reefs, the damage vessel speed restrictions to save right whales would do to the economy and conservation at large, how you can get involved, and so much more.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined live from the recent National Assembly of Sportsmens Caucuses summit by Keely Hopkins, Bill Gaines, and (new to the show!) National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Government Affairs Director Jake McGuigan to dive into a preview of the firearm policy fights on the horizon for this year. The group digs into the recent Merchant Code issues, why it is wrong to track and violate the policy of consumers simply for shopping at a store that carries guns, and why sportsmen and sportswomen need to pay close attention to these fights in their states and at the national level.

TSV host Fred Bird is joined live from the recent National Assembly of Sportsmens Caucuses summit by current NASC Executive Council President (and New Hampshire House of Representatives member) Jeff Goley and former Executive Council Presidents Brian White of South Carolina and Senator Robin Webb of Kentucky for a roundtable discussion on the outlook and future of hunting, fishing and trapping. They share the things they’re working on, some wisdom for hunters, fishermen and trappers looking to get involved, and what we as sportsmen should be focusing on in the year to come.

Chef Josh Schwencke - the famed Texas-based wild game chef, culinary writer for Wild Sheep Foundation’s Magazine, and owner of the Gastronomy Company - joins his friend and TSV host Fred Bird from the recent NASC summit to catch up about honoring our harvest through the culinary arts. Chef Josh talks about the importance and history of wild game foods and the locavore movement, and gives tips and tricks on how to better utilize your game meat. Next up, Fred is joined by award-winning outdoor writer and host of the District of Conservation Podcast Gabriella Hoffman to talk about the year in review of legislation, the challenges facing sportsmen and sportswomen as we try to keep these sports alive, and how sometimes the shooting sports community can be our own worst enemy and what to do about it.

Ronni ‘Cuz’ Strickland - EVP and Brand Ambassador of Mossy Oak and host of the Fist Full of Dirt podcast for Mossy Oak Properties - joins his friend and TSV host Fred Bird from the floor of the recent NASC summit to catch up about the future of the great outdoors and preview (or post view for those who weren’t there!) Cuz’s keynote speech to the assembled sportsmen, sportswomen and legislators at the summit, along with stories of getting his own grandkids outdoors and why the push to get them outside matters so much. Next up, Fred is joined by award-winning filmmaker Tom Opre of Shepherds of Wildlife to talk about previewing his new feature documentary The Last Keeper covering the land use conflicts occurring in Scotland today.

Durrell Smith, President and Co-Founder of the Minority Outdoor Alliance, joins his friend (and TSV host!) Fred Bird to talk about how our differences are set aside when we spend time afield with friends. The two dive deep into their own differences (political, ideological, geographical, and more) and how their shared passions and values define their friendship, not their political ideals – a concept that seems so simple, but oftentimes isn’t!