Science-Based Fish and Wildlife Management Protected in Vermont, For Now |
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Introduced on January 12, 2024, Vermont Senate Bill 258 (S. 258) proposed to transfer the authority to adopt rules for the taking of fish, wildlife, and fur-bearing animals from the Fish and Wildlife Board to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The bill recently passed the Senate and moved to the House where it (for now) has met its demise. Though there is a chance of the bill resurfacing during the June veto session, it is unlikely S. 258 will be resuscitated. At this point it appears our efforts delivered and have provided reason for great optimism for S. 258’s final demise. |
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Senate Unanimously Passes Significant CSF Priority, ACE Reauthorization Act |
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Last week, the United States Senate unanimously passed the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act, a comprehensive and bipartisan bill that is a top priority for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. This important legislation is led by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Member and Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Sen. Carper, EPW Ranking Member and CSC Member Sen. Capito, who are joined by CSC Co-Chair Sen. Boozman, CSC members Senators Mullin and Wicker among other bipartisan cosponsors. The ACE Reauthorization Act seeks to reauthorize nearly a dozen provisions that will bolster the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their associated habitats across North America and provides an important protection for America’s anglers. READ MORE |
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New Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Announced |
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After serving as Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for ten years, Curt Melcher retired from his role with the department. The search for the next Director started in January 2024 immediately following Director Melcher’s announcement. The ODFW Commission announced two finalists on May 3, 2024. Both candidates were interviewed at a public meeting on Friday May 10, 2024, after a full day of deliberations the commission voted to extend an offer of employment to Debbie Colbert. READ MORE |
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Pennsylvania Poised to Become 32nd State to Issue Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses to College Students |
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College can be an incredibly challenging time financially for many students, which presents a real barrier for them purchasing a hunting, trapping, or fishing license while in school. If young adults cease their participation in hunting and angling for 4 years while other interests are blossoming, there is real potential for them to stop participating all together. Senate Bill 344 (SB 344) seeks to address this issue and safeguard our collective outdoor heritage by allowing non-resident college and university students, who are attending a college within the Keystone State, to purchase hunting and trapping fees at the same rate as Pennsylvania Residents - thereby encouraging ongoing participation in our beloved pastimes. |
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Legislation to Protect Conservation Funding in Louisiana Clears Senate Committee |
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Legislation to protect conservation funding for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) by requiring that the agency be reimbursed for revenue lost due to the creation of free and discounted hunting and fishing licenses is a forward-leaning mechanism to safeguard the ability of the state fish and wildlife agency to manage the state’s public trust resources and provide services for the sportsmen and women whose license dollars provide significant funding for the agency. |
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Playing the Odds: Applications Open for Public Land Elk Permits and Elk and Black Bear Permits for residents in Arkansas and Missouri, Respectively |
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When game populations are at a point where limited, regulated hunting opportunities are necessary for their management, state fish and wildlife agencies often develop a lottery system in which sportsmen and women apply for a limited number of tags or permits. In utilizing a lottery, states are able to manage the demand for hunting opportunity when the supply for such opportunities is limited. In Arkansas and Missouri such opportunities exist for elk and, in the case of Missouri, black bear, where agency and sportsmen-led restoration and management efforts have created amazing opportunities for sportsmen and women. |
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