The Sportsmen's Voice | Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Advocacy with Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Fred Bird | Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
  • 4.8 (28)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 4d ago

    The Real Yellowstone: Ranching, Wildlife, Hunting, and Conservation

    What happens when ranchers, hunters, other conservationists, and rewilders fight over the future of the West? Tom Opre returns to discuss The Real Yellowstone, a documentary examining the complicated relationship between ranching, wildlife, conservation, and the changing landscape of the American West. The film asks difficult questions about who manages wildlife, who benefits from it, and what happens when longtime rural communities collide with new ideas about rewilding and public lands. The conversation digs into regenerative ranching and how carefully managed grazing can improve soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and even wildfire resilience. Opre also explains how elk herds can create significant economic pressure on ranchers while highlighting models that allow wildlife to provide value back to the people stewarding the land. For hunters and anglers, the discussion goes beyond the usual arguments about hunting and conservation. Opre makes the case that hunting, fishing, agriculture, and rural communities are all connected to the broader conservation system, from habitat and clean drinking water to funding for wildlife management. The conversation also explores the growing disconnect between urban populations and rural America, the politics surrounding hunting and trapping, the future of public access, and why sportsmen may need to get better at telling conservation's story. Follow The Sportsmen's Voice for more weekly conversations on hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor policy. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: ⁠www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Real Yellowstone: Ranching, Wildlife, Hunting, and Conservation

  2. Aug 26

    North Carolina Fisheries Ruling Shows the Power of the Right to Hunt and Fish | TSV Roundup Week of August 24th, 2026

    NOAA’s latest recreational fishing numbers leave out billions, raising serious questions about fisheries management and allocation. Recreational fishing is one of the most economically significant parts of America’s outdoors economy, but a major change in federal data collection could be understating its value. Chris Horton and economist Brad Gentner of the Coastal Conservation Association break down what happened and why anglers should pay attention. Gentner, who previously worked at NOAA and helped build the economic models behind its fisheries reports, explains how the agency stopped producing state-level estimates for durable goods such as boats, fishing rods, trucks, and other equipment. Those purchases account for roughly two-thirds of the economic impact associated with recreational fishing. Without them, recent comparisons between recreational and commercial fishing present an incomplete picture. The stakes are particularly high in the Gulf of America, where a new red snapper stock assessment is expected to trigger another fight over allocation between commercial and recreational anglers, followed by decisions involving federal charter, private anglers, and individual states. Economic data can play an important role in those decisions, making accurate numbers critical. Horton and Gentner discuss where the missing information could come from, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service participation estimates, state fishing license data, and a potential independent review of NOAA’s recreational fisheries economics program. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter   Follow The Sportsmen’s Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    North Carolina Fisheries Ruling Shows the Power of the Right to Hunt and Fish | TSV Roundup Week of August 24th, 2026

  3. Aug 20

    Major Sportsmen’s Policy Wins Reshape Hunting Access Nationwide

    Hunting access, conservation funding, and the right to hunt and fish are all facing major battles nationwide. The sportsmen’s policy landscape is moving fast, with more than 100 state-level policy wins already secured this year and hundreds more issues still in play. Brent Miller, Vice President of Policy at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, breaks down the biggest victories, ongoing fights, and emerging threats facing hunters and anglers across the United States. The conversation covers major progress on Sunday hunting in the Northeast, including expanded opportunities in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut. Miller also explains how no-net-loss laws are protecting hunting and fishing access, including 300,000 acres secured in South Carolina, and why conservation funding remains critical to state wildlife agencies and federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funding. The discussion also tackles hunter education in schools, efforts to strengthen the right to hunt and fish, and the defeat of Oregon IP 28, a ballot initiative that would have banned hunting, fishing, and trapping statewide. Colorado’s proposed constitutional right to hunt and fish is another major focus, along with the broader fight over ballot-box biology. Looking ahead, Miller previews the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Summit, including controversial issues such as open fields, genetic modification of wildlife, and a new conservation literacy initiative designed to introduce young people to hunting, fishing, and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Follow The Sportsmen's Voice for more weekly conversations on hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor policy. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: ⁠www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Major Sportsmen’s Policy Wins Reshape Hunting Access Nationwide

  4. Aug 19

    Largest Hunting and Fishing Access Expansion in U.S. History | TSV Roundup Week of August 17th, 2026

    More public access is opening up this fall, but hunters and anglers need to know where. The Department of the Interior has finalized the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service history, creating nearly 1,500 new opportunities across 111 national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries in 32 states. More than 92 million acres, representing over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System, are now available for hunting. The Sportsman’s Voice Roundup breaks down what this expanded access means for hunters, anglers, and anyone looking for new public-land opportunities this fall. The rule also modernizes more than 1,000 refuge-specific regulations, bringing federal requirements into better alignment with state fish and wildlife laws. That should give sportsmen clearer guidance while recognizing the role state agencies play in managing fish and wildlife. The conversation also covers the ongoing debate over nonresident hunting pressure and overcrowding, recreational red snapper management in the South Atlantic, upcoming Mid-Atlantic hunting seasons, and proposed license fee increases in Tennessee. Together, these issues highlight how access, regulation, license sales, and sportsmen’s participation shape conservation across the country. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter   Follow The Sportsmen’s Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Largest Hunting and Fishing Access Expansion in U.S. History | TSV Roundup Week of August 17th, 2026

  5. Aug 12

    The SHARKED ACT and MAPOceans: The Fishing Bills Closing In | TSV Roundup Week of August 10th, 2026

    Several major fishing priorities are closer to becoming law than most sportsmen realize right now. Congress is on August recess, but the work continues behind the scenes on legislation affecting hunters, anglers, fisheries, and conservation funding. Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, breaks down several sportsmen’s priorities that could reach the finish line before the end of the congressional session. The SHARKED Act is one of the biggest opportunities for marine recreational anglers. With shark depredation making it increasingly difficult to land fish, the legislation would establish a congressionally authorized task force to study the problem, identify the species involved, evaluate deterrents, and develop recommendations for NOAA and Congress. MAPOceans is also close, building on the framework established by MAPLands and MAPWaters to standardize federal mapping data and make marine regulations easier to access. For anglers navigating federal waters, better mapping could mean knowing where you can fish, what gear is allowed, and when seasonal restrictions apply without digging through a maze of regulations. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter   Follow The Sportsmen’s Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The SHARKED ACT and MAPOceans: The Fishing Bills Closing In | TSV Roundup Week of August 10th, 2026

  6. Aug 6

    Trapping's Biggest Comeback and Why Conservation Depends on It

    Modern trapping is growing fast as sportsmen and women rediscover one of wildlife conservation's most effective tools. Trapping is experiencing an unexpected resurgence across America, and the reasons go far beyond fur. Jason Wisniewski, President of the Fur Takers of America, joins Fred Bird to discuss why trapper participation has more than doubled in recent years, what is driving new interest among turkey hunters, landowners, and backyard homesteaders, and why modern trapping remains one of the most valuable wildlife management tools available. The conversation explores how predator management supports healthy populations of wild turkeys, quail, and other ground nesting birds while highlighting the science behind today's best management practices. Jason explains how modern traps are designed with animal welfare, selectivity, and conservation in mind, while sharing how trappers continue to support wildlife research, species restoration, and conservation projects across North America. You'll also hear why hands-on education is changing minds, from wildlife agency staff to elected officials attending the Fur Takers of America Trappers College. Jason and Fred discuss the importance of coalition building, recruiting the next generation of trappers, and helping the public better understand the role trapping plays in protecting wildlife habitat and sustaining healthy ecosystems. Whether you're a trapper, turkey hunter, waterfowl hunter, or passionate conservationist, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of North America's oldest and most misunderstood outdoor traditions. Follow The Sportsmen's Voice for more weekly conversations on hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor policy. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: ⁠www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trapping's Biggest Comeback and Why Conservation Depends on It

  7. Aug 5

    California Gun Bills and Drone Debates Shape Conservation Policy | TSV Roundup Week of August 3rd, 2026

    Big policy battles today could reshape tomorrow's hunting traditions, access, and fair chase ethics. The dog days of summer haven't slowed conservation policy, and this week's roundup covers the legislation and debates every hunter should have on their radar. California enters the final month of its legislative session with several proposals that could directly affect firearm ownership, archery hunting, and active forest management. Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation's Kaylee Mortensen breaks down proposed firearm safety certificate requirements, legislation restoring concealed carry rights for archery deer hunters, and a bill that could limit forest management practices on California's demonstration forests. The conversation also explores one of the fastest-growing ethical questions in modern hunting: drone-assisted game recovery. As more states consider legislation governing drone use for recovering harvested animals, we examine where technology fits within the principles of fair chase and what those decisions could mean for the future of hunting. You'll also hear updates on training sporting dogs during the offseason, practical ways hunters and anglers can engage with state policymakers before the next legislative cycle begins, and the latest federal developments surrounding grizzly bear management and the Make America Beautiful Again Act. Whether you follow public lands, firearm legislation, wildlife policy, or conservation advocacy, these stories offer practical insight into the decisions shaping the future of the outdoors. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter   Follow The Sportsmen’s Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    California Gun Bills and Drone Debates Shape Conservation Policy | TSV Roundup Week of August 3rd, 2026

  8. Jul 29

    Oregon IP28 Defeated as Colorado Fur Ban Falls Short | TSV Roundup Week of July 27th, 2026

    Conservation victories prove organized sportsmen can still shape wildlife policy before lasting damage is done. For hunters, trappers, and conservation advocates, policy battles don't stop when the hunting season ends. This week,The Sportsmen's Voice Roundup breaks down two major victories that could have lasting impacts on wildlife management across the West. First, Oregon's controversial IP28, a ballot initiative that sought to ban hunting, trapping, fishing, and livestock management, officially failed to qualify for the November ballot after falling short on valid signatures. While it's a significant win for the sporting community, the conversation explains why similar efforts are almost certain to return and why coalition building between hunters, ranchers, farmers, and conservation organizations will be critical moving forward. The discussion then shifts to Colorado, where the state wildlife commission rejected a proposed retail fur ban after hours of public testimony. While that proposal failed, new trapping restrictions and reduced daily harvest limits raise important questions about science-based wildlife management, predator control, furbearer conservation, and the future of trapping as a conservation tool. The conversation also covers national headlines, including Massachusetts' effort to repeal sweeping gun control legislation, updates on polar bear import legislation, prescribed fire and wildfire policy, invasive wild pig management, shark depredation concerns along the Northeast coast, and conservation funding challenges facing Michigan. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation policy conversations. Get the FREE Sportsmen’s Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter   Follow The Sportsmen’s Voice wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1705085498  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

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.

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