Episode 36 - Right to Hunt and Fish: Statehouse Battles That Matter Most

When anti-hunting activists mobilize, will sportsmen show up to defend their ground? Fred Bird of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation joins Hunt Fish Freedom for a hard look at the policy fights shaping our outdoor future. As host of The Sportsmen’s Voice podcast and a longtime advocate in state legislatures across the East Coast, Fred brings boots-on-the-ground insight from inside committee rooms and caucus meetings where hunting and fishing rights are decided. From Right to Hunt and Fish constitutional amendments to Sunday hunting access and no net loss public land policies, this conversation breaks down how wildlife management, conservation funding, and sportsmen’s advocacy intersect at the state level. Fred explains why semi-automatic firearm restrictions, commission restructuring efforts, and anti-hunting ballot initiatives like those emerging in Oregon represent more than political noise. They directly impact waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, deer seasons, trapping rights, and the North American model of wildlife conservation. Listeners will walk away understanding how license sales fund conservation, why showing up at state hearings matters, and how a handful of phone calls can sway a vote. This is an insider conversation about hunting advocacy, grassroots action, and protecting the outdoor heritage we pass to the next generation. Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out Fred’s work at Congressional Sportsmen Foundation:  Check out The Sportsmen’s Voice Podcast:  Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw