Fresh Tracks Weekly

Are Virtual Fences the Future for Wildlife Migration? Week of April 27th

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:01:00 -0000

Interested in items from Randy's Garage Sale??? Check out https://shopfreshtracks.com/ This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we’re diving into the critical role of wildlife-friendly fencing and how new technology like virtual fencing is helping clear the path for big game migrations. But first, we’re cleaning out the shop for a cause! Join Randy for a special "Garage Sale" featuring a Leupold clock and a signed collection of books by conservation legend Jim Posewitz—with all proceeds benefiting the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. We also break down the latest news impacting the outdoors, including: • Why proposed 70-80% cuts to the BLM and Fish & Wildlife Service could be devastating for habitat management. • Does nuclear power offer a smaller land footprint for hunters compared to solar and wind? • Wyoming Land Leases, public input is needed on 360,000 acres of potential oil and gas development. • An update on the Farm Bill and the protection of bird dog training practices.

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Congress to DELIST Grizzly Bears??? | Week of April 21

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0000

Interested in some gear from Randy’s Garage Sale? Visit https://shopfreshtracks.com/ We have a full slate of items happening on this week’s episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly. First off, Blake is headed out for his first-ever elk hunt this fall and needs your help. What broadheads are you shooting and why? Drop your recommendations in the comments below! For this week’s Deeper Dive, Randy and Marcus discuss why the biological recovery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly is a success story being held hostage by litigation. - What does "State Control" actually look like? - The history of the Simpson-Tester wolf rider and why a similar "backdoor" move might be the only way forward for grizzlies. - The reality of future grizzly hunting: Why it won't be "over-the-counter" and why hunters must be the most disciplined stewards of this iconic species. - Then we jump into a weekend update where Blake and Marcus celebrated their birthdays by tagging some turkeys! News Topics Covered: Boundary Waters Update: A deep dive into House Joint Resolution 140 and the controversial use of the Congressional Review Act to bypass environmental safeguards in Minnesota.

Links

• Outdoor Life

• https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-votes-revoke-boundary-waters-protections/

• https://www.outdoorlife.com/opinion/how-congress-stripped-boundary-waters-protections/

• MeatEater

• https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/senate-votes-against-protecting-boundary-waters CWD & Wyoming Elk: Good news from the winter feed grounds, but why dry conditions and "prion-persistence" mean we aren't out of the woods yet.

Links • WYO File - Zero CWD Cases at Feedgrounds • https://wyofile.com/record-warmth-open-slopes-give-wyomings-fed-elk-a-reprieve-from-advancing-deadly-disease/

• WYO File - Historically Warm Winter • https://wyofile.com/record-warmth-open-slopes-give-wyomings-fed-elk-a-reprieve-from-advancing-deadly-disease/ Mossy Oak Turkey Stamp: How your 2026 stamp purchase funds critical research into LPDV (a virus affecting wild turkey populations).

Links • Purchase a stamp here • https://store.mossyoak.com/products/2026-wild-turkey-stamp?srsltid=AfmBOoqj0zUwWgZvBYJBMNfJkiz1juImYhCLCykJEz4g1vnlJm1s5j16

• Where you money goes when purchasing a Mossy Oak Turkey Stamp • https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/turkey/mossy-oaks-wild-turkey-stamp-funds-lpdv-disease-research Delta Waterfowl Milestone: Celebrating 100,000 new hunters through the "First Hunt" program.

Link • https://deltawaterfowl.org/whats-new/news/delta-waterfowl-achieves-historic-milestone-100-000-people-introduced-to-duck-hunting/

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Pay Attention if Sage-grouse Disappear | Week of April 13

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:30:00 -0000

To buy the beaver pelt from Randy’s Garage Sale, click here - shopfreshtracks.com This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we are joined by Skyler, the Sage Grouse Conservation Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. We take a deep dive into the critical role sage grouse play in the western ecosystem and explain why big game hunters should be invested in the health of these birds and their habitat. We also catch up with Michael in his latest installment of the fishing corner. We also jump into a few news stories: Over half of the reintroduced wolves in Colorado have died or been killed, leading to a pause in further translocations due to budget constraints and sourcing difficulties. Oklahoma has begun releasing pen-raised deer into the wild to test for genetic immunity to Chronic Wasting Disease, a move that has drawn significant criticism from the scientific and hunting communities. The Congressional Sportsmen Foundation is raising alarms over new bills in Massachusetts that could shift wildlife management areas toward preservationist models, potentially limiting active habitat management and hunting access. Online retailer Etsy has announced a ban on the sale of most fur items starting in August 2026, a decision that trappers and small business owners argue ignores the role of trapping as a vital wildlife management tool.

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Restructuring the Forest Service | Week of April 6

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:43:00 -0000

This week we discuss the USDA announcement to move Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City and shift from regional to state-based management.

A bipartisan amendment to the Farm Bill regarding the Greyhound Protection Act and its potential impact on bird dog training methods has sportsmen concerned.

A Review of a Headwaters Economics report detailing the 1.3 trillion dollar economic impact of outdoor recreation in the United States was recently released.

A gold mind and AI data center have been proposed within the Blackfoot River watershed and potential environmental concerns.

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What's Happening in the West | Week of March 23

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:44:00 -0000

Blake Phelps provides a Field Report on the spring waterfowl migration at Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area following several conservation updates. Recent research from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Montana FWP indicates that elk populations in Northwest Montana remain stable despite predation from lions, bears, and wolves. Data shows that while some elk utilize private land for forage, the majority remain accessible on public land in timbered or difficult terrain. In Oregon, the passing of House Bill 4134 increased the state lodging tax to 2.75% to generate 38 million dollars for habitat restoration and the State Wildlife Action Plan. A study on YouTube wildlife content revealed that only 9% of videos focus on conservation, with very few viewers taking direct action on behalf of wildlife. Across the Western U.S., record low snowpack and high temperatures in 2026 have already led to 1.5 million acres burned. These conditions are expected to reduce forage quality for wildlife and may trigger early fishing restrictions.

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Public Lands AREN'T a Balance Sheet Item | Week of March 16th

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0000

No News for this week's Fresh Tracks Weekly. However, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett take a deep dive into some controversial comments from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and his management plan of our public lands. Is the federal government actually following sound business practices, or are they holding a fire sale on assets that belong to you, the American taxpayer? Join Marcus and Randy as they break down the "balance sheet" of our National Forests and BLM lands. From 0% royalty rates on hard-rock mining to the massive $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we explore why treating public lands solely as a resource for extraction ignores the very people who own them. We’re tackling the myth that conservation and industry can’t coexist and calling out the "swamp rats" looking to profit off our shared backcountry.

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CWD and Game Farms | Week of March 9

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing Chronic Wasting Disease, game farms and how lack of common sense laws could worsen the spread throughout the United States. We also touch on some new research from Wyoming indicates that deer covering longer migration distances accumulate more body fat by following the green wave of forage. Proposed legislation in Idaho would shift the appointment of state agency directors, including Fish and Game, to the governor. The House Agricultural Committee is advancing a new version of the Farm Bill containing key conservation and public access programs. Check out TRCPs breakdown here. https://www.trcp.org/2026/03/05/new-farm-bill-advances-in-house-committee-key-impacts-for-hunters-and-anglers/ Private timber land sales in the Elochoman River valley are resulting in locked gates and reduced hunting opportunities.

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Ban Hunting Completely | Week of March 2

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:19:00 -0000

This week we’re discussing ballot measures and how they can be used to impact wildlife and conservation, specifically with the example of Oregon IP28, a proposal that would criminalize standard animal husbandry, hunting, and fishing practices The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11 to 9 along party lines to advance Steve Pearce’s nomination for Director of the Bureau of Land Management to the full Senate. The Secretary of the Interior opened 2.1 million acres along the Dalton Highway to mining claims, a move that facilitates land transfers to the state and clears a path for the proposed Ambler Road. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a petition to ban the sale and trade of fur statewide, despite opposition from the agency’s director and the majority of public commenters. House Bill 4145 passed the Oregon House, modifying a previous ballot measure to extend firearm permit processing times and increase fees.

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Congress Needs to Grow a Spine | Week of February 23

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett dive deep into the complex world of public land management and the fragile nature of administrative rules. Using the Roadless Rule of 2001 as a primary case study, they explore how major land-use policies can remain "fickle" for decades because they lack the permanent weight of Congressional law. The conversation sheds light on the growing trend of "management by executive order," where shifting administrations use tools like the Congressional Review Act to bypass public comment and overturn established rules, creating a political pendulum that swings further with every election cycle.The duo highlights the real-world consequences of this instability such as the potential loss of wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. Randy issues a call to action, urging citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and demanding that Congress "get a spine" and return to the hard work of legislating. By prioritizing durable, bipartisan laws over short-term administrative shortcuts, the guys argue we can restore public enfranchisement and ensure that the voices of the people and the health of our wild places, aren't lost to political theatrics.

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Refilling the Swamp | Week of February 16

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:33:00 -0000

This week we discuss the Congressional Review Act. This fast-track law allows a simple majority in Congress to overturn agency rules and permanently bars those agencies from creating any "substantially similar" regulations in the future.

We also cover a few news stories including:A new Forest Service proposal would shorten public comment periods to as little as 10 days and move official notices from newspapers to government websites while using AI to summarize feedback.

A new citizen petition aims to ban the commercial sale of fur through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on March 4 and 5.

A new study reveals that wolves frequently scavenge mountain lion kills, forcing lions to hunt deer over elk to minimize the time spent at vulnerable kill sites.

Another new study suggest that hunting vocal toms during peak breeding periods may reduce overall reproductivity, sparking discussions about shifting season dates to better protect populations.

HJR 140 is still up for a senate vote. The resolution threatens protections upstream of the boundary waters canoe wilderness area. Theodore Roosevelt IV has issued an open letter urging the Senate to vote against HJR 140, arguing that the resolution favors foreign mining interests and ignores sound science.

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Repaying Political Debts | Abusing the Congressional Review Act | Week of February 9th

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:30:00 -0000

ACT NOW!!! Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm The Senate could vote on HJ 140 as early as tomorrow, February 10th. This backdoor political move uses the Congressional Review Act to ignore public input and allow mining that cannot withstand scientific or economic scrutiny, at the risk of the wild waters near the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area.

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Bad Game Management | Week of February 2

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:30:00 -0000

This week, we explore the friction between hunters and state wildlife agencies, specifically focusing on the common misunderstandings regarding agency jurisdictions and roles. Contact your Senators via the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Watch the Killing Catalina film here https://www.howlforwildlife.org/catalinaisland Also... The Senate is expected to vote next week on using the Congressional Review Act to overturn the 20-year mining ban near Minnesota's Boundary Waters; those opposed can use the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers website to quickly contact their representatives. https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action A recent cold snap allowed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue a unique executive order, resulting in the removal of over 5,000 invasive green iguanas after citizens were permitted to collect and transport cold-stunned animals to state drop-off sites. Arizona is considering its first-ever landowner deer tag system through a new bill that could be a step towards the potential privatization of wildlife and the allocation of public hunting opportunities.

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Everyone is Lying to You | Week of January 26

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:30:00 -0000

This episode discusses tribalism and the tendency for individuals to follow group narratives over personal beliefs, using recent media coverage of the Alex Pretti case as a starting point. The conversation focuses on how tribalism manifests within conservation and public land management. Topics covered in this week’s news: Utah Wolf Removal: State officials lethally removed three wolves in Northern Utah to comply with management plans. Wyoming Public Land Sale: A review of House Bill 55, which proposes selling state land for housing development. Oregon Petition: An update on an initiative to ban hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture that may reach the 2026 ballot. Ecological Research: The impact of losing long-term datasets on invasive species management and habitat conservation. Profitable Conservation: A Nature Conservancy report on how edge-of-field practices can improve farm productivity and wildlife habitat.

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You Can't Graze Here! | Week of January 19

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:45:00 -0000

This week, we examine the Bureau of Land Management's decision to revoke grazing leases for American Prairie bison and provide updates on public land funding, mining in Minnesota, wolf reintroduction in Colorado, and land access in North Carolina.

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BLM Director Who Wants to Sell Public Land | Week of January 12

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0000

This week, we examine the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and talk about why there is so much pushback from public land advocates Pearce has a history of advocating for the disposal of federal lands. In 2005, he pushed for initiatives to sell public land to mining companies and has argued that the federal government does not "need" the majority of its western land holdings. We also cover a few news highlights from the week including Secretarial Order No. 3447 to Expand Hunting and Fishing Access on Department of Interior lands, new regulations in Idaho concerning technology and hunting, proposed changes to the Clean Water Act and a Joint Resolution that threatens the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.

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Do We Need Them? | Fresh Tracks Weekly (Ep. 109)

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we discuss a renewed threat to Wyoming’s famous mule deer migration. New oil and gas leases on BLM land are near critical winter ranges and migration corridors for the Sublette mule deer and pronghorn herds. We discuss how the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan is being bypassed and why "energy independence" is no longer a valid excuse for poor conservation. We also cover several headlines from the week, including 2026 federal budget cuts, the reopening of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and the controversial "flooded corn" baiting debate in waterfowl hunting.

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46,000 Acres of New Access Cancelled? | Fresh Tracks Weekly (Ep. 108)

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:30:00 -0000

In this episode, we break down how Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) money generated from offshore oil and gas revenues and intended to permanently protect public lands is likely being diverted away from approved conservation projects. One of the projects in jeopardy is the 46,000-acre La Jara Basin land sale in Colorado, which is eight years in development, has broad public support, and already has funding fully approved and allocated. Despite this, new Department of the Interior actions could block LWCF funds from being used, putting this and many other conservation projects at risk.

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Why Can't Hunters find Bulls? | Week of July 21

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:30:00 -0000

Buy the Elk Conservation Stamp here (proceeds donated to RMEF) https://shopfreshtracks.com/products/2025-elk-conservation-stamp?srsltid=AfmBOorlsI5T-OHN5wvqK1ZU72s6EISgCuMItcxQQxYBMWOvkWb2fxjs In this episode, we sit down with Jesse DeVoe from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, to discuss an elk research project in Northwest Montana. Jesse shares insights into this large-scale collaborative effort to better understand local elk populations and looking into habitat and impacts from predators. News this week includes: -A Wildlife Migration License Plate Design Contest announced by TRCP and Montana FWP -A recent land conveyance in Alaska under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act -New data from a national survey on public attitudes toward hunting and shooting sports

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How the Big Beautiful Bill Impacts Hunters | Week of July 14

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 19:30:00 -0000

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we break down what’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill” and how it impacts hunters and public land users—even without the controversial land sale provision. We also look ahead to next week’s launch of Elk Week, where we’ll be rolling out elk-focused content daily. News Stories Covered: – Wall Street Journal Opinion Piece: The WSJ Editorial Board criticized the removal of the public land sale from the bill, backing false claims about affordability and land use. – Wyoming Corner Crossing Case: A new petition has been submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. – BLM Wild Horse Roundup Blocked: The 10th Circuit Court halted a planned roundup of 3,600 feral horses in southern Wyoming due to insufficient explanation on ecological balance. – Backcountry Lake Contamination: A lake in the Wind River Range showed fecal contamination 384x over safe swimming levels. – Solar Farms and Wildlife Displacement: A new study tracks pronghorn movement around a Wyoming solar facility and reveals how habitat use changes after construction—even beyond the fenced area.

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Public Land Sale Defeated | Week of June 30

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we cover a major win for public land advocates: Senator Mike Lee was forced to removed the controversial public land sale language from the "Big Beautiful Bill." While it's a victory for now, Randy Newberg breaks down why this issue isn't going away and where to watch for future attempts to sell off public lands. We also cover several key conservation and public access updates: The EXPLORE Act has officially been implemented, expanding access to outdoor recreation, improving public land maps, and increasing coordination to combat invasive species. A collaborative project in Nevada brought volunteers and conservation groups together to install a new wildlife guzzler in Churchill County, providing critical water resources in desert habitat. The Department of Government Efficiency has canceled grants to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, raising concerns over the future of the "Take Me Fishing" program. Pheasants Forever has enrolled a new landowner into South Dakota’s PATH program, opening nearly 30,000 acres of high-quality habitat to public hunting and recreation. Pennsylvania is on the verge of lifting its longstanding ban on Sunday hunting, with HB1431 awaiting the governor’s signature.

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Not One Acre | Week of June 23

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:00:00 -0000

Link to Mike Lee's updated language: https://www.hunttalk.com/attachments/lee-senr-06-24-2025-pdf.376000/ Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

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The Biggest Threat to Public Land in Our Lifetime | Week of June 16

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:43:00 -0000

Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121

Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representativeBuy

Arizona Bighorn Sheep Raffle Tickets: https://wildsheep.fanthem.io/give/sheep/online-raffles/bhs?referralCode=wsfweb

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This is Not a Drill | Week of June 9

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Link to Mike Lee’s 69 page bill: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/DF7B7FBE-9866-4B69-8ACA-C661A4F18096 Members on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee https://www.energy.senate.gov/members Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Andrew McKean’s Outdoor Life Article https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-proposes-selling-public-land/

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Selling Public Land and Gutting LWCF | Week of June 2

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0000

Contact Mike Lee: https://www.lee.senate.gov/contact Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 This week, we're talking about recent changes to the federal budget reconciliation bill and what they mean for hunters and public land users. Some updates and news include: The Wyoming corner crossing case could be heading to the Supreme Court. A large-scale feral horse roundup is scheduled in Wyoming. Colorado Parks and Wildlife kills a wolf after repeated livestock attacks. Ohio Senate redirects wildlife funding from natural gas revenues. President Trump nominates Michael Boren for U.S. Forest Service Director.

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Can the Public Land Caucus Flip the Script? | Week of May 12

Fri, 16 May 2025 22:00:00 -0000

Find your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative In this episode, we cover troubling developments in the latest budget reconciliation bill, including a proposed amendment that could lead to the sale of over 500,000 acres of public land and the formation of the new Public Lands Caucus. We also look at potential impacts on the USGS Cooperative Wildlife Research Units and changes to oil and gas royalty rates that could reduce federal revenue. But it’s not all bad news — we highlight exciting wildlife conservation projects from Arizona to California, including new elk crossings and Tule Elk restoration efforts. Tune in for Randy’s take on what all this means for public lands and conservation.

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Why Non-Resident Hunters Pay More | Week of May 5

Fri, 09 May 2025 21:50:00 -0000

Capitol switchboard number: (202) 224-3121. This week we’re taking a closer look at why states are legally allowed to discriminate against non-resident hunters. Randy joins to explain the legal and historical background of this system and what it could mean for the future of hunting access. We also cover some major news stories affecting public lands and hunters: A controversial budget amendment from Mark Amodei (NV) and Celeste Maloy (UT) could result in the sale of at least 11,000 acres of BLM and Forest Service land in Nevada and Utah. The amendment passed committee without public input. Cuts to key federal land and wildlife agencies are also in the proposed budget, including major reductions to the Forest Service, BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, and more. These cuts could significantly impact habitat research and conservation efforts. In Colorado, the Attorney General clarified that corner crossing from federal land to federal land is legal—though not when it involves state land. We break down what that means for public land users. In California, a bill that would have allowed hounds to haze bears in urban-wildlife conflict zones failed by just one vote but may return next year. Stick around for the deep dive discussion on the legal standing of non-resident hunting restrictions and what it means for access across the U.S.

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MT Wins for Hunters, California Wolf Attacks, AmeriCorps Cuts | Week of April 28

Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:00 -0000

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we bring you updates from across the West—even while Randy's out chasing turkeys! New Film "UNWIRED" – A must-watch on Wyoming pronghorn, GPS tracking, and how fencing is evolving for wildlife migration. https://thewyldlifefund.org/unwired/ Montana Legislative Wins – Two competing bills (HB 932 & SB 537) could shape the future of conservation funding from marijuana tax revenue. Moose & Sheep Tags – A new law allows FWP to raffle or auction high-demand tags. What does it mean for conservation groups and revenue? Montana expands its Block Management Program to improve public land access through private property. Wolf Conflicts in California – Sierra County is “under siege” after 18 confirmed wolf-related attacks. What’s going on? Public Land for Housing? – A new federal task force is considering selling or leasing public land for housing. We discuss the implications. Oklahoma Restricts Non-Resident Hunters – A new law introduces a lottery system for public land access—targeting overcrowding. AmeriCorps Funding Cut – $400M in grants canceled, and 85% of staff put on leave. 25 states are suing the Trump administration.

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Crew Update & Spring Hunt Plans | Week of April 21

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:45:00 -0000

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we're switching gears from our usual deep dives into public land policy and instead catching up with the crew to talk about springtime plans and upcoming hunts. But don’t worry—we still have the news segment covering some updates on wildlife and conservation across the country. In this episode: Montana Wildlife Crossings – A new bill is one step away from becoming law, creating a Wildlife Highway Crossing Account. We look at how similar programs in Wyoming and Nevada have proven to save both wildlife and money. Closures by the Army Corps of Engineers – Staffing shortages are leading to campground and visitor center closures across several western states. We discuss the impacts. Fishing Deregulation – A new executive order is aimed at loosening restrictions on commercial fishing. Supporters say it’ll help the industry—critics warn of long-term consequences to ocean health. Interior Department Strategic Plan Leaked – A leaked draft shows a strong push for resource extraction and land development, with some mixed messaging on grazing and species protection. Alabama Cervid Bills – Two bills are moving forward that would severely restrict the state’s ability to regulate the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). We break down the potential implications for wild deer populations. Grizzlies in California? – A new study says the Golden State could support over 1,000 grizzly bears. We take a look at the proposed recovery zones and the big question: Will California actually follow through? And to wrap it up, we’re talking spring hunts—what’s on the calendar and what the crew’s excited about.

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D.O.G.E. For The Outdoors | Week of April 14

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0000

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we're exploring our ideas for improving government efficiency in the outdoors – D.O.G.E. style. Randy shares some ideas on how the government could improve its functionality when managing public lands and questions why these efficiency tools aren’t already being used.

But first, a few news stories:

Mossy Oak Turkey Stamp

Learn how you can support wild turkey conservation through Mossy Oak’s Conservation Stamp—100% of proceeds go to turkey research that benefits populations nationwide.

Controversial Conservation Easement Bill

Two Congresswomen introduced a bill that limits landowner options under the guise of increasing rights. We break down why this bill could hurt long-term land conservation efforts.

Louisiana Land Sale Scandal

A shady land deal in Louisiana potentially robbed the public of river access and millions in value, raising questions about state-level land transfers and government accountability.

Public Lands Rule Likely Death

The Public Lands Rule—meant to elevate conservation to the same level as extractive uses—may be on the chopping block, without a chance for public comment, despite overwhelming support.

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Who Exactly Wants to Sell Public Land? | Week of April 7

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:20:00 -0000

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we follow up on last week’s budget reconciliation deep dive and talk about the push to sell off public lands. A failed amendment revealed which lawmakers are backing this controversial move — and who’s fighting to keep our lands public.

We also cover the latest outdoor and conservation news:

The U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on federal employee firings, impacting 16,000 workers.

How the loss of key NOAA and wildlife biologists could derail salmon and grizzly bear recovery.

New 2024 Chronic Wasting Disease data from Wyoming shows concerning spread in deer and elk populations.

After a 9-year legal fight, 50,000 acres of public land in Colorado are now open to the public.

“Freedom Cities” and what they could mean for over 500,000 acres of BLM land in Nevada.

Plus, one Idaho congressman makes a surprising move to protect public lands.

Dive in, stay informed, and join the conversation to help keep public lands in public hands.

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1/2 Million Acres to Be Sold? | Week of March 31

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 21:23:00 -0000

This week, Randy checks in from Washington D.C. where he’s meeting with lawmakers and staffers to get the latest on public land policy—and sound the alarm on new efforts to sell off public lands. With major decisions looming, we break down what’s at stake and how it could impact access and conservation across the country.

We also cover a wide range of wildlife and land management stories from around the West:

🦌 Washington State bans baiting for big game hunting and tightens rules to combat Chronic Wasting Disease.

🐏 Montana’s famed Missouri Breaks sheep unit is closed after a concerning population crash.

🐺 New Mexico declares a state of emergency over Mexican gray wolves after rising livestock losses.

🎣 Great Lakes Fishery at risk after key Sea Lamprey control workers were illegally fired—but now reinstated.

🏞️ Wyoming conservation easement funding frozen—jeopardizing protection of critical migration corridors.

🏘️ Nevada eyes BLM land for affordable housing amid skyrocketing demand and limited space.

Stick around for the deeper dive where Randy breaks down the latest from Capitol Hill and what it all means for our public lands.

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Giving Your Time for Conservation | Week of March 24

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:45:00 -0000

This week, we have Jared Frasier from what was previously 2% For Conservation. They are relaunching as Fish and Wildlife Volunteers, and Jared explains why the relaunch was necessary and how businesses and individuals can get involved.

A few news stories also include.

A few weeks ago, the Alaska state supreme court ruled that the Department of Game and Fish needed to halt its intensive predator management program, claiming it was unconstitutional.

In Montana, a significant amendment to the water rights bill would have allowed sales of isolated state land within the state.

Congressman Jeff Hurd has introduced the “Productive Public Lands Act,” which aims to reverse decisions made on Bureau of Land Management resource management plans in recent years for multiple areas within Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon.

A former Wyoming Game warden and Game and Fish director will likely be the new director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Affordable Housing on Public Land | Week of March 17

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 21:30:00 -0000

This week, we are discussing the recent announcement from the Department of Interior to use Federal Land to help with the Housing Affordability crisis.

Also, some news stories from the week include

Big news for corner crossing in multiple states. The U.S. 10 Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling for the four hunters sued by a private landowner for corner crossing in Wyoming.

Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently announced plans to open more of Alaska to oil and gas leasing.

In Idaho, the state senate has called for the state to take over control of the Camas National Wildlife Refuge from the federal government.

Montana re-introduced a Joint Resolution in which they want to make a statement that Montana supports Utah's claim that federal ownership of public lands is unconstitutional.

A press release from the U.S. Department of Interior this week details a recent auction in which the Bureau of Land Management sold off $16.5 million worth of land in the Las Vegas area.

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How Access is Funded... or Squandered | Week of March 10

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we are discussing the land and water conservation fund, how it’s one of the greatest conservation tools we have, and how, with all the chaos of trying to pass a budget, some LWCF projects could fall through the cracks if Congress doesn’t release funds.

Some news stories also include.

In Colorado, several ranchers were granted compensation for damages to their livestock herds caused by newly reintroduced wolves, which used up almost the entire wolf damage budget.

In Wyoming, black-footed ferrets face a challenging year ahead as key employees have been fired and funding frozen from the Department of Government Efficiency efforts.

Andrew McKean wrote an article summarizing some of the recent turmoil within federal agencies, which gives insight into what conservation might look like over the next four years.

In Montana, the legislature is halfway through with some interesting things coming out of the woodwork.

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Land Already on the Chopping Block | Week of March 3rd

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:20:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing how a significant amount of Bureau of Land Management land has already been identified as suitable for disposal and would not require Congressional approval to sell.

There is still much uncertainty about the status of the federal employees who were fired in the last month. A judge did, however, rule that the Office of Personnel Management should rescind the memos that fired certain employees.

The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. It would reauthorize and fund the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program at three times the current rate.

We also cover various state legislation that could impact hunting, fishing, or public land in your state.

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If Randy Ran DOGE | Week of Feb. 24

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:10:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing the drastic changes we’ve seen over the last month within our federal agencies and how thousands of people have been fired. Randy details his idea of Government Efficiency.

A few news stories are also included.

A Montana bill has been introduced that would take money generated from the tax on marijuana that currently goes towards funding wildlife habitats, parks, and non-game wildlife and re-direct it to the general fund and various marijuana addiction and prevention accounts.

Another interesting bill in Montana would allow Fish Wildlife and Parks to compensate landowners for allowing access through their property to hunt inaccessible public land.

In Wyoming, even more elk have been found dead from chronic wasting disease at one of the state-run feed-grounds.

In Colorado, House Bill 25-1133 would prohibit 18 - to 20-year-olds from purchasing ammunition. This follows 2023 legislation prohibiting 18-20-year-olds from purchasing semi-auto rifles and shotguns.

In Alaska, the Governor introduced legislation, Senate Bill 105, that creates opportunities for residents to purchase or lease state land for cabin sites. If you’re watching this video right now. Public testimony is being heard in the Senate Resources Committee right now.

In Kentucky, Senate Bill 89 would change how they define water within the state, abandoning its definition in exchange for the federal definition of navigable waters, which removes protections for wetlands, headwaters, and groundwater.

In Indiana, House Bill 1447 would restrict logging and forest management within particular state forests.

In Washington, House Bill 1775 would phase out and ultimately ban fur farming within the state. That bill narrowly passed out of committee and is moving forward.

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Inside the Board of Game with Jim Baichtal | Week of Feb. 17

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:52:18 -0000

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we take a deep dive into Alaska’s board of game with Jim Baichtal.

Then, we dive into Colorado's controversial HB 1258, which could shift wildlife management from mandatory hunting and fishing to optional, opening the door for litigation. We also cover Colorado's successful bighorn sheep translocation project, funded by hunters, and discuss concerning CWD cases in Wyoming's elk feed grounds. Plus, Idaho announces changes to non-resident tag systems and mule deer conservation efforts, while Colorado prepares for big changes to its tag draw system by 2028.

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State Transfer is Simply UN-AMERICAN! | Week of Feb. 10

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Randy and Marcus dive into the ongoing debate over federal land management. They discuss potential solutions that would allow Congress to manage our public lands properly—without resorting to selling them off to state land boards. From funding challenges to policy changes, they explore ways to keep these lands accessible for future generations. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on protecting our public lands and ensuring they remain in public hands!

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MILLIONS of Acres Will be LOST FOREVER | Week of Feb. 3

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Marcus and Randy break down the harsh reality of federal land transfers and what they mean for recreational shooters. If federal lands are handed over to state land boards, millions of acres currently open to target shooting could be lost forever. They discuss real-world examples, the differences in land management policies, and why public land advocates should be paying attention. Don’t take access for granted—tune in to find out what’s at stake.

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Congress Won't Do Their Job | Week of Jan. 27

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:30:00 -0000

This week, we are continuing the series talking about transferring federal land to the states and, in particular, how Congress has the ability to fix a lot of the issues with land management; they just refuse to do so.

Some other news stories include;

Trump’s executive order to pause federal grants and funding led to panic and confusion amongst many in the conservation world as billions in funding was about to be cut off.

A bill in Wyoming popped up that would have made private landowner tags transferable, sending wildlife down a path of privatization.

Another bill in Wyoming aims to make mountain lion hunting wide open within the state.

At the national level, a bill has been re-introduced into Congress that would require congressional approval for the sale and transfer of public lands to non-federal entities in most instances.

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State Land is NOT Public Land | Week of Jan. 20

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:45:00 -0000

This week we’re discussing transferring federal land to the states and in particular state land boards, what a state land board is, what their responsibilities are and the history of them selling off their land.

The big news story from the week is president Trump's executive orders and what they might mean to public land users and hunters.

Backcountry Hunter’s and Anglers released a statement detailing some of the changes that will come from the result of the orders in Alaska.

In Wyoming the executive orders also have the potential to impact public lands primarily through reducing barriers and regulations to oil and gas energy development and lifting the liquified natural gas export ban.

In Washington a number of bills have been introduced in relation to firearms and ammunition.

Also in Washington, a new report is suggesting major changes to the Fish and Wildlife commission.

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Giving Federal Land to the States (Week of January 13)

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:30:00 -0000

This week, Randy and I are kicking off a series about public land transfer and how the same old ideas of selling and transferring public lands are popping back up.

We’ll revisit how Utah has been pushing the idea of transferring federal land to the state and how the Supreme Court recently shut them down. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case was certainly a win for public land advocates, but this idea and movement are not going away anytime soon.

So, Randy is going to break down the idea of land transfer topic by topic over the next few weeks.

Legislatures across the country are now in session, and there are plenty of good things that could benefit hunters and public land users, but there are also a LOT of bad bills that could make things worse for us.

In Montana, a hot-button bill that immediately raised eyebrows was one to prohibit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission from closing down rut hunting of mule deer within the state.

In Wyoming, a bipartisan bill has been filed that would make corner crossing legal across the entire state.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently rejected petitions from Montana and Wyoming to delist grizzly bears as threatened from the Endangered Species List.

In Oregon, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to draw down Detroit Lake by around 55 feet, essentially temporarily transforming the system back into a river to help juvenile salmon migrate downstream and more easily pass through the dam.

The National Elk Refuge is reevaluating its elk feeding program, where thousands of elk are concentrated and fed every year in northwestern Wyoming.

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Politicians Cashing in on Public Land

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Hunting season is in full swing, but Randy is fired up! So we sat down for a quick conversation about selling or transferring federal public lands.

JD Vance recently mentioned the idea of transferring federal land to the states to address housing affordability along with the Biden administration talking about building housing on federal land.

Randy's series on Public Land Transfer is still very relevant. Check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLdxutimd-JvLtlmkrjgsehgJ46BX-lhP

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Paying for Comfy Lives with the Currency of Wildlife

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:30:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing how wildlife and habitat are often used as currency to pay for our high standards of living and lower energy costs. We also discuss how issues are very often only evaluated economically and not biologically.

In Montana, a judge just ruled in favor of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in a case in which a private landowner group sued the state for failing to kill enough elk.

In Massachusetts, an Act Modernizing Firearm Laws was recently signed into law, which will significantly impact hunters.

We have an update in Colorado: The proposal to ban mountain lion, lynx, and bobcat hunting within the state will be on the ballot in November.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a voluntary pilot program to incentivize the use of non-lead ammo in National Wildlife Refuges.

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Conservation Groups Can't Bid on Oil & Gas

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing Wyoming’s recent ban on conservation groups bidding on oil and gas leases on state land and how, by doing so, they might actually be hurting the school system that they’re obligated to fund.

A recently published study shows how human recreation and noise can negatively impact wildlife by displacing them and keeping them out of the area for extended periods.

In Wyoming, billionaire Joe Ricketts has halted construction on a massive resort near a small town along a mule deer migration corridor.

A story in the Wyoming Games and Fish Wildlife Magazine highlighted the struggles wildlife face when it comes to fences on the landscape.

Anti-hunting groups in Colorado have been collecting signatures for a ballot measure to ban mountain lion hunting within the state.

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Follow The Science... Unless You Don't Like It | Week of June 24

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0000

This week, for our deeper dive, we’re talking about a new research project on Chronic Wasting Disease in Wyoming and how the best available science to slow the spread of the disease is likely not what hunters want to hear.

In Wyoming, a ranch and family are attempting to close down a road that accesses a significant amount of public land. The road is also a primary access point for other landowners and the county.

Andrew McKean with Outdoor Life recently published an article that dissects a new report that shows declining support for hunting and recreational shooting.

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Are You a Public Land Jerk? | Week of June 17

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing how you might be a jerk on public lands and not even realize it.

A few news stories from this week include the following:

A quick update on Colorado’s proposal to do away with non-resident over-the-counter archery elk tags.

In Montana, American Prairie just acquired 12,500 more acres of land, bringing its total between deeded and leased property to 475,000 acres.

In Wyoming, Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade, has been attempting to build a luxury resort in the heart of prime elk and moose wintering ground and on the Sublette mule deer migration corridor.

A new update to wildfire risk.org has shown that significantly more people and homes are at risk of wildfire than previously thought.

In New Mexico, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Bureau of Land Management, and several other partners supplied funding for new water sources for wildlife in the Sierra Padrones, Polvadera, and Chupadera mountains.

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No More OTC Elk in CO? | Week of June 3

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 22:00:00 -0000

This week, we discuss how Colorado might shift away from over-the-counter opportunities for non-resident archery elk hunting.

In Texas, the Parks and Wildlife Department killed off an entire herd of high-fence white-tailed deer after a severe Chronic wasting Disease outbreak and years of legal battles.

In Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte is again in the spotlight after the New York Times published a story highlighting some new information on his questionable wolf-trapping incident from a few years back.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recently announced the completion of a land and conservation access project in Southeast Wyoming, which resulted in 6660 acres of permanent public access.

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Conflicts of Interest on Game Commissions | Week of May 27

Fri, 31 May 2024 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we discussed some potential conflicts of interest within Fish and Wildlife commissions and how certain individuals could directly benefit from their votes as commissioners.

In Montana, the statewide mule deer permit was recently raffled off by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, raising a record amount of money for mule deer conservation.

Last December, the Duck Stamp Modernization Act was signed into law. This act will allow federal duck stamps to be purchased online, and an E-Stamp will be valid throughout the season.

In Tennessee, the Wildlife Resources Agency recently lost its appeal over a previous decision that had ended the use of the open field doctrine within the state.

A New study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that Chronic Wasting Disease is unlikely to transfer from other species to humans.

In Washington, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to change mountain lion hunting regulations and seasons, reducing hunting opportunities. The department is accepting public comment on the matter until June 21.

Comment on Washington’s Cougar Season

https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development/cougar-hunting-seasons

Howl For Wildlife Call to Action on WA Cougars

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/wacougarjune24

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Reduction in Wild Horses

Fri, 17 May 2024 22:00:00 -0000

This week, we are talking about Wild Horses in the West. They’ve been overpopulated on public lands for years… but have finally seen the biggest single-year population reduction since 1985.

Randy failed to mention last week that he received the Wallace Pate award at the RMEF celebration. This is the highest conservation honor that RMEF gives out!

Link to video on the award: https://youtu.be/0MJ8wd0Z1o0?si=yzhEIYAuB_pEB9Bs

We have a quick update on the Corner crossing case in Wyoming. Oral arguments for the legal case were recently held at the 10 Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

We cover the highly anticipated news that Debbie Colbert is the new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director.

We have an update on the bill in Vermont that would have changed who has authority over fish and wildlife management. It has failed to move forward and is dead for all intents and purposes.

In Wyoming, the Bureau of Land Management has proposed ending coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, which includes Northeast Wyoming and southern Montana.

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BLM Policy Punted like a Political Football | Week of May 6

Fri, 10 May 2024 21:30:00 -0000

Randy Newberg TAKEOVER!

Marcus and Michael are busy catching Walleye and Smallmouth so Randy stepped in to deliver this week’s news.

On this week’s episode, we are celebrating Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 40th Anniversary. In the last 40 years, RMEF has amassed 12,000 members, conserved 8.9 million acres as well as improved or secured access for 1.5 million acres. The mission continues!

To signup for RMEF visit this link - https://www.rmef.org/join/

40th Anniversary Articles

https://www.rmef.org/elk-network/celebrating-40-years-of-volunteers/

https://www.rmef.org/40th-anniversary/page/2/

Also on this week’s episode, Randy digs into the “politicizing of wildlife management”. Nevada, Vermont and Kansas are in the news for bills that could shake up their Wildlife Commissions appointment process.

Nevada - https://knpr.org/show/knprs-state-of-

nevada/2024-04-26/why-nevadas-wildlife-commission-is-under-scrutiny

Vermont- https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.258

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/vts258

Kansas - https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2530/

https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/commission-restructuring-bill-gains-

momentum-during-kansas-veto-session/

To get involved and stay in the know, consider signing up for HOWL’s email list - www.howlforwildlife.org

Upcoming news! The Wyoming corner crossing case appears at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. To catch up on the case, check out the below links.

https://wyofile.com/corner-crossing-hunters-cattle-king-era-is-over/

https://publicland.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/opinion-in-wyoming-corner-crossing-

lawsuit.pdf

Lastly, a severe case of Mange will be impacting the Eastern Black Bear populations of Virginia and many neighboring states.

The WyldLife Fund - Pronghorn Fund - https://thewyldlifefund.org/preserving-wyomings-crown-jewel-the-pronghorn-fund/

For this week’s deeper dive, Randy plays referee in the latest game of Political Football. The House of Representatives just passed the WEST Act, an Act that would eliminate the BLMs current

proposal to put conservation and landscape productivity on the same footing as other uses under the “Multiple Use” mandates Federal land agencies are required to operate

under.

To read the entire 176 page proposal, the WEST Act, and editorials from Outdoor Life, check out the below links.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/blm-rule-controversy/

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/blm-public-lands-rule-proposal/

https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule

https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-04/BLM-Conservation-Landscape-

Health-Final-Rule.pdf

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/interior-department-releases-proposed-plan-guide-

balanced-management-public-lands

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Range Wide Wildlife Declines | Week of April 29

Fri, 03 May 2024 22:00:00 -0000

This week, we are talking about the overall decline of wildlife, shifting baselines, and the biggest factors that affect long-term population levels.

Randy Newberg, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and Congressman Bruce Westerman received Theodore Roosevelt’s Conservation Awards for 2024!

We have a quick recap from last week’s episode. Michael, Jace, Kara, and I went to shoot in the NRL hunter competition in Idaho, where we learned a lot about precision shooting.

In Pennsylvania, two bills have been introduced that could remove the longstanding prohibition of Sunday hunting.

President Biden just expanded the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by nearly 14 thousand acres to protect an 11-mile-long ridgeline named Molok Luyuk, which means Condor Ridge in the Native Patwin people’s language.

Wildlife biologists are beginning to test the feasibility and accuracy of using drones to conduct population surveys, in particular, drones with thermal cameras that can detect animal heat signatures through various covers.

An article by Doc Collins, recently published in Outdoor Life, summarized recent legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that could significantly impact hunters and anglers.

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Becoming a Better Shot | Week of April 22

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:30:00 -0000

This week we’re discussing a news series we're creating to become a better shot with a rifle but also how recreational shooters might contribute more money to conservation than hunters.

A few news stories from this week include the following.

In Alaska the Bureau of Land management has released their final supplemental environmental impact statement in regards to the construction of the Ambler Road where they have recommended "No Action".

News of chronic wasting disease potentially infecting humans has been spreading like wild fire in national news, but our friend Jim Heffelfinger has pointed out that the article that is often being cited, is NOT a scientific study, it is simply a short report of events.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife just released their draft black bear conservation plan that shows that bear populations are thriving in the state and there is more than enough room for hunter harvest.

Link to California Draft Black Bear Conservation Plan

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Black-Bear

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What Creates Hunting Culture? | Fresh Tracks Weekly | Week of April 8

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 22:30:00 -0000

This week, we’re discussing what creates hunting culture and how it changes over time and by region.

This week, we have just a few headlines, including a bill that, if voters approve it, could impose an additional tax on firearms and ammunition in Colorado.

Boulder County implemented a hunting ban that the Forest Service argues is unauthorized, and researchers across the West have put out a new volume of Wildlife Migration routes.

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Taking Away Public Ownership of Fish And Wildlife? | Week of April 1

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 22:45:00 -0000

This week we’re talking about how there’s a potential threat to the public’s ownership of fish and wildlife as the Georgia Legislature passed a bill that stripped language from a law that had to do with the public trust doctrine.

A few news stories that we also cover include;

The Alaska Governor recently announced new appointments to the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game which included Fresh Tracks regular, Jim Baichtal!

A study in Michigan has been trying to figure out if they can vaccinate wild deer for bovine tuberculosis via an edible bait.

In Grand Teton National Park it was reported that the removal of mountain goats has continued with 15 were killed within the park in 2023 and they estimate around 10-20 goats remain in the Teton Range.

A Dairy worker in Texas recently contracted the bird flu making him the 2nd person in the United States to be reported.

In Wyoming a man has been accused of running down a wolf with a snowmobile, catching it while still alive, taping its mouth shut and then bringing it home with him and then bringing it to a bar, before finally killing it.

The first large-scale wildlife overpass in Idaho was finished last year and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership put out an article detailing the project and initial success.

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Suing the Feds for Profit | Week of March 25

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:30:00 -0000

This week, we are discussing how non-profits will sue federal agencies to stop them from managing land and how they use the Equal Access to Justice Act to profit from the lawsuits.

Also, a few headlines we found interesting include;

In Washington, the push to restore grizzly bears in the North Cascades continues, with the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publishing their final Environmental Impact Statements.

Wolves have potentially been sighted in Nevada, which is definitely not a normal occurrence for the state. Are they there to stay? Or are they Passing through?

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recently announced that they have committed over $760,000 to numerous projects in Utah to improve wildlife habitat, further wildlife management and bolster research and hunting support.

In Vermont, there have been a few updates and amendments to the legislation that would change how the state's wildlife board functions, along with changes to coyote hunting regulations.

In Wyoming, the Legislative session has wrapped up, and Josh Metten with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has compiled a list of some of the state's conservation wins.

Contact your Elected Officials

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

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Arizona Cancels Auction Tags | Week of March 18

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:30:00 -0000

This week, we discuss how the Arizona Game and Fish Commission just voted to cancel its auction permits, which had previously raised millions of dollars for conservation.

In addition to that, we touch on a few headlines and legislative updates.

In Montana, a bill from the last legislative session is still in the air. SB442 is in headlines again, as the mail-out ballots are being sent out to determine whether the Governor’s veto can be overridden.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership recently published some highlights and disappointments of recent congressional appropriations from the perspective of hunters and anglers.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Boone and Crocket Club’s respective CEOs, Kyle Weaver and Tony Schoonen, recently wrote a joint op-ed in which they discussed their frustrations with environmental groups blocking forest management.

Montana Legislature

https://leg.mt.gov/legislator-informa...

Link to Letter signed by members of MT Senate

https://dailymontanan.com/wp-content/...

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Putting More Sheep on the Mountain | Week of March 11

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:30:00 -0000

This week, we are discussing putting more animals on the mountain, with bighorn sheep in Montana as the main example. We will also briefly cover the following headlines.

In Kentucky, a bill has passed out of Committee and to the Senate that could have significant consequences for the Kentucky Department of Wildlife Resources and, ultimately, the hunters and anglers in the state.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is meeting today and potentially voting on whether or not to do away with their conservation permits.

In Wyoming, the Game and Fish Commission just voted unanimously to pursue establishing protections for a pronghorn migration corridor.

In Idaho, an effort has been made to pass a bill that would end the Open Fields Doctrine for conservation officers. This would essentially make it illegal for a game warden to check licenses or harvested animals on private land without a warrant.

In Arizona, the Nature Conservancy recently received an 11.5 million dollar grant to purchase conservation easements in the Upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grasslands.

Page to look up your Kentucky Legislators

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/findyourlegislator/findyourlegislator.html

Kentucky State Senators Contact

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/smembers_county.html

Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee

https://www.billtrack50.com/committee/3566

Link to “Selfless” Film

https://youtu.be/zJa3SeEmTn0?si=s7qFVrIfYz3FQEyB

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Screwing Over the Non-Resident Hunter | Week of Feb. 26

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 23:30:00 -0000

This week we are talking about screwing over the Non-resident hunter, how multiple states are adopting regulations that restrict numbers, restrict access, or raise prices for non-residents… along with a few news stories which include;

In Montana, Fish Wildlife and Parks plans to give out a free moose, sheep, or goat license to residents who purchase a general deer or elk tag early.

Also, in Montana, the State Supreme Court sided with the Department of Environmental Quality and the Black Butte Project regarding the controversial copper mine along the Switch River.

Former head of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre, was recently ordered to repay 4.4 million dollars he had misspent of NRA money, along with retired finance chief Wilson Phillips being ordered to payback 2 million dollars.

In Vermont a bill has been read in several committee hearings that would change how the states fish and wildlife board would function, how members are appointed along with changing certain coyote hunting regulations.

In Iowa a bill has been progressing and has already passed the senate that would hamstring Iowa Department of Natural Resources ability to acquire property.

In Oregon, a Wildlife Package bill has been introduced to provide funding to expand various wildlife programs and address invasive species issues in the state.

Vermont Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2024/30

Iowa Legislature House Contact

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house

Oregon Joint Committee on Ways and Means Contact

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2024R1/Committees/JWM/Overview

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You ARE the Algorithm | Week of Feb. 19

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 23:30:00 -0000

This week we are talking about YouTube and social media and why certain hunting content rises to the top, and why certain things come across your individual feed.

We also have a few news stories to cover including:

In Wyoming a bill is currently making its way through the state house of representatives that would pay private landowners who have elk grazing on their property. The bill would offer the affected landowners 150% of the market value of the grass.

In Colorado, the allocation of big game licenses has been modified for the upcoming season to increase resident tags and decrease non-resident tags.

In Mississippi a bill was recently introduced to create a Turkey stamp that is similar to the federal duck stamp, but to fund turkey specific conservation projects within the state.

In Oregon a petition to get a ballot initiative to “End Animal Cruelty” is somehow still a thing. We talked about the attempt in the past to get this on the ballot which failed in 2022.

In Nevada the first ever Moose season was officially approved for the fall 2024 season.

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Wild Game Flavors | Week of Feb. 12

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 23:30:00 -0000

This week, we have a special guest, Kara Landolfi, and we will discuss some misconceptions about wild game meat.

In addition to that, we have a few news stories we found interesting.

In Idaho, a bill was recently introduced that would allow outfitters to purchase an additional bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or moose tag IF said outfitter fills a wolf tag while guiding.

Also, in Idaho, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Idaho Fish and Game worked together to add an additional 328 acres to the Tex Creek Wildlife Management area.

A new study conducted in Yellowstone National Park was recently published that compiled data over the last 20 years looking into the claim that wolves, grizzly bears, and mountain lions can restore ecosystems.

A recent study was published looking into alternative testing methods for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Contact Info for Senator Okuniewicz

https://legislature.idaho.gov/legislators/membership/2023/id6706/

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Managing Wildlife Into the Ground? | Week of Feb. 4

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 23:30:00 -0000

This week we’re going to talk about how hunting regulations impact wildlife populations and how people often over emphasize the impact hunters have on wildlife.

In Nebraska, a bill was introduced that would transfer money out of the state game fund into the general fund along with transferring money from the Habitat fund and State parks fund into the general fund.

In British Columbia the first cases of Chronic wasting disease were recently reported.

In Alaska the State has updated the regulations for the Western Arctic Caribou Herd to reduce bag limits for all hunters.

Read more about the bill in Nebraska here

https://sportsmensalliance.org/news/nebraska-senator-mocks-citizens-supports-defunding-game-and-parks-department/

Contact Senator Steve Erdman here

http://news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47/

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Increased Hunting Demand in the West | Week of Jan. 29

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:15:00 -0000

This week, we are talking about the increase of hunters in the West, the increase in population in the Western states, and what it means for the future of wildlife and their habitats. Also, we talk about some of the friction between non-resident and resident hunters.

In Washington, the bill to make hunting and fishing a constitutional right is making progress. The bill passed out of the Ag committee and moved onto the Rules committee.

In Utah, seven different structures were recently completed to help fish and wildlife in the state.

The TRCP recently posted a call to action to comment on the new U.S. Forest Service amendments to their nationwide management plans, particularly the promotion of old-growth forest conditions.

An interesting article recently published by the Wildlife Society summarized a research project trying to understand how widespread the impacts of Renewable energy could be from analyzing carcasses or birds found at Solar and wind farms.

Read about Washington's right to Hunt and Fish here

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/wa_right_to_hunt_fish

Contact info for WA Senate Rules Committee

https://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/RULE/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

Read the TRCP post on Forest Management here

https://www.trcp.org/2024/01/23/weigh-in-on-forest-management-to-support-hunting-and-fishing/

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Displacing Iowa Deer Hunters | Week of Jan. 15

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 23:00:00 -0000

This week we are going to talk about a bill in Iowa which could have a rippling affect of displacing hunters, and the dangers of going down the road of privatizing hunting.

The Bureau of Land Management recently released their roadmap for solar energy development on public lands in the west.

In Montana a Judge recently ruled that lawmakers will have the ability to override Governor’s Gianforte’s controversial veto of bill last legislative session.

In Colorado, the April Mountain lion season has been canceled, along with a statewide ban on electronic calls for lion hunting.

Comment on the BLM Solar Road Map by emailing solar@blm.gov or going to this link https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022371/510

To view documents and learn more about the BLM Solar Road Map

https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022371/510

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End of Non-Resident Caribou Hunting | Week of Jan. 8

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:04:00 -0000

This week, our deeper dive is about recent proposals in Alaska that could shut down a ton of Caribou hunting for non-residents.

Read Alaska Board of Game Proposals for upcoming meeting here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=gameboard.meetinginfo&date=01-26-2024&meeting=kotzebue

Submit Public Comment Here:https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9af2ddc8fa584113a3d3d476ae9bef8b

Read Outdoor Life Article here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/proposals-to-close-non-resident-caribou-hunting-in-northwest-alaska/

We bring the fishing corner back, checking in with what Michael has been up to.

A few news items this week include:

The Supreme Court recently denied the state of Alaska’s request to overturn the EPA decision from last year that had blocked the Pebble mine in Bristol Bay.

In Washington, a bill was recently introduced to make foraging, hunting, fishing and trapping a constitutional right.

In Kentucky, the largest conservation easement in the state’s history was recently announced.

Link to MTN Tough Podcast with Dustin Diefenderfer https://youtu.be/iPxMihlswwk?si=2kDNEO2rORxizMSm

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What would MORE Predators on the Landscape mean for Colorado? | Week of October 15

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, we recap our crew's hunting season and jump into some news surrounding Colorado predators.

Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv

Backcountry BC and Ceasar Lake Outfitters

• https://backcountrybcandbeyond.com/

Randy's British Columbia Caribou & Moose

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B0rIAww7hA&t=705s

September Idaho Archery Elk with Randy and Michael

• Episode 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws0b8zBddPU

• Episode 2 - https://youtu.be/u5AVhLhHrPc

• Episode 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taRCaOcRn3A

CPW Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan

• https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Wolves/2023-Final-CO-Wolf-Plan.pdf

Initiative 91 - "Prohibit Trophy Hunting"

•https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/91Final.pdf

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Funding for Hunter Ed, Winchester Dam and Alaskan Moose Adventures! | Fresh Tracks Weekly (Ep. 54)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we talk Hunter Ed. Funds, the infamous Winchester Dam, Randy shares an update from the Utah Pronghorn Field and for our Deeper Dive, Marcus and friends share their experiences as non-residents hunting in Alaska.

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Staying Safe while Hunting in Grizzly Country | Week of September 11

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 21:00:00 -0000

Hunting Season is upon us!

On this week's episode, we cover on Oregon's IP3, the re-opening of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refugee, and House Bill 1300 in Pennsylvania. Also, Randy and Michael give us an update on their Idaho Elk hunt and we jump into our deeper dive topic of hunting in grizzly country.

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Billionaires Taking Our Public Lands? | Week of August 21

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0000

This week we are talking about a potential land swap in Nevada that could potentially cause the public to lose 150,000 acres of public land along with decreased access.

We have a pretty sweet Fishing Corner with Michael Parente.

The U.S. Fish Wildlife Service just announced that the Alexander Archipelago wolf was not warranted for listing under the endangered species act.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently confirmed that there is a new wolf pack in the state more than 200 miles from the nearest known pack that resides in the Northeast corner of the state.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation just released a list of grant funding in Oregon to benefit elk, blacktail, mule deer and along with other wildlife and improving hunting opportunity.

In Utah 3 domestic dogs were recently killed by mountain goats at a popular recreation area.

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Hunter Ed Funding Cut | Week of August 7

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 21:00:00 -0000

This week Randy and Marcus are going to talk about the recent interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that has potentially led to funding being cut for hunter education and archery programs in schools.

In Montana three women were attacked by a river otter while floating the Jefferson river.

In Vail Colorado there is finally some closure on the long-term dispute over a proposed housing development on bighorn sheep winter range.

In Montana the Alliance for the Wild Rockies recently won a court case against the Lewis and Clark National forest over the effectiveness or closed roads and their impacts to grizzly bears.

In Arizona, President Biden recently designated a new national monument on either side of Grand Canyon National Park totaling over a million acres.

The National Elk Refuge is seeking public comments to update their bison and elk management plan.

Learn about and comment on the National Elk Refuge Bison and Elk Management Plan: https://www.fws.gov/project/upcoming-bison-elk-management-plan

“Feeding The Problem” Documentary: https://www.pbs.org/video/montanapbs-presents-feeding-the-problem/

Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Contact your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20who%20your,the%20U.S.%20House%20switchboard%20operator.

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Grizzlies in Montana | Week of July 24

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:59:00 -0000

This week we’re going to do a deeper dive on Grizzly Bears. Talk about recent attacks, and the increasing frequency we’ve been running into them.

In Nevada, feral horses are in the headlines again after animal advocacy groups are mad about the conditions in which horses are gathered on public land.

We continue to see changes for the 2023 hunting seasons as state game agencies account for the toll last winter took on wildlife populations. Recently, both North Dakota and Montana just announced tag reductions.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation just detailed how over 10.7 million dollars will be spent in Wyoming on wildlife and habitat projects.

The Wildlife Society bulletin recently published an article talking about how there is shifting attitudes within it’s membership base, particularly with the role of hunting and trapping.

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Elk Management in MT | Week of July 17th

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Comment on the Draft MT Elk Management Plan: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/draft-elk-plan

Handmade Leather Goods

https://flowersandfringe.com/

This week we’ve got a little of news, but then we’re diving into Montana’s Elk Management plan and Randy tells us how to get involved and be a part of the process. The the last time the elk management plan was updated was 2005! So it might be awhile before we get to weigh in again.

In Minnesota the Department of Natural Resources Commission recently finalized banning the use of lead ammo on 56 Science and Natural Areas as well as a few State Parks that offer special hunting opportunities.

In Wyoming we have an update on the on-going corner crossing saga, with some new information potentially stopping the appeal.

In Montana a grizzly bear was recently photographed in the Pryor mountains which is the first time one has been confirmed being there in well over 100 years.

Also In Montana the Trust for Public land, MKH Montana and the Lolo National Forest worked together recently to permanently protect nearly 6000 acres of land in the northwest part of the state. This brings the total acreage close to 26,000 acres of land being added to the Lolo National forest in the last three years.

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How to Save Pronghorn | Week of July 10

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 12:00:00 -0000

This week we’re diving deep into migration barriers, some new science coming out showing how to identify migration barriers and how removing old fence can make a big difference.

But before we get into that we get a little update on some Montana fishing, everything from cutthroat to largemouth bass as well as a quick sheep scouting update.

A rain derailed and collapsed a bridge into the Yellowstone River spilling an estimated 500,000 pounds of liquid asphalt into the water.

In Montana recreation users will now be required to purchase a conservation license if they utilize a Fishing Access Site.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wrote an interesting op-ed in which they talk about fixing the “Cottonwood Decision”

In Nevada, 23,675 acres of BLM land has been leased out for a solar development for 105 million dollars.

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Technology is RUINING Hunting!

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:15:00 -0000

Well ruining might be a little extreme... but there is no doubt that advancements in technology can increase hunter success and lead to less opportunity over time. This will be the topic for this week's deeper dive.

A brief recap of some weekend fishing where Michael caught some big walleye and trout.

Oregon House Bill 3086 has passed both the house and the senate and is currently waiting to be signed into law.

The U.S. Fish Wildlife Service recently announced new hunting opportunities on three wildlife refuges while simultaneously announcing a lead tackle and ammunition ban on multiple refuges.

The Wildlife Society examined two separate studies in New Mexico that are trying to determine what is causing low elk recruitment in the Southwest.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is proposing changes to non-resident waterfowl hunting regulations to improve the quality of hunting for Kansas residents.

We then Dive deep into how changes in technology drive hunting regulation changes or affect the amount of opportunity hunters have in the field.

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Hunters Not Needed?

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:30:00 -0000

We have a quick recap of some weekend bighorn sheep scouting which is proving to be a fun but tough experience.

A few news headlines including the Nevada's latest reports on the decline of mule deer and bighorn sheep.

Chronic wasting disease has now been confirmed in a road killed deer in Florida adding to the list of states dealing with the spread of this terminal disease, but a new research project sheds some hopeful light on the future as they've realized certain genetic traits cause deer to be more susceptible than others.

Montana Fish Wildlife and parks held their June commission meeting in which they announced hunting access being provided on over one million acres for the 2023 season. Some critics however have some reservations about what the public hunter has to give up in order to pay for this access.

For the deeper dive we discuss the changing cultures within several state's fish and wildlife commissions, how some are starting to stray away from the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and questing whether or not hunters are still needed in some scenarios.

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Sheep Scouting, Bear Hunting and Dog Training | Week of June 12

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:20:16 -0000

This week for the deeper dive we talk a little bighorn sheep scouting, hear about Michael and Jace's recent bear hunt and Blake's progress on bird dog training.

Michael also gives us the lowdown in the fishing corner recapping a little walleye outing along with improving trout conditions.

For news we find that Oklahoma finally confirmed their wild deer to test positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Commission has drafted a new policy that appears to be less friendly to hunters.

More info on how to submit comments in Washington: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/wdfw-dcpcomment

The Bureau of Land Management announced a 161 million dollar investment into the nations public lands that covers 11 western states and 21 different landscape level projects.

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Randy Leasing an Oil Well?

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:00:00 -0000

AnyFin Goes Paddlefish Episode: • ANYFIN GOES! Mont...

This week we’re talking about a few recent headlines concerning public land and public access.

We give a quick update from a weekend of paddlefish fishing along with picking up a few catfish.

For news we have updates on the Wyoming corner crossing case and how Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks reacted to the ruling of the case.

An update on the Colorado court case concerning an angler suing a private landowner in hopes to improve public water access in the state and potential change stream access laws.

Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Wild and Montana Association of Counties are suing in an attempt to let lawmakers vote to override Governor Greg Gianforte’s veto of SB 422.

Waterfowl hunting has been suspended at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge due to staffing shortages.

Ticks may be a disease vector for Chronic Wasting disease, a new research study finds.

For the Deeper Dive we discuss the recent announcement of a potential change to Federal Land leasing that would put conservation organizations on a level playing field for bidding on leases such as oil, gas, wind, solar, and cattle grazing. We also touch on the new ruling where the EPA no longer has jurisdiction over certain waters.

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HUGE Ruling In The Wyoming Corner Crossing Case | Week of May 29

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:19:41 -0000

Randy Gives an update on what the crew has been up to. Michael has a fishing report from Fort Peck. Marcus is back from his bear hunt and Randy gives some news updates. This week for the deeper dive, the crew discusses the recent ruling in the Wyoming corner crossing case.

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Bear Camp Update From Alaska and More! | Week of May 22

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 17:17:26 -0000

Randy Newberg gives an update on his Black Bear hunt in Alaska! A man mistakenly kills a grizzly bear thinking it was a black bear in Wyoming... Marcus and Kara are digging up clams and catching crabs with their friends! And Michael is fishing during spring runoff!

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Odds of Drawing a Sheep Tag | Week of May 15

Fri, 19 May 2023 18:01:00 -0000

Big news. Marcus drew a bighorn sheep tag in Montana.

A lot of excitement and plans going into the upcoming season but also reeling back and talking about the status of bighorn sheep in Montana along with Shiras moose and mountain goat. s

Many people wait a lifetime to draw one of these tags and unfortunately in Montana, populations are trending down while applications are trending up.

We ponder what we can do and what research has been done and will hopefully be done in the future to help conserver and build back moose, sheep and goat herds.

A few news items this week include Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks messing up the moose and sheep draw, a bill in Nevada to make the “wild mustang” the Nevada State Horse and a new elk research project that examined different migration tactics used by elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

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Open Season on Wild Horses? | Week of May 8

Fri, 12 May 2023 22:58:00 -0000

After a few week break we're back with some turkey hunting and fishing stories.

A little news concerning SB 442 in Montana where Governor Gianforte vetoed a popular bill concerning the marijuana tax revenue that was supposed to go to Habitat Montana.

Some news concerning new gun laws in Washington, an update on Colorado's supreme court case that could affect stream access and a new paper that claims wild burros and mountain lions are great for desert ecosystem but has been met with a lot of skepticism from biologists.

For the deeper dive we discuss various non-native wildlife species, are they good? bad? neutral?

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Hunting Myths | Week of April 17

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:00:00 -0000

Montana turkey season started out great ,filling a couple tags on opening day! We cooked one of the birds in a couple different ways to make some office lunches this week.

Michael finally got his boat out so gives us the fishing update in which he landed a few nice walleye, bass, trout and pike.

The snow keeps coming in the western United States, with the majority of the Snotel sites measuring over 150% snow water equivalent. Arizona Game and Fish sent out an email warning turkey hunters areas are inaccessible due to high snowpack.

In Idaho a Fish and Game officer shot and killed a domestic dog for chasing and killing mule deer.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks announced that they will embark on new mule deer monitoring, research and outreach initiatives in response to the long-term decline in mule deer numbers.

The Wyoming corner crossing case is back in the news after both sides have filed for summary judgment wanting the judge to rule before going to trial.

For the deeper dive, we talk about a few hunting myths and pet peeves that drive us crazy.

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What's Killing all the Mule Deer? | Week of April 10

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 22:02:58 -0000

It's Spring in Montana! By "Spring" I mean it's turkey and bear season!

Michael fills us in with all things fishing as he's been getting more excited about gear for walleye and bass than he is fly fishing for trout.

For news, we have an update on the two Montana bills that are competing over the marijuana tax revenue that was supposed to go to Habitat Montana.

John Meyer was arrested for Criminal Trespass for collecting water samples Yellowstone Club property.

A wildlife crossing film shows how well they work both ecologically and economically. (RE)CONNECTING WILD - RESTORING SAFE PASSAGE: https://youtu.be/NK-mvhPMokY

In North Dakota a bill has been stopped that would have restricted the Game and Fish's ability to prohibit baiting for deer.

Jim Heffelfinger and Paul Krausman just finished up editing the new Mule Deer bible that covers the ecology of the species across their range.

You can pre-order the book at a discount here.

https://www.routledge.com/Ecology-and-Management-of-Black-tailed-and-Mule-Deer-of-North-America/Heffelfinger-Krausman/p/book/9781032407609

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Antelope or Pronghorn? | Week of April 3

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 21:15:00 -0000

This week Randy is taking over Fresh Tracks Weekly to give his thoughts on a few things going on in the legislative world.

There has been a movement to add the right to hunt, fish and trap to state's constitutions to try and ensure these activities can continue into the future. Randy gives an update on states that have already achieved this along with a few more currently trying.

Randy also talks about how to gain access primarily in the form of getting hunting access on state trust lands. Each state is different in whether or not you can recreate, hunt, fish or camp on state land.

For the deeper dive the crew discusses online learning and Randy's new in depth pronghorn course on OutdoorClass.

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How Winter Kills Wildlife | Week of March 23

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 21:50:10 -0000

Two new national monuments have been designated. What does that mean for public access and management?

A grizzly bear reintroduction is back on the table for the Northern Cascades mountains in Washington.

Three different bills have been introduced before congress to delist wolves nationwide and two different grizzly bear populations.

An interesting study looked at artificial water sources and whether or not they serve as ambush sites for mountain lions to prey on mule deer.

For the deeper dive, Randy and Marcus discuss the recent weather in the western U.S. what it means for wintering wildlife and the tag reduction that is following in several states.

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Private Land - Hunting Access | Week of March 20

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 22:43:00 -0000

We start off with a quick story and recap of our freezer dying and needing to process 200 lbs of meat into pre-made meals, jerky, and summer sausage.

We catch up with Michael in the fishing corner with some good times on some Montana rivers.

Results from new research on Chronic Wasting Disease shows different methods of detection which could lead to management implications.

Alaska's Willow Project was recently been approved opening up oil drilling on millions of acres of land on the North Slope.

Utah now has year round mountain lion hunting despite pushback from hunting conservation groups.

A new bill in Idaho would allow the Fish and Game Commission to set shed antler hunting seasons.

South Dakota has now placed caps on non-resident archery deer and pronghorn tags after years of allowing unlimited tags on public land.

A new bill in Montana aims to phase out the largely unsuccessful pen raised pheasant program that started last year.

For the deeper dive we discuss different private land public access programs in the western united states, what we like and what we don't like.

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The Almost Death of Randy Newberg | Week of February 20

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:28:07 -0000

For the full length episode go to YouTube.

For the deeper dive we hear the story of how Randy messed up his arm in Portland this week. Was it a bear!? Wild dog?! Mugged in an alley? Find out by listening to his story!

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Can We Hunt Grizzly Bears Next Year? | Week of February 13

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:25:32 -0000

A little fishing update to start off the episode as Michael is still out there swinging bugs.

For news we start off with talking about environmental groups suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trying to get them to place Arctic Grayling on the endangered species list. It's a never ending saga that has been going on for 30 years, but a lot of effort has been done to try and save them.

Idaho released their results of CWD testing in the state and a little glimpse into their plan and hope to stop the spread.

In Montana 149 elk were recently tested for Brucellosis to see if the Montana Department of Livestock's Designated Surveillance area needs to be expanded.

Bird flu continues to impact more and more mammals with a surprising amount of species being added to the list of detections.

For the Deeper Dive we have Randy to talk about the recent discussion around grizzly bear de-listing and what that means for hunters.

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How Many Elk do Hunters Kill? | Week of March 6

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:20:51 -0000

This week we're starting out with a quick recipe for slow cooked pronghorn shoulder made from a Nevada antelope and chukar stock.

Michael recaps his recent steelhead fishing trip to Idaho which ended up being substantially more successful than last year.

We revisit the discussion of renewable energy development on public lands with some new insight into what's going into the decision making.

Wyoming has seen severe weather conditions across the state along with a rare disease outbreak that is making life tough for wildlife.

We hear about a bill in Utah that had a last minute amendment to essentially make mountain lions a nuisance species.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is being sued by the Sportsman's Alliance in an attempt to remove her from the Fish and Wildlife commission for anti-hunting stances.

For the Deeper Dive we discuss hunter harvest surveys, why they matter, and how various states conduct their surveys to have an understanding of wildlife populations and the impacts hunter's are having.

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Shed Antler Hunting Kills Wildlife | Week of February 27

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 20:56:00 -0000

Email us weekly@freshtracks.tv

Multiple bills are attempting to redistribute funds that are supposed to go to Habitat Montana. Significant tax revenue from the legalization of marijuana was supposed to be directed to a fund in that is used to purchase high quality wildlife habitat and conservation easements but instead lawmakers are trying to redirect it to other projects.

A few bills related to easements have been stopped but it sounds like there will likely be continued attacks on conservation easements in the state so we've been cautioned to stay alert.

The Montana Wild Sheep Foundation held their annual fundraising event where they gave an update on the "State of the Sheep" where we heard updates on various sheep projects along with the current status of many herds.

Some encouraging new research is on the horizon as a significant amount of funding has been secured specifically for bighorn sheep research in Montana.

A presentation from Working Dogs for Conservation was extremely exciting and sheep advocates are optimistic that dogs will be able to smell diseased bighorn sheep which would expedite the sampling process and allow managers to make quick decisions.

For the Deeper Dive we are talking about shed antler hunting and how timing of antler hunting coincides with one of the most crucial times of the year for wintering wildlife and added stress can be significant to wildlife populations.

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Where Does the Money Go?! | Week of February 6th

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:42:02 -0000

Email us weekly@freshtrack.tv

We have a new in the field Fishing Corner from Michael, where he runs through his process of winter nymphing for trout.

A few news articles this week include the announcement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to launch a 12-month status review on whether or not they should delist grizzly bears from the Endangered Species List in select populations.

Two wolves were recently captured and fitted with GPS collars in Colorado, reminding us that they are naturally migrating into the state before the mandated reintroduction from Proposition 114 has taken place.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines was suspended from Twitter for having a hunting photo in his profile picture. The suspension was short-lived after Elon Musk reached out and amended the policy.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has implemented a statewide emergency closure for shed antler hunting. Influencers are furious.

The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo hosted events where two Mule deer auction tags sold for $725,000 and $500,000, respectively. For our Deeper Dive, we talk about auction tags: whether we think they're a good idea and if the money is going towards a good cause.

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"Clean" Public Land Energy | Week of January 30

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:15:00 -0000

Email us weekly@freshtracks.tv

This week we catch up with Michael on some sub-zero temp fishing reports.

Oregon is trying to amend its constitution to include the right to hunt and fish, making them the 24th state to do so if successful. The boundary waters recently received protections from hard rock mine leasing for the next two years in a watershed that is a favorite amongst outdoorsmen. Idaho Game and Fish plans to continue to reduce their wolf population and is about to release their new draft management plan. The final steps in stopping the Pebble mine in Bristol bay were finalized this week to the rejoicing of many advocates.

For the deeper dive, we discuss the push for more green energy developments on public land and question why our lands are so readily made available in the name of renewable energy.

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Virtual Cow Fences, Wild Pigs in MT? & Elk Management | Week of January 23

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 23:41:42 -0000

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Short episode this week with Michael and Randy out of the office. Just a few news segments to recap.

Legislation in Kansas to provide free deer tags and defund the game and fish.

The roadless rule has been restored on the Tongass National forest in Alaska, what does this mean for wildlife and habitat?

Fence removals and cows with gps collars using a virtual fence could revolutionize cattle grazing and help mitigate wildlife barriers.

Wild pigs could soon enter the U.S. from the Northern Border as Canadian populations explode.

Montana Elk camp at the capitol summary where Montana hunters listened to speakers on the capitol lawn to talk about elk management in the state. Many are worried that bills that aim to privatize wildlife could be on the horizon, but so far the legislative session has been relatively civil without too much debate.

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Legalize Corner Crossing? | Week of January 16

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:00:00 -0000

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We start with a recap from the weekend's chukar hunt where some tasty, cheat grass filled, non-native upland birds were chased down by a bird dog in the cliffs.

We hear from Michael's fishing corner where we hear about his new rod he just broke.

News segments include three grizzly bears that came down with the bird flu, a poaching case in Nebraska where some celebrities were convicted, an update on some new media coming out of western Wyoming on mule deer migration, challenging Oregon's Ballot measure 114 which is about to make buying a firearm challenging.

For the deeper dive, we're talking corner crossing and how Randy has seen a draft bill in Colorado that would legalize corner crossing in the state, we also discuss some general thoughts about the issue and get a sneak peek into Randy's upcoming podcast with legal experts discussing what could come of the case in Wyoming where four corner crossing hunters are being charged with criminal trespass.

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And We're Back - A Storm Is Coming | Week of January 2

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:40:00 -0000

A Legislative storm of fish and wildlife-related bills is being drafted in Montana and likely in your state as well. Randy gives us a preview of what's to come in Montana in one of the segments of Fresh Tracks Weekly. Hopefully, we can get a weekly update as both good and bad bills are brought forth.

We also have some general updates, MP's fishing corner, and news segments. This year we're including more of the crew as we sit around the conference room to discuss the deeper dive.

We get to meet the crew a little, learn about their roles at Fresh Tracks, and discover what everyone has been up to lately.

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Media Has Ruined Hunting | Week of January 9

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:39:00 -0000

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Public Land Transfer Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

This week we talk about a recently published study looking at the Greater Yellowstone Elk Herd and how much they rely on private land in the winter. Much of the land they utilize in the winter is still unprotected.

Conservation easements have recently seen pushback over concerns about land being used for various reasons, including as loopholes for large tax breaks.

Elk management in Montana continues to get people fired up, with a couple of events scheduled to discuss future management in the state.

A change in the US House of Representatives has new rules that allow for easier transfer of federal lands to the states.

For a deeper dive, Randy, Michael, Jace, and Marcus talk about the changes they've seen in hunting media over the years, the good and the bad. The crew discusses how they strive to produce content that has more positive outcomes for the public land hunter.

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Last Episode - It's Hunting Season | Week of August 8th

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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This is the last episode for the foreseeable future. Hunting season is starting for us, and we won't have time for the weekly show.

We catch up with Michael in the Ohio edition of the fishing corner and jump into a few news items.

The Center for Biological Diversity and some other animal welfare groups filed a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requesting to disqualify Montana and Idaho from receiving Pittman-Robertson funding because of their aggressive approach to wolf management.

At Utah Lake, The company, Lake Restoration Solutions, is planning a huge project to create 18,000 acres of artificial islands for real estate development. The company claims it will also improve the lake's health, but many scientists argue otherwise.

The Montana Citizens' Elk Management Collation is holding a symposium in Bozeman on August 13th to talk about ways people can influence elk management in the state.

For the deeper dive this week, Michael and Randy join in to talk about all of the hunts and stories we have lined up for this fall. It should be a great season.

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Bison Ruining a Way of Life? American Prairie vs UPOM | Week of August 1st

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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RMEF Films Minam Project https://youtu.be/ADMmzy9bpSM

Another busy week for the Fresh Tracks crew as we gear up for the upcoming season.

Michael has been getting some great dry fly action fishing the last couple of weeks and fills us in at the fishing corner.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation released a film on the Minam River Project in which they are working towards opening up over 15,000 acres of land in prime elk country.

Idaho's Game and Fish Commission decided to open up a preserve after being closed to sportsmen access for 85 years.

Arizona released more information on how the Over-The-Counter archery deer tags will work this year with the new mandatory reporting and harvest quotas.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department released their Annual Habitat Plan Report, which shows who's putting money to cool causes and where fish and wildlife habitat is being improved.

For this week's deeper dive, Randy is fired up! We discuss the American Prairie Reserve as it has recently been in the headlines because of the approval of a grazing lease on 63,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management allotment. It has been a contentious issue in Montana, but Randy shares his thoughts in a segment that will ruffle a few feathers!

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Wolves are Wolves | Week of July 25th

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0000

It's a busy week for the crew, finishing up edits from last season while prepping for the next hunting season.

Wolves, being the charismatic megafauna they are, often pop up in national and hunting-related news feeds. They often gain so much attention for very different reasons depending on the audience.

A recent article in Frontiers in Conservation Science reviewed numerous scientific articles and found that many of the extreme stories about wolves are drastically overstated.

The Federal Subsistence Board also voted to close two Dall sheep units to hunters this week for the next two years.

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Elk Management in the West | Week of July 18

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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Video Editor Job Posting https://bit.ly/3OrBmon

Comment on Minnesota Draft Wolf Management Plan https://engage.dnr.state.mn.us/wolf-plan

This week we have a crew update, saying farewell and good luck to several employees. We have a sneak peak in to the recent AnyFin Goes episodes currently in production.

We touch on the draft wolf management plan that Minnesota has put out for public comment, talking about the thin line Department of Natural Resources has to walk with hunting and trapping as they've had a rocky road in the past with Endangered Species Act.

We give an update on the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle, detailing the total money raised for Arizona's wildlife and habitat.

We have brief update on the RETURN Act that seeks to repeal the Pittman Robertson Act the expense of funding for our game species.

We touch on Montana's Elk Advisory Group's newest recommendation to implement a "choose your weapon type of season" which transitions into this week's deeper dive where Randy chimes into give us the synopsis on the various elk management strategies in the western states.

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Cancelling Conservation? | Week of July 4th

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0000

This week we get the crew fishing update from the 4th of July weekend.

We learn about the funding of the Northern Plains Grassland Project and talk through where the money comes from.

We look into the current status of wildfires throughout the United States this summer and ponder the potential consequences to wildlife.

For the deeper dive we discuss Andrew Clyde’s newly introduced "RETURN Act" to repeal the Pittman-Robertson Act. He and 53 co-sponsors somehow decided this is a good idea, despite being opposed by both the NSSF and the NRA.

We also look into the history of the P.R. Act and talk about how similar Backpack tax was proposed but quickly shut down by the outdoor industry.

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Losing 75,000 Acres of Public Land | Week of June 27

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we catch up with the crew who's been out fishing quite a bit in the last couple of weeks.

News items this week include North Carolina elk and wildlife crossings. Turns out people really like elk back east too and are trying to help with connectivity across busy roadways.

A new study was recently published looking into the effects of wind turbines on bats and the cascading effects of removing bats from an ecosystem.

A bill was recently introduced attempting to repeal the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Act which is a horrible idea.

For the deeper dive, Randy talks about the recent appeal the Wyoming Governor filed to try to halt the Bureau of Land Management acquisition in Wyoming that would open up nearly 75,000 acres of previously inaccessible land, along with 8.8 miles of river frontage.

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Drawing WY Elk Tag a Thing of the Past? | Week of June 13

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0000

This was the last week of bear hunting for the crew this spring. So we get a quick glimpse of Randy and Marcus’ end-of-the-season efforts.

Congratulations to Paul Kemper for getting married to Jordanne!

Michael gives us the update on the rivers and the crazy floods that hit this week.

We talk about the Vail Bighorn Sheep Initiative and their issues with Vail Resort trying to develop in important winter range.

Good news with the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act passing the House, hopefully the momentum continues.

We discuss the proposed regulation changes that would open up 54,000 acres to additional hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuge lands and waters, but also along with these changes comes reduced use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle.

For the deeper dive, Randy fills us in on what’s going on within the Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce and the proposed change of reducing non-resident DIY elk hunters down to 5% of the available tags while creating a subsidy for WY outfitters.

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Hunt For a Purpose | Week of June 6

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week we recap a recent paddlefish trip, catch up on Michael's fishing corner, talk about Dale filming the Warriors and Quiet Waters Hunt For a Purpose Program as well as wishing Dale luck on his future endeavors.

Topics discussed include over 40,000 acres of newly accessible land for hunting and fishing in Wyoming, recent bills moving forward on firearms and ammunition, wolves causing the death of 143 domestic sheep in Idaho, and learn about a recent study looking into the correlation between elk hoof disease and asymmetrical antlers.

For the deeper dive, CEO of Warriors and Quiet Waters, Brian Gilman breaks down the WHY of the foundation and how they provide healing experiences for post 9/11 combat veterans in the outdoors.

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https://warriorsandquietwaters.org/

https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/a-common-sense-proposal-that-will-piss-off-both-sides.313408/

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1200 Free Tags?! | Week of May 30

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0000

This week we recap the crew's week, which included chasing bears, turkeys and fish.

Recent news includes discussion of a new pilot project in Wyoming for conserving private lands along migration corridors. Talking about about another error made by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks where 1200 tags were accidentally sent out to non-residents. A new update on the United Property Owners of Montana lawsuit over elk management in Montana. A new portal to nominate parcels Bureau of Land Management Land that has access issues, and discussing the new changes that are incentivizing green energy development on public land.

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BLM Portal for Nominating Land with Access Issues

https://blm-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=48320cf8a0f14f89ac01cc05299365fd

Casey Underwood Art

https://caseyunderwood.com/

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How Do We Fix MT Elk Management? | Week of May 23

Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 -0000

This week we eat mountain goat tamales that were delicious. We talk about winter ticks and moose and how 90% of calves in a recent study were killed by ticks. We also look into some recent changes with Mexican wolf recovery and recap a presentation that tells the full story of how we got to the current status of wolves in the southwest.

Randy joins in to do a deeper dive on ideas in which Montana can work towards fixing elk management in the state. It's a complicated mix of stakeholders who are very passionate about elk and how they affect their lifestyles.

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https://www.gastrognomemeals.com/

Jim Heffelfinger - Mexican Wolf Recovery: https://youtu.be/MANTBcTyuz4

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MORE Bulls for Billionaires!? | Week of May 16th

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:00:00 -0000

We missed last week as we were out bear hunting, but we catch up on some of the crew's stories and catch Michael Parente's fishing report.

News on Wyoming Migration Initiative tells the story of a mule deer's migration and encountering barriers. Bird flu sweeping across the country and now infecting wild turkeys, foxes, and a human. Bill to ban lead ammunition on U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Land.

In this week's deeper dive we are back on the topic of "bulls for billionaires" as there is a new lawsuit against Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks trying to eliminate limited entry elk permits and issue general tags in hunting districts over objective.

Promo Code: FTW50 for 50 points in the GOHUNT Gear Shop and all 50 states for new Explorer members.

https://join.gohunt.com/memberships/

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migrationinitiative.org

Montana Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/elk-management-citizen-advisory-group

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Corner Crossing Legal?! | Week of May 2nd

Fri, 06 May 2022 06:00:00 -0000

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The Fresh Tracks crew was spread out all over last week. We get Randy Newberg's beaver trapping report, Dale Evan's turkey hunting report, and Michael Parente's fishing report.

We touch on a few headlines including the passage of the MAPLand Act, the Forest Service's new Wildfire Crisis Strategy, and changes to Arizona's over-the-counter archery deer regulations.

For the deeper dive, Randy talks about the recent court case in Wyoming where four hunters were found not guilty of criminal trespass in regards to using a stepladder to cross from one corner of public land to another.

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Turkeys, Bears and Blizzards | Week of April 25

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:57:00 -0000

This week we recap some turkey hunts, Michael Parente shares the fishing report, and we get a sneak peek at Randy's trip back to Minnesota where he is currently filming his friends on a beaver trapping expedition.

We touch on the recent denial of the petition to ban black bear hunting in California, hear about a new RMEF land acquisition in Oregon on the Siuslaw National Forest, and ponder what's happening to our wildlife in spring blizzards.

We are absent a deeper dive this week because we are out filming AnyFin Goes along with beaver trapping.

Promo Code: RANDY20 gets you $20 in the GOHUNT Gear Shop when. you sign up for GOHUNT Explorer

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Millions of Acres Closed to Hunting in AK | Week of April 18

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 19:12:00 -0000

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Marcus is back from a week of vacationing and chasing turkeys with his dad. Michael is up to 56 days of fishing now and this week's office lunch consists of carnita style turkey tacos.

News this week includes:

Desert bighorn predation via mountain lions potentially being affected by fire suppression.
Clarification from the Forest Service on where E-Bikes are allowed.
Selling federal public land for housing developments.
Montana's glitch in the deer and elk draw.

For the deeper dive Randy and Marcus discuss the closure of millions of acres of land to non-subsistence hunters in Alaska and talk about how ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act) came to be and how it dictates federal laws of wild game hunting.

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Invasive Species Everywhere | Week of April 4

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:56:00 -0000

This week Marcus did some wildlife watching. Matthew caught a chinook salmon on the Oregon coast. Dale, Randy, and Beau helped out with a new project that Warriors and Quiet Waters has teaching combat veterans how to archery elk hunt.

We talk about Beau's new Divide Series Tents, the no-net loss bill in Georgia, the Crazy Mountain land access case, and a new study on wolf dynamics and the effects of hunting and trapping wolves.

For a deeper dive, Michael Parente talks about how invasive species rule Montana's fisheries, the weird world of fishing culture, and how we are trying to tell some of these stories through the series AnyFin Goes.

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Beau's Tent: https://wildernessridgetrailllamas.com

AnyFin Goes: https://youtu.be/3MKgrBnDue4

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We Have $900 Million to Spend! | Week of March 28

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:44:00 -0000

Happy April, everyone! It looks like spring, and the crew is getting excited! Shed antler hunting, buying a "new" jet boat, and razor clamming were on the docket this week.

We talk about a new public property in Tennessee with some excellent elk habitat. We talk about corner crossing in Wyoming, killing big bucks to reduce CWD, and how the drought in Utah affects the available deer tags for the 2022 Utah general deer season.

For a deeper dive, we look into the Land and Water Conservation Fund and explore how the $900 million could be used to gain more access for hunting!

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Check out the LWCF interactive map here: https://lwcf.tplgis.org/mappast/

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Banning Bear Hunting | Week of March 21

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:14:00 -0000

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In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Marcus Hockett catches up on what's happening with the crew. Marcus and Michael get their tooth age data back from their Alaksa bears. This week's office lunch consists of some mountain lion tacos cooked up by Dale Evans.

This week, Jonathan Spear is the guest to discuss the recent cancelation of the spring bear hunt in Washington and the movement to cancel predator hunting in general. Jonathan is a relatively new hunter that has been intrigued by bear hunting and discusses some potential reasoning for the public's attitude and tolerance towards bear hunting.

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How to Make More Elk | Week of March 14

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:10:00 -0000

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We have a few Fresh Tracks crew updates and some recent changes on hunting-related bills. Randy and Marcus dive deep into good news, talking about some animal trap and transplant stories that shaped the current status of how we have abundant wildlife throughout North America today.

Without the foresight of past wildlife managers, our landscape could look very different. We are pretty lucky to have the wildlife and hunting opportunities that we do, but there is always more work to do!

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Farming for Sage-grouse | Week of March 7th

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 17:03:00 -0000

This week, Randy is out of the office, so we have a fill-in guest, Paul Kemper, to talk about sage-grouse farming in Wyoming and the legislative process. Marcus tells the story of the recent lake trout fishing trip; the crew eats some fresh snacks and more!

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Should Selling Antlers be Illegal? | Week of February 28

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:53:00 -0000

While the Fresh Tracks crew made another episode of Any Fin Goes, Marcus put together the fifth episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly from the hard water. He's sharing a few recent news headlines and giving you all the updates on some of the things we have going on around the office.

For the deeper dive discussion this week, Randy and Marcus talk about Market Hunting and wildlife utilization. Randy brings up how we've gotten to where we are today from when these conversations started in the 1800s. Marcus discusses how shed antler hunting affects the pressure on wildlife after harsh winters.

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Fewer Big Bucks = Less CWD? | Week of February 21

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:43:00 -0000

This week the Fresh Tracks crew was a bit spread out across the west, but we still managed to whip together the fourth episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, relaying a few recent headlines and giving updates on some of the fun things we got to do.

For their deeper dive, Randy and Marcus discuss Chronic Wasting Disease and how new research suggests that managing herds at lower densities and younger age classes could be better for the overall herd health. Randy struggles with this news as he is accustomed to healthy deer herds composed of diverse age structures.

CWD Lymph Node Removal Video: https://youtu.be/jz2dcOaaANw

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Wolves Are Cuddly | Week of February 14

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:51:00 -0000

Marcus Hockett and Randy Newberg discuss the recent re-listing of Grey wolves under the Endangered Species Act. Marcus runs through conservation and sportsman's issues and gives us an update on upcoming content.

Thumbnail photo by Jason Loftus https://www.untamedimagesbyjl.com/p72...

#wolves #conservation #news

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Bulls for Billionaires | Week of February 7th

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:51:00 -0000

The second-ever episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly! This week we catch up with the crew and see what's going on in the office. We hear some feel-good news stories from the elk woods and touch on some headlines that may affect you as a hunter.

Marcus and Randy dive deep into the Public Trust Doctrine and talk about how trusts work and how Randy's expertise of trusts in the financial world helps him understand those in the wildlife world.

If you want to check out the Wildlife Society's technical review of the Public Trust Doctrine you can follow this link: https://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploa...

If you want to check out the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Elk Translocation video follow this link: https://youtu.be/ugV6l4ZAzOA

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Where'd The SCIENCE Go!? | Week of January 31

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:50:00 -0000

Fresh Tracks Weekly is a new series where we give a weekly update and share any news that we find intriguing as hunters. This week, we are releasing some exciting content and talking about where the science goes within wildlife management.

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