Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and its partner Safari Club International have settled a lawsuit against two Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) commissioners and the commission itself for violating the state’s open-meetings law.

Colorado’s open-meeting law requires that all meetings between two or more public officials where public business is discussed must be open to the public after notice of such a meeting is provided. The law’s purpose is to promote open and informed discussions, which leads to better decision making.

This was not the case when two current Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners, Jack Murphy and Jessica Beaulieu, and former commissioner James Pribyl, coauthored an Op-Ed titled “Current and Former CPW commissioners endorse Prop 127.” The Op-Ed was highly critical of mountain lion and bobcat hunting, declaring that it “in no way contributes to our bright future … in our great state of Colorado.”

The Op-Ed also contained several blatant errors about state hunting regulations. The commissioners claimed that hunters could use drones, which is prohibited by the commission’s own regulations. They claimed that mountain lion hunts guarantee “success at 100%,” when the success rate is closer to 20 percent. And it falsely claimed that wild cats are “not involved in any human conflict,” when Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has numerous press releases to the contrary. The irony is that all these false statements were made while simultaneously declaring that commissioners “are held to a higher standard … of science, not mere opinion and conjecture.”

CPW made the correct decision to settle instead of dragging this out and wasting time and resources. Read more

The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is excited to announce its Spring Online Auction, a premier opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to bid on an incredible selection of international hunting adventures and experiences. The auction runs from April 11 through May 2, 2025, and is available exclusively online.

The auction features a curated lineup of world-class international hunts, including once-in-a-lifetime safaris, big game expeditions, and unique outdoor packages donated by premier outfitters from around the globe. All proceeds support HSCF’s mission to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

“This is a rare chance for hunters to secure exceptional trips while supporting a cause that protects the future of wildlife and wild places,” said Joe Betar, Executive Director of HSCF. “Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or looking to give back to conservation, there’s something for everyone.”

Auction Dates: April 11 – May 2, 2025

Bidding Site: https://www.onlinehuntingauctions.com/HSCF-Online-Auction-April-2025_as106615 Read more

Chris Dorsey recently appeared as a guest on The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter WGN Radio show and podcast. The two discuss the rise in non-resident hunting license fees that is sweeping the country–especially the West, and tackle the questions a lot of hunters are asking: Is it legal and constitutional for states to charge exorbitant license fees and limit access to federal lands that they do not manage? Is it fair to non-residents who pay federal income tax and who partially foot the bill for federal lands to pay 10X or more what residents pay to hunt the same ground? Is it also fair for states to disproportionately limit non-resident access to federal lands? How will the states balance the demands of resident hunters with their desire to raise more money for management programs? Will there be legal maneuvering and legislative retaliation by congressional delegations of eastern states to limit Pittman-Robertson funding to western states seen as hostile to non-residents? Are states through their increase in license fees contributing to the overall decline of hunter numbers while at the same time looking for federal R3 money (the industry’s Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation effort) to grow hunter ranks? Read more

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has compiled key concerns and feedback received from the public regarding mule deer management in the state following a series of public meetings and an online comment period.

From August-December 2024, Game and Fish held 37 Mule Deer Community Conversations across the state. Staff met with members of the public to discuss mule deer management, including how best to address factors affecting mule deer populations.

“These community conversations provided an excellent opportunity for the public to discuss the challenges facing Wyoming’s mule deer. Public understanding and input are crucial to our agency’s work,” said Game and Fish Deputy Wildlife Chief Justin Binfet. “Mule deer face significant issues, from habitat loss to chronic wasting disease. Given the unfortunate declines observed in mule deer statewide, and in the West, we also wanted to check in with the public to gauge their preferences for how to set mule deer hunting seasons going forward.” Read more

The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is excited to announce its April Membership Drive, offering new members a chance to win a Wimberley Arms S12 Field Shotgun!

From Tuesday, April 1, through Wednesday, April 30, anyone who joins HSCF as a new member will be automatically entered into the drawing for this premium firearm. The lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 1.

By becoming an HSCF member, you’ll join a passionate community dedicated to hunting, conservation, and education. Membership also provides access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that support the future of hunting and wildlife conservation. Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Sign up today and take your shot at winning the Wimberley Arms S12 Field Shotgun!

Join Now: https://hscfdn.org/membership/join/ Read more

Turkey Hunting 101

April 2, 5-6:30 p.m.

Montibeller Park Pavillion, Ypsilanti

Register online

April 5, 1-4 p.m.

Williams Gun Sight Company, Davison

Register by email or phone: James Miller, 810-513-9820, jmmturkey@att.net or Justin Mitchell, 810-938-0607, justinmitchell88@gmail.com

Learn everything you need to know about wild turkeys, their behavior, planning a successful hunt and what comes next.

Through classroom instruction, games and hands-on practice, Turkey Hunting 101 will cover basic information on preparing to hunt wild turkeys, different aspects of learning to hunt and more advanced hunting techniques. From choosing your first camo, call and gun to finding like-minded hunters, this free workshop has you covered. Read more

NGOs can apply for $100,000 in support of R3 efforts

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has opened the application period for the 2025 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants that offer a total of $100,000 in support for programs that work to expand participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Qualified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply for a portion of this year’s $100,000 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant total, to be used to support recruitment, retention and reactivation programs, known collectively as R3 efforts. NSSF will place emphasis on programs that focus on increasing participation by attracting new participants and reactivating past participants.

Only project proposals submitted by and in the name of NGOs are eligible for funding. NSSF advises potential applicants to read the application guidelines carefully to fully understand which projects are, and are not, eligible for Hunting Heritage Trust Grant funding.

“We are excited to offer this new round of Hunting Heritage Trust Grants to encourage organizations to expand programs that facilitate participation among diverse groups in target shooting and hunting,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “We’ll be looking to reward programs that address the needs of this growing participant base. If you’ve got a program in mind that meets the grant guidelines, a Hunting Heritage Trust Grant can help elevate your efforts.” Read more