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

The last arrow has been launched for the 2024-25 Arkansas deer hunting season, and the tally of checked deer stands at 199,863. Although the raw data still needs to be analyzed, the preliminary results indicate an increase of nearly 4 percent over last year’s final harvest of 192,392. Read more

Harvest statistics released by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department show overall hunter success during the 2024 season was 100% for bighorn sheep, 92% for moose and 64% for elk.

The department issued six bighorn sheep licenses and auctioned one. All seven hunters harvested bighorn rams.

The department issued 238 moose licenses last year. Of that total, 229 hunters harvested 210 animals – 125 bulls and 85 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows: Read more