Episode 65 - Public Lands Under Fire: Policy Battles Shaping America’s Wildlife Future

Behind closed doors, lawmakers decide the future of hunting, fishing, and access to public lands.

Host Fred Bird sits down with a panel of seasoned policy experts to unpack one of the most consequential issues facing hunters and anglers today: the fight over public lands and wildlife management. This isn’t surface-level debate—it’s a clear-eyed look at how decisions are actually made, who influences them, and why sportsmen need to pay attention long before legislation hits the headlines.

Joined by CSF’s Sr VP Taylor Schmitz, and Delta Waterfowl’s Chief Policy Officer, John Devney and VP of Government Affairs, Cyrus Baird, the crew breaks down the recent public lands battle and explains the formal process that governs how federal lands are managed, from National Wildlife Refuges to multi-use landscapes critical for hunting access and fishing opportunity. Listeners will gain insight into the outsized role state legislators play in shaping land use policy, wildlife funding, and access for future generations of hunters, anglers, and outdoor families.

Fred and his guests also explore the growing importance of caucus networks—organized groups of lawmakers and advocates working behind the scenes to protect wildlife habitat, sustain public access, and keep conservation grounded in sound science. The discussion highlights the challenges facing the National Wildlife Refuge System, including declining awareness and the real consequences that come with disengaged communities.

This episode equips sportsmen with the context needed to engage intelligently, advocate effectively, and ensure America’s public lands remain places where hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions can thrive.

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