Episodios

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

    Why Non-Resident Hunters Pay More | Week of May 5
    May 9 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • MT Wins for Hunters, California Wolf Attacks, AmeriCorps Cuts | Week of April 28

    MT Wins for Hunters, California Wolf Attacks, AmeriCorps Cuts | Week of April 28
    May 2 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    8 m
  • Crew Update & Spring Hunt Plans | Week of April 21

    Crew Update & Spring Hunt Plans | Week of April 21
    Apr 25 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • D.O.G.E. For The Outdoors | Week of April 14

    D.O.G.E. For The Outdoors | Week of April 14
    Apr 18 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Who Exactly Wants to Sell Public Land? | Week of April 7

    Who Exactly Wants to Sell Public Land? | Week of April 7
    Apr 11 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    34 m
  • 1/2 Million Acres to Be Sold? | Week of March 31

    1/2 Million Acres to Be Sold? | Week of March 31
    Apr 4 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • Giving Your Time for Conservation | Week of March 24

    Giving Your Time for Conservation | Week of March 24
    Mar 28 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • Affordable Housing on Public Land | Week of March 17

    Affordable Housing on Public Land | Week of March 17
    Mar 21 2025
    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    31 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup