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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Email us weekly@freshtracks.tv 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Email us weekly@freshtrack.tv 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Email us! weekly@freshtracks.tv  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. Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Email us weekly@freshtracks.tv 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. Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - https://www.freshtracks.tv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices