Committee approves charter‑guide WMA access permit to streamline recreational charters on wildlife management areas Lawmakers approved HB 835 to create an optional $100 charter‑guide wildlife management area access permit that allows captains to bring paying recreational anglers onto WMAs while not retaining catch; department staff said regulations will require Coast Guard credentials and reporting requirements.

Louisiana lawmakers just approved a new $100 permit that promises to simplify access to wildlife management areas for charter captains and their clients while ensuring responsible fishing practices.

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#LA #RecreationalAccess #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #LouisianaWildlife

Committee backs measure to require food‑animal experience for state veterinarian The committee passed HB 39‑77 to add food‑animal veterinary experience to minimum qualifications for the state veterinarian; the measure does not specify a minimum number of years and the sponsor said appointment authority remains with the secretary of agriculture and requires confirmation.

A new bill aims to reshape the qualifications for Oklahoma's state veterinarian, ensuring a stronger focus on food-animal experience—could this change the future of rural veterinary care?

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#OK #CitizenPortal #RuralDevelopment #VeterinaryPractice #WildlifeManagement

Commissioners debate Wallowa Countys wolf-resolution request; opt for sympathy letter rather than statewide endorsement Deschutes County commissioners heard public testimony about livestock losses in northeastern Oregon and discussed whether to adopt or endorse Wallowa Countys resolution on wolf-management policy; commissioners generally favored sending a letter expressing sympathy and concern rather than adopting Wallowas specific requests statewide.

Deschutes County commissioners are caught in a heated debate over wolf-management policies as they navigate community distress and livestock losses in neighboring Wallowa County.

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#DeschutesCounty #OR #AgriculturalLosses #WildlifeManagement

Experts describe grizzly returns, risks and local sightings around Missoula Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks specialist Jamie Jonkel told a Bonner Milltown roundtable that grizzlies are increasingly appearing around Missoula but a self-sustaining population requires reproductive females; he outlined historical declines, recent verified sightings and management responses.

Grizzly bears are making a comeback in Missoula, but the road to a self-sustaining population is fraught with challenges and risks.

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#MissoulaMissoulaCounty #MT #BiodiversityConservation #CitizenPortal #MissoulaWildlife #WildlifeManagement #HumanWildlifeConflict

Residents split at Houston County hearing over whether to allow rifles for deer season Dozens of Houston County residents offered testimony for and against allowing rifles for deer season after the state lifted shotgun-only rules. Supporters cited safety, accessibility for youth and reduced recoil; opponents pointed to terrain, ricochet risk and neighbor safety. The board heard public comment and adjourned without a decision.

Houston County is at a crossroads as residents passionately debate whether to allow rifles for deer season, with safety concerns and accessibility taking center stage.

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#HoustonCounty #MN #HoustonCountyHunting #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WildlifeManagement

Howdy!

Join us on Wednesday, April 1st, at 1:00 PM for the next ABS Hour!

tamu.zoom.us/s/94385929786

We hope to see you there!

#TAMUECCB #Ecology #Geography #HumanDimension #WildlifeManagement

Meeting roundup: sewer MOU, wildlife plans, solar payments and personnel actions from Iron County meeting At its March 23 meeting the Iron County Commission approved a sewer cost‑share MOU percentage for BZI, conditionally approved solar increment payments, received DWR habitat plan presentations, and approved personnel and PIO position modifications; several administrative votes were taken by voice.

Iron County's latest commission meeting unveiled crucial plans for infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and wildlife management that could shape the region's future.

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#UT #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #WildlifeManagement

Committee waives $150 possession fee for pet raccoons; veterinary group urges caution over rabies risk The House committee approved an amendment to remove a $150 possession permit fee for keeping a raccoon as a pet and advanced HB 24-99. Megan Fraser of the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association warned raccoons are a primary rabies reservoir and said captive-bred raccoons retain the same rabies risk as wild raccoons.

Tennessee lawmakers just approved a bill that could allow pet raccoons without a hefty fee, but veterinarians warn about the hidden dangers of rabies lurking in these furry companions.

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#TN #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #TennesseeWildlife #RabiesPrevention #WildlifeManagement

Alaska caucus briefing spotlights federal conservation funding, recruitment and local outreach Representatives from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Safari Club International told Alaska legislators and attendees that excise-tax funds (Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson) and license revenue underwrite much state conservation work, and described caucus education, outreach (R3) and local programs such as Hunters for the Hungry.

Alaska's sportsmen's caucus is redefining conservation funding and outreach, revealing how your license fees and taxes are shaping the state's wildlife policies!

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#AK #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #SustainableFishing #AlaskaConservation #CommunityOutreach

Dublin CSAC presents deer-management options as council moves topic to work session CSAC presented survey results, benchmarking and management options on deer, noting mixed resident sentiment and that roughly 59% of respondents favored population management; council voted to send the topic to a work session for additional expert briefings and to consider targeted removal and monitoring metrics.

Dublin's Community Services Advisory Committee reveals that nearly 60% of residents support deer management amid rising concerns over aggressive encounters and population growth.

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#OH #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DublinDeerManagement #WildlifeManagement

Senate adopts committee amendments to tighten red drum limits and require circle hooks to aid conservation S 961 would change red drum slot limits to 18–25 inches, reduce per-person and per-boat limits, and require non-offset circle hooks of 4/0 or larger when using natural bait; sponsors said the changes aim to reverse overfishing and boost recruitment, with recovery potentially taking 7–10 years.

Senate Bill 961 is set to revolutionize red drum fishing in South Carolina with tighter limits and new gear requirements to combat overfishing—will these changes be enough for recovery?

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#SC #SouthCarolinaFisheries #CitizenPortal #MarineConservation #WildlifeManagement

The Kentucky Humane Society has launched a fertility‑control program for Eastern Kentucky’s wild horses to reduce risks and support sustainable management. 🐎🌾
#WildlifeManagement #Kentucky

Commission asks staff for follow‑ups on cougar conflict data, aquatic invasive species and Southern Resident whales After public comment, commissioners directed staff to prepare accessible predator‑prey summaries, develop an aquatic invasive species briefing for the Columbia River, and prepare a September update on first‑year cougar harvest implementation and conflict removals; the Commission delegated some rulemaking to the director.

Washington commissioners are taking action on wildlife management, pushing for clearer reports on cougar conflicts and invasive species—what's next for our ecosystems?

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#WA #CitizenPortal #AquaticInvasiveSpecies #PublicInput #WildlifeManagement

WDFW outlines nonlethal wolf‑livestock measures, flags budget and data gaps WDFW staff briefed the committee on nonlethal tools including DPCAL agreements, contracted range riders, RagBox devices, foxlights and fladry; presenters said funding and inconsistent reporting complicate measuring program success and asked for better metrics and continued research partnerships.

WDFW reveals innovative nonlethal wolf-management strategies to protect livestock, but funding and data gaps pose challenges to their effectiveness.

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#WA #LivestockProtection #CitizenPortal #ResearchPartnerships #WildlifeManagement

Jackson County commissioners approve letter urging state to begin delisting gray wolves west of Highways 395, 78 and 95 The Board approved a letter asking Oregon to initiate delisting of gray wolves west of Highways 395, 78 and 95, updating a 2018 request and citing Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife management; the motion passed unanimously (3-0).

Jackson County commissioners are pushing for a significant change in wildlife management by urging the state to delist gray wolves from federal protection—what could this mean for the ecosystem?

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#JacksonCounty #OR #EndangeredSpecies #JacksonCountyWildlife #WildlifeManagement

House declines bill to authorize a black‑bear draw after extended debate Lawmakers debated a bill to authorize limited black‑bear hunting via a lottery system, with sponsors citing conservation and data collection; opponents raised population and ethical concerns and the bill failed on the floor.

After a heated debate, the House rejected a controversial bill that aimed to establish a regulated black-bear draw in Mississippi, raising questions about conservation and ethical hunting practices.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #ConservationEfforts #WildlifeManagement #MississippiWildlife

Province announces new permits to help producers manage elk damage


#Agriculture #BillHuber #DarleneRowden #DavidMarit #Elk #PADailyHerald #PrinceAlbert #PrinceAlbert #Producers #Rural #Saskatchewan #SCIC #WildlifeManagement
paherald.sk.ca/?p=223459

Commission moves licensing proposals forward: antelope draws delayed post-survey; deer archery/muzzleloader suggested as buck-only Game, Fish and Parks presented proposed changes to antelope and turkey application draws (move special/nonresident archery draws until after May aerial survey and remove an unused third draw) and proposed changing statewide archery and muzzleloader deer license types to 'buck only' for 2026 to protect declining mule deer and address low recruitment in southeastern counties.

Big changes are coming for South Dakota hunters as the commission proposes shifting antelope draw dates and limiting deer tags to "buck only" to protect dwindling populations.

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#SD #CitizenPortal #PopulationConservation #HuntingRegulations #WildlifeManagement #SouthDakotaWildlife

Forest Service, wildlife and mine updates: gate closures, Electric Lake flow change and Skyline Mine pause Forest Service and other agencies updated the council on gate closures related to snow and safety, Electric Lake flow reductions tied to Pacificorp, wild‑horse management scoping, and Skyline Mine’s temporary pause while infrastructure is prepared.

Major updates on snow safety measures, wildlife monitoring, and mining operations could reshape our local ecosystem—are you in the loop?

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#UT #MiningReclamation #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WildlifeManagement

After contentious votes, public and officials demand clarity on furbearer petition and wolf actions; commission agrees to replay audio and restate motions Hundreds of public commenters at the March 5 CPW meeting urged the commission to revisit a prior-day vote on a furbearer petition and to spare a young 'Copper Creek' wolf; commissioners acknowledged procedural confusion, agreed to replay audio and restate motion language, and took two unanimous votes on a chronic depredation permit denial and a Bar Lake acquisition.

Public outcry and confusion erupted during the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting as officials grappled with procedural errors and the fate of the orphaned 'Copper Creek' wolf.

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#CO #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #WildlifeManagement

House Finance subcommittee adopts FY27 Fish and Game budget, 5–3, after debate over hatchery funding On March 3, 2026, the House Finance Department of Fish and Game Subcommittee voted 5–3 to adopt its FY27 operating budget recommendations, approving funding swaps that move some hatchery costs onto federal Dingell‑Johnson receipts and adding three temporary positions for the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC).

The House Finance Subcommittee's narrow 5-3 vote to adopt the FY27 Fish and Game budget sparks controversy over hatchery funding and new positions at CFEC!

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#AK #AlaskaFisheries #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #SustainableFishing #BudgetTransparency

Court discusses wildlife-services funding and backs Wallowa County wolf-management resolution Harney County commissioners discussed a roughly $100,000 estimate for contracted wildlife services, possible funding partners and special-district options, and approved a letter supporting Wallowa County's wolf-management resolution.

Harney County commissioners are weighing a $100,000 wildlife services budget while backing Wallowa County's bold wolf-management resolution.

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#HarneyCounty #OR #WildlifeManagement

Subcommittee advances bill to swap deer tag ratio to encourage more doe harvest The House Wildlife Subcommittee voted 4-0 to send House Bill 5,217 to the full committee. The bill would keep the five-tag base set but reverse the current 3-buck/2-doe ratio to 3-doe/2-buck; DNR testified the change aims to boost antlerless harvest and stabilize populations.

A new bill in South Carolina aims to swap the deer tag ratio from 3 bucks to 2 does, encouraging hunters to focus on antlerless harvests for better population balance and habitat health.

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#SC #CitizenPortal #SustainableHunting #PopulationBalance #WildlifeManagement

State-tribal relations panel sets June, October interim meetings; education, MMIP, gaming and bison listed as priorities The select committee on state-tribal relations agreed to pursue interim briefings on gaming and historic horse racing, review a state-tribal policy modeled on the Washington Accord, and prioritize education, MMIP, solid waste and bison/wildlife issues; meetings are planned for June and October at Central Wyoming College.

Wyoming's state-tribal relations committee is diving into crucial topics like gaming, education, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, with exciting interim meetings set for June and October!

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#WY #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #WildlifeManagement #MMIPAwareness

Committee hears bill to boost wolf and elk depredation funds; A1 amendment approved and bill laid over Lawmakers debated House File 3,580, a farmer-focused proposal to increase funding for verified wolf and elk depredation claims; an A1 amendment changing dollar figures passed by voice vote and the bill was laid over for further consideration.

Minnesota lawmakers are taking crucial steps to ensure farmers receive timely compensation for livestock losses due to wolf and elk attacks—will this new bill make a difference?

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#MN #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FarmersSupport #WildlifeManagement #MinnesotaAgriculture

Long debate over allowing transport and sale of feral hogs; bill carried for further work Sponsor argued lifting transport restrictions would create a market and reduce wild-hog populations by enabling trappers to sell hogs; committee members raised concerns about disease, public-safety risks and committee jurisdiction; the measure was carried over.

A controversial bill aiming to tackle Alabama's exploding feral hog population has sparked fierce debate over safety, disease risks, and agricultural policy.

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#AL #DiseaseControl #PublicSafety #WildlifeManagement

Lawmakers and Fish and Game debate use of Dingell‑Johnson and Pittman‑Robertson funds for hatcheries, invasive species Department officials told the Fish and Game subcommittee that Dingell‑Johnson and Pittman‑Robertson funds are constrained by federal-purpose rules and a 15% boating‑access set‑aside; members pressed whether those funds can be used for invasive species management, hatchery maintenance, and infrastructure such as fish‑cleaning stations.

Alaska lawmakers are grappling with strict federal rules on how vital Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson funds can be used for hatcheries and invasive species management.

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#AK #BoatingAccess #InvasiveSpecies #CitizenPortal #AlaskaFishAndGame #WildlifeManagement

DNR report: two years of crossbow expansion shows no population decline so far; hunters and groups disagree over long-term effects A DNR analysis covering two years after the 2023 expansion of crossbow use found no clear impact on deer or turkey populations so far, with increases in archery participation and shifting demographics. Public witnesses were sharply divided: Minnesota Bow Hunters opposed full inclusion, while Minnesota Deer Hunters Association supported it for access and retention.

A new DNR report reveals that expanding crossbow use in Minnesota hasn't harmed deer or turkey populations, but the debate among hunters about its long-term effects is just heating up.

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#MN #ConservationAccess #CitizenPortal #WildlifeManagement #ArcheryParticipation

DNR briefing: two-thirds of department funding is restricted; license fee and one-time program requests outlined House Fiscal Agency analyst Austin Scott told the subcommittee that about two-thirds of Department of Natural Resources funding comes from restricted accounts and highlighted FY2027 executive requests including a Nature Awaits one-time program, proposed hunting/fishing and watercraft fee increases, and restricted fund capital outlay adjustments.

Two-thirds of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources funding comes from restricted accounts, raising important questions about the future of state parks and wildlife management!

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#MI #FundingTransparency #CitizenPortal #ParksAndRecreation #WildlifeManagement

Virginia subcommittee advances bill to speed DWR kill permits when deer damage commercial crops A Senate subcommittee voted unanimously to report House Bill 129, which clarifies Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) authority to issue kill permits when deer damage commercial agricultural production and streamlines reauthorization and reporting for affected producers.

Virginia's Senate subcommittee just took a major step to help farmers combat deer damage, paving the way for faster kill permits to protect their crops!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaAgriculture #WildlifeManagement #SustainableAgriculture #AgriculturalEconomics