Fresh Tracks Weekly

This week we’re discussing ballot measures and how they can be used to impact wildlife and conservation, specifically with the example of Oregon IP28, a proposal that would criminalize standard animal husbandry, hunting, and fishing practices The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11 to 9 along party lines to advance Steve Pearce’s nomination for Director of the Bureau of Land Management to the full Senate. The Secretary of the Interior opened 2.1 million acres along the Dalton Highway to mining claims, a move that facilitates land transfers to the state and clears a path for the proposed Ambler Road. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved a petition to ban the sale and trade of fur statewide, despite opposition from the agency’s director and the majority of public commenters. House Bill 4145 passed the Oregon House, modifying a previous ballot measure to extend firearm permit processing times and increase fees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett dive deep into the complex world of public land management and the fragile nature of administrative rules. Using the Roadless Rule of 2001 as a primary case study, they explore how major land-use policies can remain "fickle" for decades because they lack the permanent weight of Congressional law. The conversation sheds light on the growing trend of "management by executive order," where shifting administrations use tools like the Congressional Review Act to bypass public comment and overturn established rules, creating a political pendulum that swings further with every election cycle.The duo highlights the real-world consequences of this instability such as the potential loss of wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. Randy issues a call to action, urging citizens to hold their elected officials accountable and demanding that Congress "get a spine" and return to the hard work of legislating. By prioritizing durable, bipartisan laws over short-term administrative shortcuts, the guys argue we can restore public enfranchisement and ensure that the voices of the people and the health of our wild places, aren't lost to political theatrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we discuss the Congressional Review Act. This fast-track law allows a simple majority in Congress to overturn agency rules and permanently bars those agencies from creating any "substantially similar" regulations in the future. We also cover a few news stories including:A new Forest Service proposal would shorten public comment periods to as little as 10 days and move official notices from newspapers to government websites while using AI to summarize feedback. A new citizen petition aims to ban the commercial sale of fur through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on March 4 and 5. A new study reveals that wolves frequently scavenge mountain lion kills, forcing lions to hunt deer over elk to minimize the time spent at vulnerable kill sites. Another new study suggest that hunting vocal toms during peak breeding periods may reduce overall reproductivity, sparking discussions about shifting season dates to better protect populations. HJR 140 is still up for a senate vote. The resolution threatens protections upstream of the boundary waters canoe wilderness area. Theodore Roosevelt IV has issued an open letter urging the Senate to vote against HJR 140, arguing that the resolution favors foreign mining interests and ignores sound science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACT NOW!!! Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm The Senate could vote on HJ 140 as early as tomorrow, February 10th. This backdoor political move uses the Congressional Review Act to ignore public input and allow mining that cannot withstand scientific or economic scrutiny, at the risk of the wild waters near the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we explore the friction between hunters and state wildlife agencies, specifically focusing on the common misunderstandings regarding agency jurisdictions and roles. Contact your Senators via the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Watch the Killing Catalina film here https://www.howlforwildlife.org/catalinaisland Also... The Senate is expected to vote next week on using the Congressional Review Act to overturn the 20-year mining ban near Minnesota's Boundary Waters; those opposed can use the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers website to quickly contact their representatives. https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action A recent cold snap allowed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue a unique executive order, resulting in the removal of over 5,000 invasive green iguanas after citizens were permitted to collect and transport cold-stunned animals to state drop-off sites. Arizona is considering its first-ever landowner deer tag system through a new bill that could be a step towards the potential privatization of wildlife and the allocation of public hunting opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode discusses tribalism and the tendency for individuals to follow group narratives over personal beliefs, using recent media coverage of the Alex Pretti case as a starting point. The conversation focuses on how tribalism manifests within conservation and public land management. Topics covered in this week’s news: Utah Wolf Removal: State officials lethally removed three wolves in Northern Utah to comply with management plans. Wyoming Public Land Sale: A review of House Bill 55, which proposes selling state land for housing development. Oregon Petition: An update on an initiative to ban hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture that may reach the 2026 ballot. Ecological Research: The impact of losing long-term datasets on invasive species management and habitat conservation. Profitable Conservation: A Nature Conservancy report on how edge-of-field practices can improve farm productivity and wildlife habitat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we examine the Bureau of Land Management's decision to revoke grazing leases for American Prairie bison and provide updates on public land funding, mining in Minnesota, wolf reintroduction in Colorado, and land access in North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we examine the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and talk about why there is so much pushback from public land advocates Pearce has a history of advocating for the disposal of federal lands. In 2005, he pushed for initiatives to sell public land to mining companies and has argued that the federal government does not "need" the majority of its western land holdings. We also cover a few news highlights from the week including Secretarial Order No. 3447 to Expand Hunting and Fishing Access on Department of Interior lands, new regulations in Idaho concerning technology and hunting, proposed changes to the Clean Water Act and a Joint Resolution that threatens the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we discuss a renewed threat to Wyoming’s famous mule deer migration. New oil and gas leases on BLM land are near critical winter ranges and migration corridors for the Sublette mule deer and pronghorn herds. We discuss how the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan is being bypassed and why "energy independence" is no longer a valid excuse for poor conservation. We also cover several headlines from the week, including 2026 federal budget cuts, the reopening of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and the controversial "flooded corn" baiting debate in waterfowl hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down how Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) money generated from offshore oil and gas revenues and intended to permanently protect public lands is likely being diverted away from approved conservation projects. One of the projects in jeopardy is the 46,000-acre La Jara Basin land sale in Colorado, which is eight years in development, has broad public support, and already has funding fully approved and allocated. Despite this, new Department of the Interior actions could block LWCF funds from being used, putting this and many other conservation projects at risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buy the Elk Conservation Stamp here (proceeds donated to RMEF) https://shopfreshtracks.com/products/2025-elk-conservation-stamp?srsltid=AfmBOorlsI5T-OHN5wvqK1ZU72s6EISgCuMItcxQQxYBMWOvkWb2fxjs In this episode, we sit down with Jesse DeVoe from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, to discuss an elk research project in Northwest Montana. Jesse shares insights into this large-scale collaborative effort to better understand local elk populations and looking into habitat and impacts from predators. News this week includes: -A Wildlife Migration License Plate Design Contest announced by TRCP and Montana FWP -A recent land conveyance in Alaska under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act -New data from a national survey on public attitudes toward hunting and shooting sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we break down what’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill” and how it impacts hunters and public land users—even without the controversial land sale provision. We also look ahead to next week’s launch of Elk Week, where we’ll be rolling out elk-focused content daily. News Stories Covered: – Wall Street Journal Opinion Piece: The WSJ Editorial Board criticized the removal of the public land sale from the bill, backing false claims about affordability and land use. – Wyoming Corner Crossing Case: A new petition has been submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. – BLM Wild Horse Roundup Blocked: The 10th Circuit Court halted a planned roundup of 3,600 feral horses in southern Wyoming due to insufficient explanation on ecological balance. – Backcountry Lake Contamination: A lake in the Wind River Range showed fecal contamination 384x over safe swimming levels. – Solar Farms and Wildlife Displacement: A new study tracks pronghorn movement around a Wyoming solar facility and reveals how habitat use changes after construction—even beyond the fenced area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we cover a major win for public land advocates: Senator Mike Lee was forced to removed the controversial public land sale language from the "Big Beautiful Bill." While it's a victory for now, Randy Newberg breaks down why this issue isn't going away and where to watch for future attempts to sell off public lands. We also cover several key conservation and public access updates: The EXPLORE Act has officially been implemented, expanding access to outdoor recreation, improving public land maps, and increasing coordination to combat invasive species. A collaborative project in Nevada brought volunteers and conservation groups together to install a new wildlife guzzler in Churchill County, providing critical water resources in desert habitat. The Department of Government Efficiency has canceled grants to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, raising concerns over the future of the "Take Me Fishing" program. Pheasants Forever has enrolled a new landowner into South Dakota’s PATH program, opening nearly 30,000 acres of high-quality habitat to public hunting and recreation. Pennsylvania is on the verge of lifting its longstanding ban on Sunday hunting, with HB1431 awaiting the governor’s signature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Link to Mike Lee's updated language: https://www.hunttalk.com/attachments/lee-senr-06-24-2025-pdf.376000/ Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representativeBuy Arizona Bighorn Sheep Raffle Tickets: https://wildsheep.fanthem.io/give/sheep/online-raffles/bhs?referralCode=wsfweb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Link to Mike Lee’s 69 page bill: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/DF7B7FBE-9866-4B69-8ACA-C661A4F18096 Members on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee https://www.energy.senate.gov/members Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Andrew McKean’s Outdoor Life Article https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-proposes-selling-public-land/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contact Mike Lee: https://www.lee.senate.gov/contact Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 This week, we're talking about recent changes to the federal budget reconciliation bill and what they mean for hunters and public land users. Some updates and news include: The Wyoming corner crossing case could be heading to the Supreme Court. A large-scale feral horse roundup is scheduled in Wyoming. Colorado Parks and Wildlife kills a wolf after repeated livestock attacks. Ohio Senate redirects wildlife funding from natural gas revenues. President Trump nominates Michael Boren for U.S. Forest Service Director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative In this episode, we cover troubling developments in the latest budget reconciliation bill, including a proposed amendment that could lead to the sale of over 500,000 acres of public land and the formation of the new Public Lands Caucus. We also look at potential impacts on the USGS Cooperative Wildlife Research Units and changes to oil and gas royalty rates that could reduce federal revenue. But it’s not all bad news — we highlight exciting wildlife conservation projects from Arizona to California, including new elk crossings and Tule Elk restoration efforts. Tune in for Randy’s take on what all this means for public lands and conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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