From Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade to new pheasant camps in the Plains, Fred Bird breaks down your weekly outdoor news and the biggest stories in hunting, fishing, and conservation across the nation. 

We kick off with Florida’s black bear hunt returning for the first time in 10 years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to reinstate a highly regulated season with limited tags and fair-chase methods, marking a major win for science-based wildlife management.

In Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer officially joins the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus, strengthening bipartisan support for hunting, angling, and outdoor heritage at the state and national level.

Meanwhile, Western states face conservation funding challenges, with agencies in Washington and Oregon navigating historic budget shortfalls that could impact hatcheries, pheasant programs, and wildlife access.

On a brighter note, new hunter opportunities are launching in the Great Plains, including South Dakota’s first youth deer camp and Nebraska’s ladies pheasant hunt program—designed to mentor and recruit the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

Finally, we highlight a prescribed fire project in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, a critical initiative to restore white oak habitat, strengthen wildlife populations, and support industries like bourbon and wood products.

Whether it’s hunting policy, fishing access, or other conservation programs, The Sportsmen’s Voice is your trusted source for outdoor news that matters.

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