We sat down with Bill Gaines — 30-year California hunting advocate, lobbyist, and chair of the California Hunting and Conservation Coalition — for a sweeping conversation on the apex predator crisis, legislative battles, bear hunting changes in 2026, the SHARE program, and what every California hunter must do right now.
We sat down with Rick Larnerd — U.S. Army veteran, former Pennsylvania game warden, former Tennessee police chief — for a conversation about wildlife conservation, hunting culture, and the real role of game wardens in America.
Hunterizer, a leader in hunting regulation tools and public land access, proudly announces the release of the Hunterizer Seasons App—a powerful new tool for understanding when hunting seasons are open across the U.S. (currently encompasses CA, MT, TX, PA, and WI, with more states coming soon). Built to simplify the confusing patchwork of hunting regulations, …
Most of us are out scouting this time of year—checking trail cams, glassing fields, watching patterns shift with the summer heat. But there’s one simple habit more hunters ought to work into their routine: reporting wild turkey sightings. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to help log sightings of wild turkeys throughout July …
Most folks think of California’s Central Valley as duck country. And they’re not wrong. The Los Banos and North Grasslands Wildlife Areas have long been known for waterfowl: flooded fields, duck blinds, and late-season limits. But this fall, there’s a new reason to lace up your boots and grab your bow. For the first time, …
Pennsylvania hunters just scored a major victory. On July 8, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill that removes all remaining restrictions on Sunday hunting in the state. For the first time in Pennsylvania’s long hunting history, sportsmen and women will have access to all Sundays during hunting season — not just a select few. …
Most Texans recognize the horned lizard — or “horny toad” as some of us still call it — as one of the state’s most iconic critters. It’s a symbol of ruggedness and survival, and for 25 years, it’s been the face of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Conservation License Plate Program. Now, the state’s …
Every hunter in Pennsylvania knows this time of year-it’s not just summer, it’s license season. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) officially opens the sale of 2025-26 hunting and furtaker licenses on Monday, June 23. If you’re planning your fall hunts or looking to fill the freezer come winter, now’s the time to get your paperwork …
Hunters in Pennsylvania are closer than ever to gaining full access to the woods on Sundays. On June 11, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1431 by a 131 to 72 vote. This bill would repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting, which has roots going back nearly 200 years. This is a big …
If you’ve ever glassed a distant ridgeline on public land and thought, I wonder what’s over that next draw, you’re not alone. Finding new ground to hunt is half the challenge – and the thrill. In Wisconsin, there’s now more of it, thanks to an unexpected ally: The Nature Conservancy. Yep, the same group known …
Montana hunters and conservation groups have a new opportunity on the horizon. Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is now accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations interested in auctioning or running a lottery for special hunting licenses. These aren’t regular draw tags. They’re premium licenses – often valid in any district – and they bring serious fundraising …
There’s something about hearing a turkey gobble through your earbuds while walking the dog. That’s the kind of field-ready feel Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is going for with their new podcast, Better Outside. And they’re not just talking the talk-they’re recording every episode outside, in the same wild places we chase deer, ducks, and …
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again calling on landowners to step up and make a difference—this time, by opening their land to hunters with disabilities during the 2025 Gun Deer Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities. The special hunt will run from October 4–12, 2025, and it’s part of a long-standing tradition …
There’s a lot to be said for learning by doing, especially when it comes to deer hunting. And if you’re new to the tradition or know someone who is, Wisconsin’s 2025 Learn to Hunt Deer program at Sandhill Wildlife Area is shaping up to be one of the best places to start. This isn’t just …
Every hunter knows the off-season isn’t really “off.” It’s a time to prep, scout, and sharpen your edge—both literally and figuratively. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) gets it too. Their June calendar is packed with opportunities that keep you in the game, even if you’re not shouldering a rifle or casting a …
If you’ve ever looked at the younger crowd and wondered who’s going to carry the torch for hunting, land stewardship, and wildlife management, Pennsylvania’s got an answer: Junior Game Warden Camps. Run by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, these one-day camps are more than just a field trip with a badge. They’re boots-on-the-ground, hands-on experiences designed …
Hunters looking to get an early start this season in California’s A Zone should take note of a limited-access opportunity now open for application. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering opening-weekend hunting permits for two wildlife areas in Merced County: Cottonwood Creek and San Luis Reservoir. This is a straightforward, no-frills …
If you hunt in northern California, there’s a new tool you’ll want to keep an eye on. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) just rolled out an interactive wolf mapping system. It’s designed to give the public – including us hunters – a better look at where wolves are roaming. This might sound …
If you’re planning to hunt in Montana this season, mark your calendar. The deadline to apply for several special hunting licenses is June 1, 2025, by 11:45 p.m. MST. Miss it, and you’re out for the draw. Here’s what’s on the line: Licenses with a June 1 Deadline: Antelope (Special Drawing)This tag’s in high demand. …
That recovery is a success story – but it’s not without complications. As bears push back into suburban and rural areas, conflicts are rising. Garbage raids, livestock losses, and front-porch sightings are becoming regular events. In 2023 alone, FWC responded to over 6,000 bear-related complaints. Biologists say this is a sign the population may be …
Pennsylvania’s 2024 Bear Harvest: By the Numbers Pennsylvania hunters wrapped up the 2024 bear season with a solid showing, harvesting 2,642 bears statewide, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. While this number is slightly lower than the 2023 harvest of 2,920 bears, it still reflects the strength of Pennsylvania’s black bear population and the quality …
If you’ve spent any time in the backcountry lately-especially in northern or central California-you’ve probably noticed the same thing the biologists have: black bears are showing up in more places, more often. Whether it’s tracks along a high ridge, scat near a trailhead, or the telltale bark-scratches on a cedar tree, bear signs are on …
The Big Bend region of West Texas is as tough and beautiful as country gets. Rugged hills, sharp canyons, and wide-open skies stretch as far as you can see. For thousands of years, hunters have called this land home. Now, a remarkable find in Big Bend National Park is giving us a fresh look at …
Every spring, Pennsylvania hunters get a deeper look into how deer season really shook out. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s annual deer harvest report isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s a snapshot of how our hunting grounds are changing, what tactics are working, and what we might need to adjust for next season. 2023-24 Harvest Recap …
When news broke that a California man lost his hunting privileges for three years and had to cough up over $13,000 after poaching a trophy pronghorn antelope, it hit a nerve in the hunting community. Not just because of what he did-but because it reminds us all what’s at stake when folks step outside the …
When the charges were dropped against a Pennsylvania man for using a drone to locate deer, the legal system may have closed the case – but for hunters, it opened a big debate. The man, who was originally charged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for allegedly using a drone to hunt, walked away free …
Across much of the country, wild turkey numbers are shifting. In some places, populations are strong. In others, hunters are noticing fewer gobbles and less activity. There’s a lot we don’t fully understand yet – and that’s exactly what the Wild Turkey DNA Initiative is trying to change. This new effort brings together scientists, conservation …
For years, “corner crossing” sat in a gray area of public land access—a move that could unlock millions of acres of landlocked public ground, but also land you in court. Now, a federal appeals court just delivered a win for hunters, ruling that corner crossing doesn’t violate federal law. It’s a big step forward—but not …
A new report paints a grim picture for North American bird populations. According to State of the Birds 2024, we’re losing birds at a rate that should make every wingshooter, waterfowler, and conservationist stop and think. Over half of U.S. bird species are declining. That’s not just bad news for birdwatchers. It hits right at …
If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing a desert bighorn across West Texas or calling in spring gobblers on private land with a world-class guide, Big Time Texas Hunts might be your golden ticket. This long-running program from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department isn’t just about trophy animals—it’s about access, adventure, and putting your entry …
As hunters, we respect wildlife and understand that predators play a vital role in the ecosystem. But when mountain lions lose their natural fear of humans, the balance shifts—putting people, livestock, and even the lions themselves at risk. California Senate Bill 818 (SB 818) proposes a smart, science-based approach to managing these big cats by …
Pennsylvania hunters may soon have more opportunities to hit the woods as lawmakers push to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting. Senate Bill 67, reintroduced this week by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), seeks to eliminate the restriction and give the Pennsylvania Game Commission full authority over hunting seasons, including Sundays. If passed, the …
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently released its annual report on hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) and elevated hunting incidents (EHIs), highlighting another year of safe hunting across the state. The 2024-25 season marked the second-safest on record, with only 11 reported HRSIs, a far cry from the 166 incidents recorded in …
California deer hunters, take note: significant changes to the way we tag and hunt in the D3-D5 and C4 zones could be on the horizon. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) is exploring a proposal that would restructure these hunting areas to better manage deer populations, separating migratory and residential deer. If implemented, …
The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act Would Secure Federal Support for Critical Habitat Conservation Hunters across the country are celebrating the introduction of the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation of big game migration corridors. Introduced in the Senate by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and in the …
This past January, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) shared details about possible adjustments to the state’s elk hunting regulations, aiming to refine the application and tag distribution process. For those with their sights set on a Pennsylvania bull elk, whether it’s your first time applying or you’ve already drawn a tag, some notable tweaks to …