EP. 375: Conservation Scorecard: State Advocacy for Habitat, Hunting, and Public Lands

The biggest victories for upland birds often happen long before hunting season ever opens.

Wild pheasants, quail, public land access, and quality bird hunting all depend on decisions made long before opening day. State legislatures shape wildlife habitat, conservation funding, prescribed fire, hunter access, and the future of upland hunting across America.

Bob St. Pierre sits down with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of State Government Affairs Swanny Evans to break down the biggest conservation victories, challenges, and emerging threats from legislative sessions across pheasant and quail country. From new conservation license plates and dedicated wildlife funding to expanded public access, prescribed fire improvements, and hunter education programs, they explain how policy decisions directly affect the places hunters, bird dogs, and wildlife depend on.

The discussion also explores growing concerns surrounding ballot initiatives targeting hunting, state funding shortages for wildlife agencies, and ongoing efforts to protect public lands while expanding opportunities for future generations of upland hunters. You'll also hear how members, volunteers, and conservation partners are influencing legislation in dozens of states through grassroots advocacy.

Whether you chase roosters, coveys, prairie grouse, or simply care about healthy wildlife habitat, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work protecting the future of upland conservation across the United States.

Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.

Show notes

• Learn more about PF & QF’s conservation advocacy efforts.
• Reach Swanny at sevans@pheasantsforever.org if you’d like to connect on conservation legislation in your state.

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