FRANKFORT, Ken. – I got lucky with my first deer. I took a shot with my .243 rifle and the deer ran straight towards my tree stand, dropping 20 yards away. That early dose of beginner’s luck was just what I needed to build my confidence and bring me back for my next hunt. But as I get ready for my fifth deer season, I’ve learned just how rare that scenario really is.

Even the best shots often result in the need to track a deer. A lethally shot deer can run 100 yards or more, leaving the hunter to pick through thick brush in search of tiny drops of blood. Avoid common mistakes and follow these guidelines to make deer tracking easier this season.

“The first big mistake people make is not paying very careful attention to where the deer was standing when they shot it,” said Tina Brunjes, a long-time deer hunter and big game program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The second thing they do is jump right down after they shoot the deer and go after it.”

Immediately after you take a shot, memorize the spot where the deer stood by identifying trees or other landmarks close by. If bowhunting, you may even want to shoot a blunt-tipped arrow into the ground where the deer stood. The landscape looks different from the ground than it does from a tree stand.

Brunjes gets down from her stand soon after she shoots a deer – but she doesn’t begin tracking right away.

“Usually I come straight down and go to where the deer was standing,” she said. “I look at what I’m dealing with. I’m looking for evidence that I hit the deer, like blood and hair. Then I wait. I give the deer 30 to 45 minutes.”

Hunters who begin to track immediately risk pushing an injured deer farther into the woods. A well-hit deer may lie down soon after the shot, but it could jump up and run if it feels threatened by an approaching hunter.

Hunters should begin tracking from the spot where the deer was hit after waiting for a time.

“If you’re lucky there will be a blood trail and you can follow it; but you have to really search for those drops,” Brunjes said. “What you don’t want to do is just take off in the direction you think the deer went and stomp all over that trail. Follow it as closely and carefully as possible.”

Mark each drop you find with flagging tape, toilet paper wrapped around weeds or small limbs, or anything else you have in your pack that will stay put. If you lose the trail, you can return to your last marked place and begin again. If you’re having trouble finding the next drop, walk in increasingly large circles, like a bull’s-eye, around the last place that you found a drop.

The shape of a blood drop can tell you a lot. If the drop is round, that means the deer was standing still. But if the drop is teardrop-shaped, that means the deer was moving. The pointed end of the teardrop will point in the direction the deer traveled. Keep in mind the drops may be spread out quite a bit. Be patient. Also remember you must have permission to cross onto another landowner’s property if the track leaves the farm or wildlife management area where you are hunting.

Lastly, before you go afield be sure to pack a few things that will make deer tracking easier. Brightly colored flagging tape is a tremendous help in marking a trail. Some kind of light is a necessity in case you have to track at night. If you’re not familiar with the terrain you are hunting, consider taking a map, compass or GPS, since tracking a deer can take you much farther into unknown territory.

Kentucky’s statewide archery deer season is going on now. Youth-only firearms weekend is coming up Oct. 10-11, and early muzzleloader season is Oct. 17-18. For complete hunting regulations, pick up a copy of the 2009-10 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide, available at fw.ky.gov and wherever hunting licenses are sold. Hunters should also be sure to visit fw.ky.gov to print an updated page 3 of the guide. The updated page clarifies equipment regulations for holders of valid concealed carry deadly weapon permits.

Source: http://www.thehuntingwire.com

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners set the 2009 waterfowl hunting seasons and expanded deer hunting opportunities Friday at its regular meeting in Lincoln.

The early teal and early Canada goose seasons begin Sept. 5. The early teal season was moved up one week following a public hearing at the board’s July meeting. The early Canada goose and youth waterfowl seasons were moved up to align with the early teal season.

In addition to the waterfowl seasons, the board addressed big game hunting. In an effort to allow more people to participate in the new October Antlerless deer hunting season, holders of youth, landowner and Season Choice Areas 18 and 21 permits now may hunt during that season this fall. They may hunt in areas described for Season Choice Areas 18 and 21 with legal weapons for firearm season during the October Antlerless season, which is Oct. 9-11.

Commissioners used Friday’s meeting to approve other waterfowl changes since their July meeting:

– Restricted seasons for pintail and canvasback were expanded to coincide with the regular duck seasons.

– The bag limit for scaup was increased from one to two and the bag limit for wood ducks was increased from two to three.

– Changes were made to the light goose conservation action to reduce the potential impact on sandhill and whooping cranes along the Central Platte valley. In Zone 2, the conservation action closes April 1. Also in Zone 2, the buffer zone in which no hunting is allowed was reduced from 5 miles to 3 beginning after March 11.

The 2009 waterfowl hunting seasons are:

Dark Goose - East Unit, Oct. 24 - Jan. 27; Platte River Unit, Oct. 24 - Feb. 5; Niobrara Unit, Oct. 24 - Feb. 5; North Central Unit, Oct. 10 - Jan. 22; Panhandle Unit, Nov. 7 - Feb. 5.

Light Goose - Regular Season, Oct. 10 - Jan. 8 and Jan. 23 - Feb. 5; Conservation Action, Zone 1, Feb. 6 - April 18; Zone 2, Feb. 6 - April 1; Zone 3, Feb. 6 - April 18.

White-fronted Goose - Oct. 10 - Dec. 20.

Duck (including Pintail and Canvasback) and Coot - Low Plains Early, Oct. 10 - Dec. 20 and Dec. 26-27; Low Plains Late, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24 - Jan. 3; High Plains, Oct. 10 - Jan. 13.

Early Canada Goose - Sept. 5-13.

Early Teal - High Plains, Sept. 5-13; Low Plains, Sept. 5-20.

Youth Waterfowl - Sept. 26-27.

Falconry - Extended Season: Low Plains, Sept. 1-30; High Plains, Sept. 5-13; Regular Season: Low Plains Early, Oct. 10- 20 and Dec. 26-27; Low Plains Late, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24 - Jan. 3; High Plains, Oct. 10 - Jan. 13.

On Friday, the board also:
– granted the parks division the authority to increase the park cash change fund at Fremont State Recreation Area (SRA) from $1,000 to $1,700 and at Pawnee SRA from $500 to $750;

– amended concession agreements to provide for vending of off-sale spirits at Kingsley Lodge and Otter Creek Lodge, both at Lake McConaughy SRA;

– allowed for hunting in 2009, with restrictions, for the following state parks: Indian Cave, Niobrara, Ponca, and Eugene T. Mahoney;

– allowed for deer hunting in 2009, with restrictions, at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park; and

– approved the establishment of a reciprocal agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the agreement is to allow people with Nebraska hunting licenses to hunt on Iowa lands and people with Iowa hunting licenses to hunt on Nebraska lands. Iowa lands are those under that state’s jurisdiction that are wholly surrounded by the state of Nebraska and Nebraska lands are those under that state’s jurisdiction that are wholly surrounded by the state of Iowa.

The board also entered into third-party cooperative agreements with the following:

– Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (NRD) on the construction of a proposed 238-acre reservoir 1½ miles southeast of Hubbard in Dakota County;

– Nemaha NRD on the construction of a 61-acre reservoir 5 miles west of Peru in Nemaha County;

– Lower Big Blue NRD on the rehabilitation of a 77-acre reservoir 13 miles south of Beatrice in Gage County.

Brent Bollwitt of Lincoln won the bighorn sheep lottery permit. His entry was pulled from a barrel by Gov. Dave Heineman.
Contact: Scott Bonertz (402) 471-5565 or scott.bonertz@nebraska.gov

Southwick Associates has announced the brands and products that hunters and target shooters preferred most in 2008. This list has been compiled from the 24,206 surveys completed by hunters and target shooters last year for HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com. In 2008, top brands included:

Top rifle brand: Remington (18.1% of all purchases)
Top shotgun brand: Mossberg (29.9% of all purchases)
Top muzzleloader brand: CVA (40.8% of all purchases)
Top handgun brand: Smith & Wesson (18.4% of all purchases)
Top scope for firearms: BSA (16.1% of all purchases)
Top rifle ammunition brand: Remington (29.9% of all purchases)
Top shotgun ammunition brand: Winchester (35.7% of all purchases)
Top handgun ammunition brand: Winchester (26.1% of all purchases)
Top blackpowder brand: Pyrodex (39.0% of all purchases)
Top balls, bullets, or shot brand: Powerbelt (34.9% of all purchases)
Top bow brand: BowTech (22.0% of all purchases)
Top arrow brand: Easton (40.5% of all purchases)
Top fletching brand: Bohning (26.3% of all purchases)
Top broadhead brand: Muzzy (21.5% of all purchases)
Top game call brand: Primos (35.9% of all purchases)
Top reloading bullet brand: Hornady (23.0% of all purchases)
Top reloading powder brand: Hodgdon (33.0% of all purchases)
Top binocular brand: Bushnell (29.4% of all purchases)
Top knife brand: Buck (19.8% of all purchases)
Top shooting target brand: Shoot-N-C (37.7% of all purchases)

Launched in 2006, HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com help the firearms and outdoor equipment industries, government officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. hunters and target shooters. Find out how a subscription to the complete survey data can help your business, government agency, or organization.

LANSING, Mich. — The Department of Natural Resources reminds small-game hunters that the seasons on ruffed grouse and pheasant reopen Monday, Dec. 1, and run through Jan. 1.

Grouse season is open statewide with a limit of five per day, 10 in possession, in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula (Zones 1 and 2) and a limit of three per day, six in possession, in southern Michigan (Zone 3).

Pheasant hunting resumes across much of southern Michigan, east of US-131 and south of M-20 and US-10. Check the 2008 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide or the DNR Web site, at www.michigan.gov/dnr, for exact boundaries. The limit is two roosters daily, four in possession.

“Bird hunters often find opportunity in the late season in areas that were too wet earlier in the year, but can now be accessed because the standing water is frozen,” explained upland game bird biologist Al Stewart. “Hunters who concentrate in high-quality habitat should still be able to find birds.”

Courtesy of “The Hunting Wire”

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Mark Holsten announced new restrictions for off-highway vehicles (OHV) to be in effect during part of the 2008 deer hunting season.

The Commissioner’s Order effects recreational riding on DNR forest trails but does not impact OHV use for big game hunting. Vehicles affected by the restrictions include all terrain vehicles, off road motorcycles, and off road vehicles such as jeeps and four-wheel-drive trucks that are not being used in conjunction with deer hunting by a licensed deer hunter.

The purpose of the restriction is to protect recreational OHV riders from potentially unsafe riding conditions and, to minimize conflicts between deer hunters seeking a quiet deer hunting experience and recreational riders who may inadvertently interrupt the hunt.

In the northeastern Minnesota 100 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 23. In the Minnesota 200 Series deer season, the recreational riding restriction will be in effect Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. See the 2008 deer season map at www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html

There are no recreational OHV trails in southeastern Minnesota that remain open during the deer season so no additional restrictions are necessary in the southern part of the state.

This new restriction is in addition to the restricted hours of use that have been in effect in previous years. Deer hunters possessing a valid deer hunting license can operate an OHV 1) before legal shooting time (one-half hour before sunrise), 2) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3) after legal shooting hours (one-half hour after sunset).

While many recreational OHV riders have voluntarily opted not to ride forest trails during deer hunting and small game seasons, OHV riding has become a year-around sport for many. That’s why Commissioner Holsten, reminds everyone who visits state forests in the fall to always consider safety first.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today praised a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect thousands of acres of ecologically significant forested wetlands in the heart of one of America’s most important corridors for migratory birds by opposing the Yazoo backwater area pumping project as it is currently designed.  At the same time, the Service’s leaders committed to continue working with communities throughout the Delta to find ways to address flood control needs and meet conservation goals that contribute to the strength of local economies throughout the Delta.

Last Tuesday, the EPA announced its decision to veto the pumps project being developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi Levee Board, relying on its authority in the Clean Water Act.

“We fully support the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to veto the proposed Yazoo pumps project as it is currently planned,” said H. Dale Hall, the Service’s director.  “We have consistently expressed significant concerns about the adverse environmental impacts associated with this project, which has been on the books since the early 1940s.

The action EPA has taken is based on sound science that demonstrates unacceptable adverse effects on 58 species of fish; 42 species of birds; 21 species of amphibians; and 32 species of reptiles if the proposed project were completed.”

The proposed project would have adversely affected bottomland and riverine backwater wetlands by reducing the frequency, duration, and extent of flooding over extensive areas that provide important habitat for fish spawning, rearing, foraging, and cover.  Those wetlands also provide critically important habitat for many species of migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, shorebirds, and water birds.  The hydrologic changes associated with the proposed project would have also impacted numerous amphibian and reptile species dependent upon seasonal flooding to support their life cycles.

The Service has four National Wildlife Refuges located within the project area (Yazoo, Theodore Roosevelt, Panther Swamp, and Holt Collier).  These refuges were established in part for the benefit of migratory birds.  The proposed project would have reduced the frequency, duration, and extent of flooding on these four refuges by 59 percent within the 2-5 year floodplains, impacting the Service’s ability to manage for those birds.  EPA’s action on Tuesday ensures that these refuges will continue to be managed to achieve their intended purposes benefitting wildlife-dependent recreation such as waterfowl hunting and birdwatching throughout this part of the Delta.

“We are for sustaining and strengthening the Delta’s economic future in the area of wildlife-dependent recreation and we want to keep the region’s abundant and diverse natural resources in the best condition possible,” Hall added. “A win/win scenario is always possible if we all work together toward one goal of balancing fish and wildlife and public recreational uses for a positive economic future and realistic flood protection.”

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov or http://www.fws.gov/southeast.

Centerfire rifles were the most popular choice for deer hunters during the past deer season, according to a recent survey.

An April 2008 survey by Southwick Associates of 3,700 deer hunters nationwide showed that 28% of those who pursued America’s top big-game quarry used rifles to harvest their deer.

Bows were the second most popular choice, used for deer hunting by 21% of survey respondents last season. Muzzleloaders, the choice of 18% of hunters surveyed, were not far behind.

Fewer hunters used shotguns (15%) or handguns (5%). In some areas, especially more densely populated regions, rifle hunting is not allowed, so hunters must use a shotgun, bow, or muzzleloader to harvest their deer.

Another 12% of survey respondents reported that they did not hunt deer at all last season; and 1% listed their top weapon choice as “other.” Deer hunters were asked to select their top choice of weapon, in order to allow the survey takers to account for hunters who participate in multiple deer seasons—for example, general gun, bow, and muzzleloader.

Source: Launched in 2006, HunterSurvey.com and TargetshootingSurvey.com help the firearms and outdoor equipment industries, government officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. hunters and target shooters. Find out how a subscription to the complete survey data can help your business, government agency, or organization.
For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.

The preliminary estimate of total ducks from the 2008 Waterfowl Breeding
Population and Habitat Survey was just over 37 million, which is a nine
percent decline from last year’s estimate, but still 11 percent greater
than the 1955-2007 average. In the U.S. and Canadian prairies, population
estimates of many species declined; while populations increased in the
boreal forest to the north, likely reflecting in part those birds that
overflew the prairies because of drier habitat conditions there.

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, the largest and most
comprehensive survey of its kind in the world, samples two million square
miles across the north-central and northeastern United States,
south-central, eastern, and northern Canada, and Alaska. The survey
estimates the number of ducks on the continent’s most important nesting
grounds.

Overall, habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl in 2008 were generally
similar to or somewhat worse than to conditions in 2007. The total pond
estimate (Prairie Canada and United States combined) was 4.4 million ponds.
This was 37 percent below last year’s estimate of 7.0 million ponds and 10
percent below than the long-term average of 4.9 million ponds.

The annual survey guides the Service’s waterfowl conservation programs
under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service works in
partnership with state biologists from the four flyways - the Atlantic,
Mississippi, Central and Pacific - to establish regulatory frameworks for
waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates, and bag limits.

Highlights from the survey in the north-central United States,
south-central and northern Canada, and Alaska (the traditional survey area)
include:

· Mallard estimated population of 7.7 million birds, similar to last
year’s estimate of 8.3 million birds and the long-term average.

· Blue-winged teal estimated population of 6.6 million birds, similar
to last year’s estimate of 6.7 million birds and 45 percent above the
long-term average.

· The estimated population of green-winged teal stands at 3.0 million
and is similar to last year and 57 percent above the long-term average.

· The estimated population of 2.7 million gadwall was 19 percent below
last year and 56 percent above the long-term average.

· The estimated number of 1.1 million redheads was similar to last year
and was 66 percent above the long-term average.

· The canvasback estimate was 489,000 which is 44 percent below last
year’s estimate of 865,000 and 14 percent below the long-term average.

· The estimated abundance of northern shovelers (3.5 million) was 23
percent below last year and 56 percent above their long-term average.

· Scaup (lesser and greater combined), estimated at 3.7 million, were
similar to last year and 27 percent below the long-term average.

· The 2.6 million estimate for northern pintails is 22 percent below
last year and 36 percent below the 1955-2007 average.

Population estimates for American black ducks, ring-necked ducks, American
wigeon, bufflehead, goldeneyes, and mergansers surveyed in eastern North
America were similar to last year as well as their 1990-2007 averages.

This preliminary report does not include estimates from surveys conducted
by State or Provincial agencies. The entire 2008 Trends in Duck Breeding
Populations report can be downloaded from the Service’s Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley announced today that no further changes to the dog deer hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 hunting season will be implemented and no additional pubic meetings will be held this year.

When the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board met in May 2008, a motion was passed to form a committee to study further regulation of dog deer hunting and to conduct another public meeting if necessary. That committee, comprised of representatives from landowners, dog deer hunters, Advisory Board members and Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ professional staff, met on June 26, 2008, in Montgomery. After a discussion of the issues, they recommended to Commissioner Lawley that no further changes be implemented for this year and that no public meetings are currently necessary.

The committee determined that any changes in the dog deer regulations at this late date would be a hardship to landowners and hunters who need to make land lease and membership decisions for the upcoming hunting season.

The committee also recommended that a special permit system be considered by the Conservation Advisory Board as a means to resolve dog deer hunting conflicts. However, it was recommended that any special permit system be implemented on a county-by-county basis and not statewide.

In previous years, the Board placed Coosa, Chambers, Geneva, Henry and part of Covington County under a system whereby dog deer hunting is allowed only by special permit. No new areas have been placed under this system since 2004.

The Conservation Advisory Board assists in formulating policies for the Department of Conservation, examines all rules and regulations and makes recommendations for their change or amendment. The Board is expected to conduct its next meeting in February 2009. Meeting details will be posted on www.outdooralabama.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thanks to sportsmen-legislators, hunters in rural America can look forward to their local farmers continuing to set aside acres of habitat for wildlife. Increased funding measures for America’s vital conservation programs for the next five years are contained in the oft-extended Farm Bill Reauthorization overwhelmingly passed by the House and Senate, now awaiting the President’s signature. The release of a Conference Report last week signaled that an agreement was reached by conferees who worked out the differences between the House and Senate versions. The House and Senate both voted overwhelmingly to approve the measure and will send the bill to the President to sign into law. The question is, will he?

Of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, twenty of the twenty-six conferees that hammered out the final compromise are members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC). CSC members who held their ground for the conservation title in the Farm Bill included the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA); the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

Although CSF is still combing through the details, the good news for sportsmen is, in the end, conservation programs that enjoyed increased funding in both the House and Senate versions were left nearly intact, coming in at $4-billion dollars above the Administration’s baseline, highlighting the importance of the conservation programs to the committee members. The compromise process was often complicated by the differences in the House and Senate versions, the complexity of the issues and how to find enough money to pay for the subsidies.  Members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus strove to preserve the increased conservation funding in the final version.
“The Farm Bill is a tremendous victory for sportsmen and conservationists across the country,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “This farm bill continues to help producers be good stewards of the land by providing $4 billion in new resources for conservation programs.  I look forward to completing the farm bill in order to see the investments we make today through our conservation partnership with this nation’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners deliver benefits for our country for generations to come.”
The 2007 Farm Bill is the most important funding bill for private land conservation programs in America. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus worked diligently to increase funding for conservation programs in the final version. Funding priorities included such programs as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Open Fields.

“The conference report makes significant investments in our conservation priorities,” U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln said. “I am proud of the investment of $1.3 billion in the Wetlands Reserve Program, which will help expand habitat for North American waterfowl.  This investment is particularly important in Arkansas as one of the largest wetland conservation areas in the nation.  I urge the President to sign this conference report, which will help us to continue to enjoy the land that we love and help us leave our children with the environment they deserve.”

“The Food, Conservation and Energy Act” is a great victory for outdoorsmen and wildlife advocates. It improves and expands popular conservation programs, including Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Farm Protection Program, and the Wetlands Reserve Program, and it creates a new Open Fields Program to encourage public access to private land for hunters and anglers,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN). “I am proud of these accomplishments and appreciate the hard work of conservation and wildlife advocates whose tireless efforts played an integral role in this successful Farm Bill.”
The ‘Open Fields’ $50M funding source is crucial for enhancing public access to private lands. Originally introduced in the Senate by CSC member Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), Open Fields will boost state programs that are designed to expand sportsmen’s access and the use of best management practices for fish and wildlife habitat improvement.

Language that provides tax incentives for landowners who allow access to their lands has been a priority of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus since the beginning of the reauthorization process. The Farm Bill includes language for a 2-year extension of tax incentives for conservation easements that were approved by Congress in 2006. This provision provides tax deductions to landowners who enter into irrevocable conservation easements on their properties. A provision for tax credits for eligible landowners entering into a conservation easement for habitat protection and/or restoration for endangered species was also included in the bill.

About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is the most respected and trusted proponent for hunters and fishermen in the political arena. With support from every major hunting and fishing organization, CSF is the leader in promoting sportsmen’s issues with elected officials. CSF works directly with the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in the U.S. Congress, as well as affiliated state sportsmen’s caucuses in state legislatures around the country. For additional information, visit www.sportsmenslink.org or call 202-543-6850.