Delta Leading Charge on State of the National Wildlife Refuge System Discussions, Wins for Hunters in Montana and Oregon, and More

Vigorous Duck Production, HunteR3, and other Delta-supported efforts continue across the United States and Canada

United States

 Federal

 State of the National Wildlife Refuge System: Last month, members of the Delta policy team hosted a virtual policy briefing and Q&A session to take a deeper dive into the State of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The National Wildlife Refuge System was once considered the crown jewel for public access waterfowl hunting, providing millions of acres of high-quality habitat and accounting for hundreds of thousands of hunter days for sportsmen and women across the country. Due to aging and crumbling infrastructure, reductions in staff, and decreasing budgets, it is critical that we invest in the National Wildlife Refuge System to ensure that the System continues to serve the needs of ducks and duck hunters in a changing world.

Delta Waterfowl, along with the organization’s members and volunteers, is leading the charge on this effort, beginning with raising this issue with members of Congress in Washington, D.C.

You can use our Duck Hunter’s Action Alert System to easily send an email directly to your House and Senate members outlining these ongoing issues and asking them to help support the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Delta’s policy staff will continue to work with lawmakers and Department of Interior leadership moving forward to highlight these issues as well.

Nesvik Nomination Hearing for United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director: On March 26, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held their confirmation hearing for Brian Nesvik, the Trump Administration’s nominee to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

While Committee members raised a number of important matters about conservation and the work of the Service, Senator Boozman (R-AR) asked Nesvik directly about the future of annual waterfowl surveys and monitoring programs as well as the future of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Delta staff certainly appreciate the concern expressed by Senator Boozman and also greatly appreciate the strong responses from Nesvik on the importance of these two vital programs to ducks and duck hunters. Click here to see excerpts from the hearing.

State

Connecticut

Sunday Hunting Legislation Moves Forward: Legislation to finally repeal the antiquated Blue law prohibiting hunting on Sundays in Connecticut took a major step forward last month as the Joint Environment Committee reported the bill out favorably 30-3. Delta submitted written testimony to lawmakers on House Bill 7231 outlining the positive impacts the legislation will have for waterfowl hunters in the state, while also addressing some of the misinformation surrounding Sunday hunting argued by opponents on the idea. Coming off wins in Delaware last year, Delta is hopeful that this legislation will cross the finish line in 2025.

Kansas

Non-Resident Restriction: After contentious back and forth between lawmakers in both the Kansas House and Senate, legislation to limit non-resident waterfowl hunters on public lands was amended into separate legislation regarding youth and senior lifetime licenses and has been passed by both chambers. If signed by the Governor, this bill would restrict non-residents to hunting on state and federal public lands only on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays of each week during the seasons.

While Delta Waterfowl remained neutral on the state public lands portion of this legislation, the organization had conversations throughout the legislative process to request an amendment stripping out the federal lands—particularly the National Wildlife Refuges—as Delta felt that the state legislature shouldn’t enact restrictions to federal public lands, ultimately undermining their management authority in statute. Unfortunately, an amendment to strip those out of the bill was never taken up. Delta policy staff will continue conversations with lawmakers and administration staff about this in the coming weeks.

Montana

License Fees for Sandhill Cranes and Tundra Swans: Delta’s policy team is pleased to report that House Bill 146—a noteworthy piece of legislation that will have longstanding positive effects on Montana wetlands and waterfowl—has been signed into law by Governor Gianforte.

For decades, sportsmen and women have shown their willingness to fund state-based conservation programming through the sale of licenses, duck stamps, tags, permits, etc. The additional fees generated by HB 146 will go to support some of the state’s most critical habitat—wetlands. Wetlands ecosystems across Montana are impacted more than any other ecosystem in the state and are essential in providing more opportunities for wildlife and migrating waterfowl.

Governor’s Tundra Swan Tag Bill: House Bill 330 seeks to create a yearly lottery tag for pronghorns and swans in Montana. Lottery tags—sometimes referred to as “Governor’s Tags”—are separate from the traditional Montana tagging system as they can be sold at auction to support conservation in the region. This style of tag generally receives more exposure from the greater hunting community. This higher level of exposure leads to more interest in state conservation, as well as higher levels of revenue generated through tag sales. The money generated through this auction is then used in a fund to support specific habitats related to these species.

HB 330 has already passed in the House, and Delta’s policy team recently testified in support of this legislation to the Senate Fish and Game Committee. Delta’s team will continue to diligently support this bill as it makes its way onto the Senate floor.

Washington

Firearms Legislation: Unfortunately, HB 1163 is continuing to move through the legislature. Most recently, this bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and had a hearing scheduled for April 4.

In Washington, if an individual wants to buy, sell, or transfer a firearm, they must either possess a hunting license or prove that they have completed a firearm safety program. House Bill 1163 would require Washington gun owners to take an extensive firearm training course and pay a tax to receive a five-year permit to purchase firearms—even if they already own a hunting license. Even with recent amendments, this legislation remains concerning and will have negative outcomes for duck hunters in the state. Delta’s policy team has submitted multiple letters of opposition on this bill and will continue to fight to ensure it does not succeed.

Delta in the Capitols: Delta policy staff recently traveled to two state capitols—Tennessee and Texas—to meet with lawmakers and Delta volunteers to discuss issues around waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. In Tennessee, Delta met with more than a dozen lawmakers in conjunction with our partners at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation during their annual legislative breakfast. Additionally, Delta policy staff met with Texas Parks and Wildlife staff and several lawmakers while in Austin to discuss sportsmen’s related legislation. 

Oregon

Age-restriction Gun Bill: Delta Waterfowl is pleased to announce that Oregon Senate Bill  697, which sought to restrict gun possession for individuals under 21—with exemptions for military and law enforcement personnel—has been officially withdrawn for this legislative session. Delta Waterfowl’s policy team submitted multiple letters of opposition and was prepared to testify against the bill during a committee hearing on April 7, alongside other conservation organizations.

Read more about SB 697 here.

Utah

Wildlife Management Area Amendments: Delta’s policy team is happy to report that House Bill 244 has passed the legislature and has been signed into law by Governor Cox.

HB 244 is a beneficial piece of legislation that will establish the Bear River Waterfowl Management Area. This bill was designed to create a new WMA to increase access for Utah waterfowl hunters. This region of the Great Salt Lake is home to some of the best waterfowl hunting in the Pacific Flyway, and the Delta team is excited to see public access expanded for all.

California

Habitat Conservation Fund: Senate Bill 427 will help support state public refuges in California such as Yolo, Gray Lodge, and more. Specifically, the legislative text outlines amendments to the Fish and Game Code concerning the Habitat Conservation Fund, which was originally established by the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990.

The primary provision of this bill is to mandate the indefinite annual transfer of $30 million from the General Fund to the Habitat Conservation Fund, continuing the financial support previously set to expire in 2030. Delta has signed onto a support letter for this bill with the California Waterfowl Association and Audubon. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and was heard for the first time in committee on April 8.

Mute Swans: Assembly Bill 764, a bill with intent to open a season on mute swans in California, is a positive piece of legislation that was introduced by the California Waterfowl Association. The bill’s text amends Section 3801 of the Fish and Game Code to include mute swans among the nongame birds that can be taken or possessed without a hunting license, aligning them with existing provisions for other nongame birds such as the English sparrow and starling.

California is home to large populations of swans throughout the state, but Californians have never had the opportunity to hunt them. Mute swans, in particular, are causing significant damage to crops in the Central Valley, which is the focus of this bill. Delta’s policy team signed onto a joint support letter on this bill with CWA and are happy to report that it recently passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously.

Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement Program: Delta’s policy team recently joined the California Waterfowl Association on a sign-on letter in support of Assembly Bill 1169. This legislation would help increase the number of outdoor recreation opportunities offered through the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement Program.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s SHARE Program provides incentives to private landowners to make their property available to the public for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. The current issue with this program stems from statutory restrictions on the amount that DFW may pay participating landowners. Although the SHARE Program was created back in 2003, these payment limitations have not been changed or adjusted for inflation since they were created more than 20 years ago.

Assembly Bill 1169 would remove the landowner payment limitations and instead allow DFW to determine the appropriate amount to pay each participating landowner, while requiring DFW to contract portions of the work involved with the program to nonprofit conservation groups. This bill is currently being held in the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife and has yet to be given a hearing date.

Firearms—Safety Certificates: Assembly Bill 1187 is a damaging bill with potential negative ramifications for hunters. Currently, if an individual wants to buy, sell, or transfer a firearm in California, they must possess either a hunting license or a firearm safety certificate. This bill would require California gun owners to take a course and pay a tax to receive a firearm safety certificate within 60 days of entering the state, even if they already own a hunting license.

To acquire a hunting license in the United States, one must first pass a state-approved hunter education course. This course covers basic firearm usage and safety. Historically, no one has ever questioned the validity of a hunting license as proof of an individual’s firearm training. Hunters as a group are statistically the safest and most responsible firearm owners. There is no reason other than tax revenue to mandate that hunters acquire a firearm safety certificate.

This bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Delta’s policy team is currently working with the bill sponsor’s office and committee staff to ensure that hunting license holders will remain exempt from additional firearm safety certificates.

Yolo Bypass Water Delivery Concerns: Delta’s policy team is having ongoing conversations with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Yolo Bypass staff regarding the special use permit for increased water deliveries to the Yolo Bypass. In short, USFWS wants to increase water deliveries to the bypass to support salmon populations. Salmon is very quickly becoming the key priority species in the state of California. The concern of Delta’s team, also shared by Yolo staff, is how this will affect hunting.

The issue remains that the USFWS wants to deliver 6,000 units of water per day onto the refuge from November to March. This could raise water levels anywhere from 11 inches to 4 feet. The increased water levels will almost certainly prevent hunting for the private duck clubs in the bypass and may have serious impacts on public hunting in addition. Delta is working to see if the USFWS can change the dates of the water deliveries so they do not occur in the middle of duck season and are also exploring the possibility of implementing an “active management plan” that would enable the USFWS to manage water on a day-to-day basis, thereby avoiding over-delivery.

Canada

Federal

Canada, Federal Election: Canadians are heading to an early election. Following much speculation, incumbent Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a snap election on March 24, just nine days after being sworn in as Canada’s new Prime Minister. The election, which would have otherwise been held this coming fall, is now slated for April 28.

In reality, this election is a two-horse race. The Conservatives lead by the Hon. Pierre Poilievre are looking to form the next government while the Liberals, who are now led by the Hon. Mark Carney, are seeking a fourth term.

Provincial

Ontario

Late Canada Goose Hunting Season (Feb/Mar): As previously reported, Delta Waterfowl has been leading the discussions on seeking to find viable solutions to secure a late Canada goose hunting season in municipalities that have adopted Sunday gun hunting (particularly those in southwestern Ontario), while staying within the maximum allowance of the 107 days.

Since the last update, Delta’s draft Goose Hunters Survey was finalized and launched on March 13, the first day of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. Both Delta Waterfowl and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters then sent the survey to their respective members in Ontario.

To date, more than 1,100 responses have been received, and preliminary results have confirmed the vast majority of goose hunters in the subject areas are in favor of a regulation change to secure the late Canada goose season. Each organization issued one final follow-up e-blast to any members who didn’t open the initial correspondence before closing the survey on April 7. Delta also provided an update on the preliminary results at the recent Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee meeting (more on this below).

Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee Meeting: For the first time in nearly a year, the Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee conducted a virtual meeting on Monday, March 24. Despite the meeting lasting only a little over two hours, Delta was pleased to hear positive updates on the proposal to see a limited sandhill crane hunting season in select wildlife management units in the central and northern districts of Ontario and Quebec (the earliest implementation for this new season would be the fall of 2026).

During this meeting, Delta also continued efforts to inch the yardsticks forward on the potential expansion of the late Canada goose hunting season in select wildlife management units in the southern district. Delta seized the opportunity to share some of the preliminary results from the goose hunter survey by highlighting the fact that, thus far, 91% of the respondents have voiced that they support any change in regulation to secure the late Canada goose hunting season. There is still ample work to be done, but Delta is thrilled with the information that has been secured through the survey thus far. Delta will analyze and present all of the finalized data to the committee once the survey is officially closed.

Ministry of Natural Resources: As previously mentioned, municipal discharge of firearm by-laws are likely the most substantial threat specifically to Ontario duck and goose hunters but also to all hunters.

Delta’s policy team has been working behind the scenes with the Ministry of Natural Resources in an attempt to get them engaged when a municipality attempts to restrict hunting, trapping, or recreational shooting, as further restrictions on hunters ultimately have a negative impact on the future management of Ontario’s fish and wildlife. Delta is happy to report that our team has been asked by the MNR to provide our initial feedback and suggestions on an information page that they intend to add to their website. While we would ultimately like to see their active participation in these reviews, a dedicated webpage with factual information that will help to dispel myths is a step in the right direction.

Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee: The next Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting will be held the week of April 21, and Delta Waterfowl will once again be participating the meeting. The AMGBTC meets twice annually, once in the spring and again in early fall. After this meeting. Delta’s policy team will begin to plan a virtual meeting with the organization’s Atlantic chapters to provide relevant updates and information and accompanied by a question-and-answer session.