New Farm Bill Provision Raises Concerns, Policy Win for Waterfowl Habitat Funding in Oregon, and Engagement With a Municipal By-law Review in Ontario
Delta-backed legislation continues to receive support across the continent
United States
New Farm Bill Provision Raises Concerns
As part of the deliberation of the House Farm Bill, language was included as "greyhound protection" which, due to its broad description, could implicate a wide array of hunting dog training, trialing, and testing. Delta staff are working with a number of partners in the hunting and conservation space who share our concerns to ensure the language is either wholly stricken or significantly rewritten to eliminate threats to normal gun dog training.
California
Grasslands Region Wetlands Support
Recently, Delta's policy team has been advocating for Senate Bill 1108. This legislation establishes the Grassland Ecological Area Conservancy as a new state agency within the California Natural Resources Agency, tasked with the protection, conservation, and restoration of the Grassland Ecological Area and the surrounding Grassland Focus Area in Merced County.
The Grasslands region features some of the most critical and threatened wetland habitats anywhere in California. This bill will support putting water on wetlands, which in turn supports migratory waterfowl throughout California and the Pacific Flyway.
Delta's team is happy to report that this bill recently passed its first hearing in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee unanimously. We will continue to advocate for this impactful bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
Funds Generated on Refuges
Assembly Bill 1987 could lead to more funding for state wildlife areas by ensuring that money generated from certain wildlife areas is properly used for their support. This would be done by creating the Waterfowl Management Areas Operations and Maintenance Account within the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. All revenues generated from the sale of waterfowl hunting reservation applications and entry passes for Type A and Type B Wildlife Areas will be deposited into this account. These funds are continuously appropriated for the operation, maintenance, and reasonable administrative costs directly related to public hunting programs in these areas.
Delta's policy team testified in support of this bill in front of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks & Wildlife. We are pleased to report that the bill passed the committee unanimously.
Oregon
1% For Wildlife Legislation
Our policy team is happy to announce that House Bill 4134 — a proposal that will directly support waterfowl habitat in the state — was recently introduced in Oregon.
The bill increases the state's transient lodging tax and directs the money it generates into a new fund called the "Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount." This money will be used for a variety of conservation projects, with waterfowl-related projects directly outlined in the bill language as one of the main recipients.
This bill was signed by Gov. Tina Kotek on April 9, and will have long-standing positive effects for Oregon wildlife.
Oregon Anti-Hunting Ballot Initiative
Earlier this year, Delta's policy team signed onto another letter expressing our deep concerns with the language of Proposed Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) — a citizen-led effort to ban all hunting and fishing in the state of Oregon through a ballot initiative.
Delta's letter made it clear that if IP28 were to pass, it would impact the lives of millions of Oregonians in unprecedented ways. In fact, it would make it illegal to cause any harm to an animal, which would also have impacts on agriculture and pest control industries.
The proponents of this effort have not been accurately or honestly capturing the full weight this ballot proposal will bring. To read more about Delta's ongoing opposition to this ballot initiative, please click here.
Utah
Delta's policy team is happy to report that the following priority legislation for this session has been signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox:
New Wildlife Management Area
Delta policy staff has been closely following House Bill 93, legislation to open a new Wildlife Management Area on Utah Lake. The proposed WMA would be located on the southern side of the lake at Goshen Bay. Delta's team spoke with the bill sponsor and stakeholders on the ground to ensure that the bill language includes a funding mechanism for this WMA, which is critical to this project's success. We are pleased to report that Cox has signed this bill into law.
Great Salt Lake Water Deliveries
Recently, our team has been advocating for House Bill 247. This bill was recommended by the Legislative Water Development Commission, which modifies the allocation and use of revenue generated by the brine shrimp tax in Utah. This modification and the subsequent revenue it would generate will be used to support water deliveries to the Great Salt Lake. The GSL has become increasingly dry over the past decade, which presents serious problems for public health as well as critical wetland habitats. This bill will not solve all of the water issues that the GSL is experiencing, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. The Delta team is happy to report that Cox signed this bill into law.
Wetlands Study Committee
House Bill 509 is critical legislation for wetlands in Utah, as it will direct the Department of Natural Resources to establish a study committee to oversee the general health of wetlands. In turn, this committee will make recommendations on how these ecosystems can be better supported by mitigating wetland loss and degradation.
Wetland ecosystems across Utah are impacted more than any other ecosystem in the state and are essential in providing more opportunities for wildlife and migrating waterfowl. It is crucial to protect these dwindling resources and ensure their availability for wildlife and future generations of Utahns.
Additionally, water rights are a valuable commodity in Utah, and wetland managers rely on water deliveries to maintain critical habitat for breeding and wintering waterfowl. More wetlands mean more habitat for waterfowl, which in turn provides more opportunity for hunters. We are happy to report that Cox has signed this bill into law.
Arizona
Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish
House Bill 2497 seeks to protect Arizonans from an outright ban on their ability to fish, hunt, harvest, and gather to sustain themselves and their families.
Importantly, this legislation does not create new or unregulated rights, nor does it diminish the authority of the state.
The legislation clearly preserves Arizona Game & Fish Department's authority to manage wildlife and fisheries, including the establishment of seasons, bag limits, and lawful methods of take. It does not do the following: interfere with private property rights or trespass laws; affect water rights or water management; impair the state's authority to regulate commercial activities; prevent the suspension or revocation of licenses for violations of law; or alter existing burdens of proof for challenges to wildlife regulations.
Instead, HB 2497 responsibly balances constitutional recognition of a long-held right with sound, science-based wildlife management and appropriate regulatory oversight.
This bill was held in the Senate during its second reading. Unfortunately, that does mean it will not pass this session.
The silver lining, however, is that AZGFD supports the intent of this proposal, and they will work with the bill sponsors' office during the summer to make the bill language better and more impactful. Delta's team recognizes the importance of having the most impactful language, and we look forward to advocating for this legislation again next session.
Kansas
Kansas Duck Stamp Reforms
House Bill 2507 in Kansas would amend the current duck stamp fees. This bill has been amended over time, and the current version passed the senate committee with an amendment to decrease the price of the stamp for residents by $10, while also raising the maximum cost of the nonresident stamp from $100 to a newly proposed $200 maximum. Additionally, this legislation will allow for an "e-stamp" by removing the requirement to sign the physical stamp across the face.
This bill passed both chambers and has been signed by Gov. Laura Kelly.
Delta License Plates in Kansas
House Bill 2585, the legislation to create a Delta Waterfowl license plate, was defeated by a rule of the House. Due to the diligent work of Delta's policy team and help from members such as State Representative Shannon Francis, this provision was amended into Senate Bill 403, which is a similar license plate bill for Pheasants Forever.
Senate Bill 403 passed both chambers and has been signed by Kelly.
Oklahoma
Clarifying Operations of Guides and Outfitters
Senate Bill 2095 seeks to provide clarity on the operation of guides and outfitters. This has been a consistent focus of Delta's efforts in multiple states to ensure hunters are protected from rogue or "fly-by-night" guides and outfitters. The policy team believes providing structure will ensure better hunts for those who use these services.
Senate Bill 2095 has passed the Senate with only one negative vote. Notably, the committee opposition turned into support on the floor. The remaining negative floor vote was unrelated to the bill itself. The bill received a "do pass" recommendation from committee in the House and is now headed to the full House for a vote.
More Structure in Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting
Senate Bill 2069 was recently introduced in Oklahoma, which incorporates federal baiting regulations into state statute with penalties. Currently, these regulations are only in the administrative rules of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. If passed, violators will receive a license revocation of up to 10 years for a first offense. SB2069 also includes a ban on the use of artificial bait such as foam corn kernels.
Senate Bill 2069 also passed the Senate and received a "do pass" recommendation from the House committee. It aligns Oklahoma's baiting statute with federal law, allowing state game wardens to enforce and prosecute baiting violations similarly to federal authorities. The only addition beyond federal statute is language addressing artificial bait.
Missouri
Delta Chapters Stepping Up to Improve Local Conservation Area
Delta's Policy Team has been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation on habitat improvements across several Conservation Areas, and progress has been positive. Due to budget cuts for non-intensive managed areas, Rebel Cove, a 4,225-acre Conservation Area located in Putnam and Schuyler counties, did not receive a budget for seed. In response, several Delta chapters pooled their Waterfowl Heritage Fund dollars to cover the cost of seed, which was delivered on April 1.
Conservation Day at the Capitol
Delta had a strong presence at Conservation Day at the Missouri Capitol. Five State Committee members in addition to Julia Gibson, Delta's regional director for Missouri, attended the Missouri Department of Conservation meeting and fish fry. Michael Coleman, Delta's development director, and Jeff Wardlaw, the organization's senior manager of government affairs, also participated in Capitol events, which included time on the House floor with legislators.
Tennessee
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Funding Bills
Senate Bill 2138/House Bill 2138 is a bill that allocates 10% of the state's allocation to the wildlife resources fund to be used for the regulation of boating and wildlife resources.
Delta's policy team attended a leadership dinner on March 24 with Rep. Jeremy Faison, Rep. Kevin Vaughn, and Rep. Gary Hicks (via phone), and were informed the funding bill was unlikely to pass as originally written. After discussion, there was agreement around a 5% funding level, which equates to approximately $10 million in recurring revenue.
Further updates are anticipated by mid- to late-April.
Tennessee Raffle Legislation
House Bill 2659/Senate Bill 2723 allows nonprofits to apply for raffle permits without the current five-year waiting period. It passed both chambers unanimously and is awaiting action from the governor.
Kentucky
The policy team attended the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation breakfast on March 19 with Hannah Hall and Ryan Strum. We met with department officials and legislative leaders to discuss the future of duck hunting in Kentucky. While the session was in full swing and time was limited, it was valuable to have volunteers and partners engaged in those conversations.
Mississippi
Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund
Originally intended to secure $20 million through bond proceeds, House Bill 1941 was amended in early March to fund the program through general revenue instead. The total funding level remains at $20 million for the year.
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Expansion
Senate Bill 249 and Senate Bill 296 aim to add two additional seats to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. A brief hearing was held on March 25, with only one opposing group speaking. There were no questions, and the committee moved the bills forward.
Mottled Duck Designation
House Bill 101 designates the mottled duck as the official state waterfowl for Louisiana. It has passed the House and is now headed to the Senate.
Louisiana Conservation Day
Scot Marcin, Delta's director of events for the east team, and Jeff Wardlaw, Delta's senior manager of government affairs, attended the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Outdoor Expo on March 3, where they met with several legislators.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Sandhill Crane Season Progresses but Falls Short
Wisconsin Assembly Bill 117 passed the Wisconsin Assembly and was transmitted to the Senate. This bill would authorize the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to open a sandhill crane season.
Unfortunately, the Senate did not take up AB117, which means there is no sandhill crane season in the Badger State. Despite this setback, the policy team is encouraged to see the progress made in this area. This is the furthest this legislation has gone in 16 years, and it will continue to be a key priority in Wisconsin during future sessions. Read more here.
Iowa
Iowa Capitol Day
Delta's policy team recently attended the "Celebrate Iowa Outdoors Day" at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. We were joined by members of Delta's Iowa State Committee, a group of chapters across Missouri, to discuss waterfowl hunting in the Hawkeye State and the upcoming Delta Expo in July.
Canada
Ontario
Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee
The spring Ontario Waterfowl Advisory Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, March 24. Delta's staff were informed the recently published regulation proposals received more than 1,300 comments nationwide, with a substantial percentage of those in response to the proposal for the establishment of a Tundra Swan hunting season in the prairie provinces. The proposals to establish sandhill crane seasons in Ontario and Quebec as well as a late Canada goose season in Ontario were the other main proposals to receive strong feedback.
No definitive directions have been made at this time; however, we are expecting to receive the final decisions on the entirety of the proposal package by June. We remain confident many of these proposals will be ultimately approved.
Delta Attends Toronto Sportsmen's Show
Delta's policy team was fortunate to be able to assist Blake Schmirler, Delta's regional director for Ontario, for a few days at the Toronto Sportsmen's Show again this year. The TSS is the largest sportsmen's show in Canada, held over the March break each year. This year's show was another great event, where Delta staff and volunteers seized the opportunity to engage with many waterfowl hunters over four days. Countless dedicated duck and goose hunters came directly to the Delta booth to renew their membership and share stories of their season. The TSS is an event that our policy team looks forward to helping out at each year.
Discharge of Firearms By-law – Township of North Dumfries
The Township of North Dumfries has officially initiated a review of their Discharge of Firearms By-law and are currently seeking feedback from their residents on the proposed draft.
Delta's policy team has already connected with the town's clerk, who is the one tasked with overseeing the review. The town has been receiving complaints of individuals shooting pellet and BB guns within settlement areas, hitting neighboring houses, which is the catalyst of this whole review.
Unfortunately, the draft by-law is now proposing to prohibit the discharge of all firearms and bows in all settlement areas. Public consultation is open until April 10. Delta will be submitting some formal comments with suggested amendments before the deadline. The Township of North Dumfries is the 18th municipal by-law review we have engaged in over the last three years alone.
Sunday Gun Hunting Approved in Town of Grand Valley
We are very happy to report that the Town of Grand Valley recently passed a resolution to approve Sunday gun hunting. This received final approval from the Minister of Natural Resources, and the town was added to the Sunday gun hunting map effective April 1, 2026. The Town of Grand Valley becomes the 198th municipality in southern Ontario to approve Sunday gun hunting.
Do you want to stay involved with issues that are threatening the future of waterfowl hunting? Make your voice heard by registering for Delta Waterfowl’s Duck Hunters Action Alert System. Delta Waterfowl’s policy team will send you emails and alerts when issues that impact you arise and provide you with the tools and resources to engage with lawmakers. Text DELTA WATERFOWL to 52886 or click here today to sign up.