USFWS Annual Proposal Includes Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities; Update on Firearm Legislation in Washington; More

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

United States

Federal

United State Fish and Wildlife Service Hunt Fish Rule Comment Period Open: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released its proposed 2025 Hunt Fish Rule, seeking to open or expand 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. Delta Waterfowl strongly supports this proposal and is urging its members and all duck hunters to submit comments through the Duck Hunters Action Alert System before the June 30 deadline. 

State

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Sunday Hunting Clears the House: On June 3, the Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee voted 18-8 to advance House Bill 1431 to the full House. This legislation, along with Senate Bill 67, would repeal the prohibition against hunting on Sundays in the Commonwealth.

On June 11, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 131-72 to pass HB 1431 and it will now move to the Senate where there is hope that it will receive the same favorable treatment.

Delta Waterfowl has long supported efforts to repeal these antiquated prohibitions throughout the Atlantic Flyway and has continued to work with partners and colleagues around the conservation community and leadership within the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide support for any legislators with specific questions about waterfowl hunting on Sundays. Both pieces of legislation would be a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania waterfowl hunters.

Now is the time to speak up! Click here to make your voice heard on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania.

Louisiana

White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area Funding: Delta Waterfowl is celebrating a major win for ducks and duck hunters in southwest Louisiana. Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Jeff Landry, critical funding has been secured through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Master Plan to support waterfowl habitat projects across the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. The proposal allocates $29 million for levee restoration to prevent saltwater intrusion, improve flood protection, and preserve key marsh habitat for wintering waterfowl.

 

House Bill 564: HB 564—legislation that established the Conservation Incentive Program within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries—recently passed through the Louisiana legislature. This program aims to assist private landowners in enhancing wildlife habitats and managing native species on their properties. It will also provide grants for projects such as forest stand improvement, increasing water prevalence on agricultural lands, managing private wetlands, implementing prescribed fires, and more, leading to positive outcomes for both waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.

 

Louisiana Sportsmen at the Capitol Day: Delta’s policy staff and Louisiana State Committee volunteers recently traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to meet with lawmakers in both the House and Senate with intention to advocate for ducks and duck hunters. Many topics were covered, including the Conservation Incentive Program and additional funding for White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area.

Alaska

Juneau-Douglas Second Crossing: The state of Alaska is currently weighing several options for a new bridge to be constructed between Juneau and Douglas Island near the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge Area, potentially impacting hunting access.

Delta Waterfowl is having ongoing discussions with key stakeholders in the region, as well as project managers, regarding potential locations for this new bridge. Delta staff is working to ensure that the bridge has minimal impact on both the waterfowl and the hunters who utilize this public access area. Most recently, the Delta team sent a second letter to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities suggesting the Salmon Creek route, as it is the least detrimental to the refuge and the least expensive. Chris Hoon, Delta’s manager of government affairs for the Pacific Flyway, recently guest-starred on the On Step Alaska podcast to discuss the organization’s concerns with this issue in detail. 

Washington

Delta Waterfowl’s policy team worked to oppose a large number of firearm bills in Washington state this legislative session and is happy to report the successful blocking of three out of four of the bills from becoming law. Unfortunately, HB 1163 was signed into law by Governor Ferguson. You’ll find a brief summary below of legislation that passed or failed this session. 

Failed:

• House Bill 1132: Enhancing Public Safety by Limiting Bulk Purchases and Transfers of Firearms and Ammunition: HB 1132 would have limited the number of firearms and amounts of ammunition an individual can buy per month. It is important to note that the language found in this legislation is directly derived from a California bill—Assembly Bill 1483. For reference, AB 1483 was blocked by a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in August of 2024. The Ninth Circuit declared this legislation unconstitutional and a clear violation of the Second Amendment.

 

• House Bill 1504: Enhancing Public Safety by Requiring Financial Responsibility to Purchase or Possess a Firearm or Operate a Firearm Range: If this bill were to pass, it would require all Washington gun owners to acquire $25,000 worth of insurance coverage per firearm they own. This proposal would have had no impact on firearm safety in the state of Washington, did nothing more than overcomplicate gun ownership in the state, and has been designed to discourage people from buying firearms.

 

• House Bill 1386: Imposing a New Tax on Firearms, Firearm Parts, and Ammunition: This legislation aimed to add an additional 11% tax to the purchase of firearms and ammunition. This tax would then be placed into an intentionally loosely defined fund for gun violence protection and would be in addition to the already 11% excise tax collected on firearms and ammunition under the Pittman-Robertson Act. However, the money generated through this tax served no benefit to Washington’s wildlife or natural resources.

Passed:

• House Bill 1163: Enhancing Requirements Relating to the Purchase, Transfer, and Possession of Firearms: 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. This is clearly an attempt to overregulate law-abiding gun owners in the state. 

To acquire a hunting license in Washington, you must first pass a state-approved hunter education course, which covers basic firearm usage and safety. Historically, the validity of a hunting license as proof of an individual's firearm training has not been questioned. Hunters as a group are statistically the safest and most responsible firearm owners.

 

Delta’s team worked to have a hunting license amendment added to this bill, which was accepted in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Unfortunately, this amendment was overruled on the floor, and the bill was signed into law without any exception. This bill does not go into effect until 2027, and Delta’s team is currently working with its partners in Washington to discuss the possibility of introducing a bill next session to include a hunting license amendment before this language goes into effect.

 

Oregon

Klamath Water Deliveries: House Bill 2801 guarantees the Water Resources Department’s authority on water deliveries in the Upper Klamath Basin. Because this legislation passed, their authority will be upheld until the final water rights decree is issued by the Klamath County Circuit Court. This is critical because the area cannot afford to pause any water deliveries while the court adjudicates on this issue.

This bill is important to Delta Waterfowl because Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, most notably the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake units, is one of the most important pieces of habitat for migratory waterfowl in North America—and one of the most threatened. For the past decade, water levels at Lower Klamath and Tule Lake Refuges have reached record lows, which has exacerbated waterfowl disease outbreaks and caused a massive disturbance in the migratory patterns of waterfowl across the Pacific Flyway.

Delta Waterfowl works tirelessly to secure water deliveries from Oregon into the Klamath NWR in an attempt to alleviate this problem. There are no guarantees that the water deliveries mentioned in HB 2801 will end up in the Klamath NWR, but if this bill did not pass, no deliveries would occur until the final water rights decree is made. Delta is grateful that Governor Kotek recognized this issue and signed this bill into law. 

Nevada

Youth Firearm Possession: Delta’s policy team is thrilled to report that Assembly Bill 245—a bill that would have made it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess a semi-automatic shotgun—has been vetoed by Governor Lombardo. 

AB 245 would have created significant barriers to introducing youth and families to hunting in Nevada. It would have resulted in fewer new hunters enjoying this outdoor family activity and would have diminished the positive impacts that hunting has on Nevada’s natural habitats and the fish and wildlife that they support. Unfortunately, this bill did pass the legislature, but Delta is grateful that the Governor recognized the massive negative effect this legislation would have had on the hunting community. 

California

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

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. Most recently, this bill unanimously passed the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on a 13-0 vote. Delta’s team will continue to monitor and support this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process. 

Suggested Amendments to Sections of California Fish and Game Code: Delta Waterfowl, along with several partners, has been advocating for Assembly Bill 1520, which would make various technical and assorted changes to the Fish and Game Code—including amendments to the state’s Duck Stamp program to make it more efficient and effective. 

The Duck Stamp program—which has limited funding derived from the annual sale of duck stamps required for waterfowl hunting—funds habitat, research, and other necessary projects that support waterfowl populations. A significant portion of this conservation work is done by contracting with nonprofit conservation groups that have expertise and experience in these areas.

While the Duck Stamp program benefits from certain statutory exemptions related to state contracting requirements, it does not currently enjoy the exemptions outlined in the Fish and Game Code. Specifically, the program lacks the exemption for certain conservation work—such as grading wetlands or planting waterfowl-friendly vegetation—that non-profits, public agencies, and tribes are authorized to perform under Section 1501.5.

Without the exemption provided under Section 1501.5, time-sensitive Duck Stamp habitat projects—on state lands in particular—face higher costs and are subject to significant delays. Assembly Bill 1520 aims to extend the nonprofit contracting exemption under Section 1501.5 to Duck Stamp projects to improve these processes. 

This bill passed the Assembly and will now be heard in the Senate.

Sustainable Groundwater Management: California Assembly Bill 929 adds the term “managed wetlands” to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. In turn, this language prohibits a groundwater sustainability agency from imposing fees upon a managed wetland. An additional benefit of this bill is a sweeping commitment to the No Net Loss policy for wetlands, ensuring regulatory protections for some of the most sensitive areas in the state. 

Wetlands ecosystems across California are impacted more than any other ecosystem in the state and are essential in providing more opportunities for wildlife and migrating waterfowl. Delta’s policy team recently testified in support of this bill to the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife and is happy to report that the bill passed its final reading in the Assembly and will now be making its way to the Senate to be heard. 

Delta’s team will continue to diligently watch and support this bill as it continues through the legislative process. 

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 proposed legislation 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.

Most recently, this bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations and has been placed on “suspense file” (put on pause). Delta’s policy team is happy to report that this bill was held in Assembly Appropriations and is effectively dead for now.

 

Canada

Federal

Canada, Federal Mandate—Speech from the Throne: On Tuesday, May 27, his Majesty King Charles III opened the 45th Parliament of Canada and delivered the Speech from the Throne. While the speech addressed six main areas of interest, Delta’s attention primarily focused on the fourth topic—'Building a safer and more secure Canada.’ While there were several directives laid out in this section, such as enhancing security at Canada’s borders, implementing new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl, and investing in 1,000 more Royal Canada Mounted Police personnel, there was a statement that mentioned that the government will, “change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red laws.” It was followed up with language stating that the government will take these steps while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners and Indigenous Peoples’ longstanding hunting traditions. 

While we can generally gain a better sense of what might be coming down the pipe through the release of individual Minister mandate letters (i.e., Minister of Public Safety Mandate Letter), on May 21, Prime Minister Carney released one singular federal mandate letter, without any further details. It is unclear at this time whether Prime Minister Carney will release individualized mandate letters. Delta will continue to monitor this and be ready to comment should further firearm prohibitions or restrictions be announced that will negatively impact duck hunters across Canada. 

Provincial

Atlantic Canada Virtual Chapter Meeting: On Wednesday, June 11, Delta’s policy team hosted a virtual meeting for the organization’s Atlantic Canada Chapters to provide updates on a variety of topics including highlights from the recent Atlantic Migratory Game Bird Technical Committee meeting, updates from meetings in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and a brief overview of what the federal landscape looks like coming out from the election. These meetings continue to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with the organization’s great volunteers, provide updates, and show appreciation for their tireless efforts.

Prince Edward Island

Hunters Meeting: On Thursday, May 22, Delta’s policy team traveled to Hunter River, PEI, to participate and present at a Hunters Meeting hosted by the Forests, Fish, and Wildlife Division of the Government of Prince Edward Island. Approximately 35 islanders, including a strong contingent of Delta Waterfowl Chapter members and volunteers, gathered to listen to presentations and updates from the Canadian Wildlife Service, representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Division, the Enforcement Branch (Conservation Officer), and Delta Waterfowl, which were followed by question-and-answer sessions. 

Delta seized the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible local support and work that the organization’s chapters and volunteers do each year, while collectively celebrating the great ‘wins’ in which we have been a part of over recent years, including: seven-day hunting, 107-day seasons, and free hunter education and first year licensing. This meeting also provided the chance for Delta to express appreciation to folks who were instrumentally involved in those wins from CWS and the provincial government. 

Nova Scotia

Hunting Regulations Review: On Friday, May 23, Delta’s policy team was fortunate to meet with the Director of Wildlife for Nova Scotia’s Natural Resources and Renewables. The team learned that the comprehensive hunting regulation review is ongoing, and it would appear the government has been meeting with some stakeholders in an effort to seek input. As a follow-up to a meeting last fall, Delta re-visited the list of its priorities that had been identified (with the assistance of Delta chapters), which included seven-day hunting, hunter apprentice licensing, and provincial investment in R3, in addition to items such as lowering the age for hunting within the province.

Delta’s staff were informed the province is currently exploring the option of an online licensing system, which would be welcome news and provide flexibility for hunters to purchase their hunting licenses with ease. The option of hunters having the ability to store/carry their licenses electronically is also being considered as part of this proposal. Given this news, Delta has inquired whether it would be possible to provide an avenue for duck hunters to purchase their migratory game bird license through the same platform (either directly or indirectly).

Ontario

Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Discharge of Firearms By-law: On Tuesday, May 20, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand presented draft by-law number XX-2025, a By-law for the Regulation of the Discharge of Firearms at their Committee of the Whole meeting. The draft by-law was kept very quiet and not released to the public until the very last minute.

The Township has been receiving complaints over the last year as a result of two local police forces using a gravel pit as their shooting venue. Long days discharging a variety of firearms on a fairly regular basis (upwards of 20-25 days last year alone) has resulted in local residents bringing their complaints to the council. Late last year, the council directed staff to explore avenues to deal with the issue. Staff took it upon themselves to draft a poorly written, extremely restrictive discharge of firearms by-law that actually exempted law enforcement from the by-law and only restricted local hunters and recreational shooters even further. Fortunately, the majority of the committee spoke adamantly against the draft by-law and blatantly told staff that they had created a draft by-law that wouldn’t even apply to the ones who are causing the issue. 

After discussion, the committee simply received the draft as ‘information’ and then further directed staff to specifically reach out to the two police departments to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue. Not surprisingly, voice messages from Delta staff have not been returned yet, but the organization will continue to monitor this issue.

Town of Caledon, Discharge of Firearms By-law: More than a full calendar year has passed since the Town of Caledon initially announced they were going to be bringing forward proposed amendments to their discharge of firearms by-law (originally announced in Delta’s April 2024 update). 

With strong support and action by local Delta Waterfowl members, chapters, and the broader hunting, trapping, and recreational shooting communities, Delta staff were successful in getting this topic shelved 13 months ago. Now, in June 2025, the town’s Municipal Law Enforcement Policy Analyst and lead on this review, has reached out to Delta Waterfowl to arrange a meeting and seek the organization’s guidance. For this attempt, the town has chosen to take a more strategic approach and seek Delta’s feedback prior to starting the dialogue with their constituents. It is hoped that the narrative of this ‘review/by-law update’ can be changed before further unwarranted restrictions are discussed.

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Do you want to stay involved with issues that are threatening the future of waterfowl hunting? Now is the time to 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 this link today to sign up!