Fresh Tracks Weekly

Important Links • Shop Stamps & Merch: https://shopfreshtracks.com • Check out Casey’s Artwork • https://caseyunderwood.com/ • Check out Allie's Artwork • https://www.antilocapraatelier.com/ • Expedition Overland Channel • https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionOverland • Submit USFWS Drain Tile Setback Comments • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/24/2026-14995/national-wildlife-refuge-system-request-for-information-on-implementation-of-drain-tile-setbacks • Grizzly Bear Management Open Comment • https://www.fws.gov/grizzlyrulemaking ______________________________________________________________________ On this week’s deeper dive, Randy and Marcus examine the proposal to transfer grizzly management authority to Western states, Randy's background with grizzly management, what state management would look like, and the big question: will we be hunting grizzlies anytime soon? The public comment window close on Au...

On this week’s episode of Fresh Tracks weekly, Randy and Marcus take us for a Deeper Dive into massive regulatory updates to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) • Links • https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14195/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act#dates In the News Sunshine Protection Act - The U.S. House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act which would permanently leave the states in Daylight Saving Time. Effectively ending my ability to duck hunt before work… • Links • https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/139/text • https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-bill-daylight-saving-time-permanent-sunshine-protection-rcna587531 Colorado Fur Ban Trashed, Furbearer Bag Limits Established - Colorado Parks and Wildl...

Housekeeping Links • Crew’s Belt, Montana NRL Rifle Match https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C81fcst0T_k • Randy’s New Rifle Setup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYyvcHa-yA&feature=youtu.be • Hal Herring’s Carrying the Fire Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7lWLbTPrE5hDybQgZZwIPv?si=06968b4bed1945c7 For this week’s deeper dive, Randy and Marcus leave the studio and take us into the field. Building on their recent conversations about roadless areas, and travel management, the pair hike into a section of national forest just outside of Bozeman. This specific area underwent a thinning treatm...

Email us at weekly@freshtracks.tv • Hunt Talk Radio Podcast - Episode 290 • Freezer Burn Party • Randy's Editorial on Outdoor Life • The Greatest Accumulation of Wealth - 3 Part Series • Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 The "River Runs Through It" Proposal • Local ranchers, outfitters, and public-land advocates are fighting to protect the Blackfoot River from mines, gravel pits, and AI data centers. • The plan proposes adding 100,000 acres to the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness Areas while balancing active timber management and motorized recreation. • Links • https://ariverrunsthroughit.org/ • https://fieldandstream.com/stories/plan-protects-key-wildlife-habitat-in-montana Update on Colorado Fur Ban • Approaching Step 1: CPW is fast-tracking the formal rule-making process f...

This week we're discussing the intersection of science and politics, specifically regarding how motorized travel impacts elk populations. Randy’s Garage Sale: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list Comment on Federal Grant Rule Change: https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001 Wildlife Society Video on How To Comment: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSQRnjLDjRP/?igsh=eDBzY3ZtaGd0Z2Zn A few news items also include; The National Park Service continues its efforts to remove non-native mountain goats from Grand Teton National Park. Proposed federal rule changes regarding grant funding may allow the executive branch to prioritize political agendas over sc...

Contact your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Comment on BLM Grazing Rule Change: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/12/2026-09387/revision-of-regulations-for-grazing-administration-exclusive-of-alaska Buy Randy's garage sale items here: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list The current legislative landscape highlights a trend of using procedural maneuvers to bypass traditional congressional debate, such as the inclusion of contentious amendments in bipartisan legislation. Mike Lee's recent amendments to rescind the Roadless Rule shows he doesn't care about what his constituents want. The Public Lands Integrity Act seeks to address these tactics by amending the Congressional Budget Act’s Byrd Ru...

Buy a hand-muff made from muskrats trapped by Randy Newberg: https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list?srsltid=AfmBOoqkvnz41xhiwnbIJR30_pxnmv2yXhwfzkf0oHt4nwltq3pbMaMt Comment on wild horses on BLM Land: https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=F8129444-CA5D-F111-BEC6-001DD8029ED0 Arizona Residents contact your leaders in regards to wild horses: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/hold-the-line This week we take a look at Trump’s new executive order to rescind previous regulations from 1972 and 1977 that governed off-road vehicle use on public lands. The administration argues these older orders were overly vague and difficult for agencies to implement. Cr...

Every May and June, internet forums explode with angry hunters complaining about point systems, demanding non-resident tag cuts, and blaming state agencies. But in this episode, Randy and Marcus break down the brutal mathematical reality of why Western big game tags are drying up—and it has almost nothing to do with the draw system itself. Using Montana’s moose, sheep, and goat numbers as a case study, we dive deep into the differences between a "scarcity mindset" (fighting over a shrinking pie) and an "abundance mindset" (working to grow the pie). If you're tired of waiting decades to draw...

Find your deadline to vote in your state - https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/VAO/PrimaryElectionsCalendar.pdf About 20% of the US population participates in the primary elections but those primaries often determine who will be elected. Have your voice felt this election season. Get out there and VOTE!

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Got a question, news topic, or feedback? Drop us an email at: weekly@freshtracks.tv

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On this week’s Deeper Dive, Randy and Marcus talk corner crossing in Montana. They discuss the lawsuit filed by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Public Land and Water Access Association, which challenges Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for enforcing corner crossing as criminal trespass without following proper lawmaking channels.

Freezer Burn Event Details - https://www.facebook.com/events/167-all-west-trl-bozeman-mt-59718-8203-united-states/freezer-burn-party/3067283536789028/

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https://shopfreshtracks.com/collections/gear-list Contact your Representatives (202) 224-3121 Take Action on North Dakota issueshttps://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action This episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly addresses the recent rescission of the Public Land Rule and the implications of excluding conservation from multiple-use mandates. The episode examines the broader erosion of public land protections, including the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act and a proposed bill to transfer 140,000 acres of the Kisatchie National Forest to local control in Louisiana. It covers the lawsuit filed by BHA and PLWA against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regarding corner crossing, the BLM’s...

CONTACT YOUR SENATOR: https://www.senate.gov/general/contacting.htm Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121 RANDY’S GARAGE SALE: Interested in some signed DVDs? Check them out at shopfreshtracks.com GET IN TOUCH: Have a question or a news tip? Email us at weekly@freshtracks.tv DEEPER DIVE: Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett dive into the complex and frustrating world of federal budgeting to see where wildlife conservation and public lands truly sit on the national priority list. Despite broad public support for the outdoors, recent budget proposals suggest significant cuts to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S...

WATCH OUR Latest Elk Hunt with Ted Roosevelt IV - https://youtu.be/0n_1BAyYRiQ RANDY’S GARAGE SALE: Grab a map set and the $25 Trophy Bag Kooler at https://shopfreshtracks.com/ QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could hunt with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why? Let us know in the comments! GET IN TOUCH: Have a question or a news tip? Email us at weekly@freshtracks.tv Deeper Dive: Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett talk us through a recent decision on antler point restrictions in Wyoming, where public pressure for trophy quality is cu...

Interested in items from Randy's Garage Sale??? Check out https://shopfreshtracks.com/ This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we’re diving into the critical role of wildlife-friendly fencing and how new technology like virtual fencing is helping clear the path for big game migrations. But first, we’re cleaning out the shop for a cause! Join Randy for a special "Garage Sale" featuring a Leupold clock and a signed collection of books by conservation legend Jim Posewitz—with all proceeds benefiting the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. We also break down the latest news impacting the outdoors, including: • Why proposed 70-80% cut...

Interested in some gear from Randy’s Garage Sale? Visit https://shopfreshtracks.com/ We have a full slate of items happening on this week’s episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly. First off, Blake is headed out for his first-ever elk hunt this fall and needs your help. What broadheads are you shooting and why? Drop your recommendations in the comments below! For this week’s Deeper Dive, Randy and Marcus discuss why the biological recovery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly is a success story being held hostage by litigation. - What does "State Control" actually look like? - The hi...

To buy the beaver pelt from Randy’s Garage Sale, click here - shopfreshtracks.com This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we are joined by Skyler, the Sage Grouse Conservation Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. We take a deep dive into the critical role sage grouse play in the western ecosystem and explain why big game hunters should be invested in the health of these birds and their habitat. We also catch up with Michael in his latest installment of the fishing corner. We also jump into a few news stories: Over half of the re...

This week we discuss the USDA announcement to move Forest Service headquarters to Salt Lake City and shift from regional to state-based management.

A bipartisan amendment to the Farm Bill regarding the Greyhound Protection Act and its potential impact on bird dog training methods has sportsmen concerned.

A Review of a Headwaters Economics report detailing the 1.3 trillion dollar economic impact of outdoor recreation in the United States was recently released.

A gold mind and AI data center have been proposed within the Blackfoot River watershed and potential environmental concerns.

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Blake Phelps provides a Field Report on the spring waterfowl migration at Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area following several conservation updates. Recent research from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Montana FWP indicates that elk populations in Northwest Montana remain stable despite predation from lions, bears, and wolves. Data shows that while some elk utilize private land for forage, the majority remain accessible on public land in timbered or difficult terrain. In Oregon, the passing of House Bill 4134 increased the state lodging tax to 2.75% to generate 38 million dollars for habitat restoration and the State Wildlife Action Plan. A study...

No News for this week's Fresh Tracks Weekly. However, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett take a deep dive into some controversial comments from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and his management plan of our public lands. Is the federal government actually following sound business practices, or are they holding a fire sale on assets that belong to you, the American taxpayer? Join Marcus and Randy as they break down the "balance sheet" of our National Forests and BLM lands. From 0% royalty rates on hard-rock mining to the massive $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we explore why treating public lands...

This week, we’re discussing Chronic Wasting Disease, game farms and how lack of common sense laws could worsen the spread throughout the United States. We also touch on some new research from Wyoming indicates that deer covering longer migration distances accumulate more body fat by following the green wave of forage. Proposed legislation in Idaho would shift the appointment of state agency directors, including Fish and Game, to the governor. The House Agricultural Committee is advancing a new version of the Farm Bill containing key conservation and public access programs. Check out TRCPs breakdown here. https://www.trcp.or...

This week we’re discussing ballot measures and how they can be used to impact wildlife and conservation, specifically with the example of Oregon IP28, a proposal that would criminalize standard animal husbandry, hunting, and fishing practices The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11 to 9 along party lines to advance Steve Pearce’s nomination for Director of the Bureau of Land Management to the full Senate. The Secretary of the Interior opened 2.1 million acres along the Dalton Highway to mining claims, a move that facilitates land transfers to the state and clears a path for the proposed Ambler Road...

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, Randy Newberg and Marcus Hockett dive deep into the complex world of public land management and the fragile nature of administrative rules. Using the Roadless Rule of 2001 as a primary case study, they explore how major land-use policies can remain "fickle" for decades because they lack the permanent weight of Congressional law. The conversation sheds light on the growing trend of "management by executive order," where shifting administrations use tools like the Congressional Review Act to bypass public comment and overturn established rules, creating a political pendulum that swings further with every...

This week we discuss the Congressional Review Act. This fast-track law allows a simple majority in Congress to overturn agency rules and permanently bars those agencies from creating any "substantially similar" regulations in the future.

We also cover a few news stories including:A new Forest Service proposal would shorten public comment periods to as little as 10 days and move official notices from newspapers to government websites while using AI to summarize feedback.

A new citizen petition aims to ban the commercial sale of fur through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on March 4...

ACT NOW!!! Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm The Senate could vote on HJ 140 as early as tomorrow, February 10th. This backdoor political move uses the Congressional Review Act to ignore public input and allow mining that cannot withstand scientific or economic scrutiny, at the risk of the wild waters near the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area.

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This week, we explore the friction between hunters and state wildlife agencies, specifically focusing on the common misunderstandings regarding agency jurisdictions and roles. Contact your Senators via the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 Watch the Killing Catalina film here https://www.howlforwildlife.org/catalinaisland Also... The Senate is expected to vote next week on using the Congressional Review Act to overturn the 20-year mining ban near Minnesota's Boundary Waters; those opposed can use the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers website to quickly contact their representatives. https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action A recent cold snap allowed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission...

This episode discusses tribalism and the tendency for individuals to follow group narratives over personal beliefs, using recent media coverage of the Alex Pretti case as a starting point. The conversation focuses on how tribalism manifests within conservation and public land management. Topics covered in this week’s news: Utah Wolf Removal: State officials lethally removed three wolves in Northern Utah to comply with management plans. Wyoming Public Land Sale: A review of House Bill 55, which proposes selling state land for housing development. Oregon Petition: An update on an initiative to ban hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture that may re...

This week, we examine the Bureau of Land Management's decision to revoke grazing leases for American Prairie bison and provide updates on public land funding, mining in Minnesota, wolf reintroduction in Colorado, and land access in North Carolina.

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This week, we examine the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and talk about why there is so much pushback from public land advocates Pearce has a history of advocating for the disposal of federal lands. In 2005, he pushed for initiatives to sell public land to mining companies and has argued that the federal government does not "need" the majority of its western land holdings. We also cover a few news highlights from the week including Secretarial Order No. 3447 to Expand Hunting and Fishing Access on Department of Interior lands, new regulations in...

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we discuss a renewed threat to Wyoming’s famous mule deer migration. New oil and gas leases on BLM land are near critical winter ranges and migration corridors for the Sublette mule deer and pronghorn herds. We discuss how the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan is being bypassed and why "energy independence" is no longer a valid excuse for poor conservation. We also cover several headlines from the week, including 2026 federal budget cuts, the reopening of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and the controversial "flooded corn" baiting debate in waterfowl hunting.

In this episode, we break down how Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) money generated from offshore oil and gas revenues and intended to permanently protect public lands is likely being diverted away from approved conservation projects. One of the projects in jeopardy is the 46,000-acre La Jara Basin land sale in Colorado, which is eight years in development, has broad public support, and already has funding fully approved and allocated. Despite this, new Department of the Interior actions could block LWCF funds from being used, putting this and many other conservation projects at risk.

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Buy the Elk Conservation Stamp here (proceeds donated to RMEF) https://shopfreshtracks.com/products/2025-elk-conservation-stamp?srsltid=AfmBOorlsI5T-OHN5wvqK1ZU72s6EISgCuMItcxQQxYBMWOvkWb2fxjs In this episode, we sit down with Jesse DeVoe from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, to discuss an elk research project in Northwest Montana. Jesse shares insights into this large-scale collaborative effort to better understand local elk populations and looking into habitat and impacts from predators. News this week includes: -A Wildlife Migration License Plate Design Contest announced by TRCP and Montana FWP -A recent land conveyance in Alaska under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act -New...

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we break down what’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill” and how it impacts hunters and public land users—even without the controversial land sale provision. We also look ahead to next week’s launch of Elk Week, where we’ll be rolling out elk-focused content daily. News Stories Covered: – Wall Street Journal Opinion Piece: The WSJ Editorial Board criticized the removal of the public land sale from the bill, backing false claims about affordability and land use. – Wyoming Corner Crossing Case: A new petition has been submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. – BLM Wi...

In this episode of Fresh Tracks Weekly, we cover a major win for public land advocates: Senator Mike Lee was forced to removed the controversial public land sale language from the "Big Beautiful Bill." While it's a victory for now, Randy Newberg breaks down why this issue isn't going away and where to watch for future attempts to sell off public lands. We also cover several key conservation and public access updates: The EXPLORE Act has officially been implemented, expanding access to outdoor recreation, improving public land maps, and increasing coordination to combat invasive species. A collaborative project in...

Link to Mike Lee's updated language: https://www.hunttalk.com/attachments/lee-senr-06-24-2025-pdf.376000/ Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121 Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

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Call your Senators: (202) 224-3121

Email your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Find and Contact your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representativeBuy

Arizona Bighorn Sheep Raffle Tickets: https://wildsheep.fanthem.io/give/sheep/online-raffles/bhs?referralCode=wsfweb

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Link to Mike Lee’s 69 page bill: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/DF7B7FBE-9866-4B69-8ACA-C661A4F18096 Members on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee https://www.energy.senate.gov/members Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Andrew McKean’s Outdoor Life Article https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/senate-proposes-selling-public-land/

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Contact Mike Lee: https://www.lee.senate.gov/contact Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 This week, we're talking about recent changes to the federal budget reconciliation bill and what they mean for hunters and public land users. Some updates and news include: The Wyoming corner crossing case could be heading to the Supreme Court. A large-scale feral horse roundup is scheduled in Wyoming. Colorado Parks and Wildlife kills a wolf after repeated livestock attacks. Ohio Senate redirects wildlife funding from natural gas revenues. President Trump nominates Michael Boren for U.S...

Find your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative In this episode, we cover troubling developments in the latest budget reconciliation bill, including a proposed amendment that could lead to the sale of over 500,000 acres of public land and the formation of the new Public Lands Caucus. We also look at potential impacts on the USGS Cooperative Wildlife Research Units and changes to oil and gas royalty rates that could reduce federal revenue. But it’s not all bad news — we highlight exciting wildlife conservation projects from Arizona to California, including new elk crossings and Tule Elk restoration efforts. Tune...

Capitol switchboard number: (202) 224-3121. This week we’re taking a closer look at why states are legally allowed to discriminate against non-resident hunters. Randy joins to explain the legal and historical background of this system and what it could mean for the future of hunting access. We also cover some major news stories affecting public lands and hunters: A controversial budget amendment from Mark Amodei (NV) and Celeste Maloy (UT) could result in the sale of at least 11,000 acres of BLM and Forest Service land in Nevada and Utah. The amendment passed committee without public input. Cuts to key fe...

This week on Fresh Tracks Weekly, we bring you updates from across the West—even while Randy's out chasing turkeys! New Film "UNWIRED" – A must-watch on Wyoming pronghorn, GPS tracking, and how fencing is evolving for wildlife migration. https://thewyldlifefund.org/unwired/ Montana Legislative Wins – Two competing bills (HB 932 & SB 537) could shape the future of conservation funding from marijuana tax revenue. Moose & Sheep Tags – A new law allows FWP to raffle or auction high-demand tags. What does it mean for conservation groups and revenue? Montana expands its Block Management Program to improve public land access through private property. Wolf Conflict...