Fighting for Hunters and Anglers: The Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Biggest Battles in 2025

iSportsman Staff

As fall hunting seasons kick off across the country, most state legislatures have finally wrapped up their sessions—offering a brief pause in what’s been a bruising year for sportsmen. The Sportsmen’s Alliance tracked more than 1,500 bills nationwide in 2025, defending the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers from coast to coast.

From Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania to coyote contests in Nevada, bear hunting in Florida and beaver trapping in Oregon, the alliance stayed on the front lines protecting America’s outdoor heritage. But three fights stood out above the rest.

The Public Lands Showdown

Utah Sen. Mike Lee once again pushed legislation aimed at selling off millions of acres of federally owned public land as part of what was dubbed “The Big Beautiful Bill.” If passed, the move would have stripped hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of access to some of the nation’s most treasured landscapes.

Hunters and conservationists across the spectrum rallied with a simple message: “Not one acre.” Thanks to that outcry—and the Sportsmen’s Alliance’s persistent advocacy—the sell-off effort was stopped, at least for now. But the Alliance warns this threat to public access will likely return in future sessions.

The Washington Game Commission Crisis

Washington State continues to be ground zero for anti-hunting activism creeping into wildlife policy. Under former Gov. Jay Inslee, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission came under fire for allegedly colluding with animal-rights activists, violating open-meeting laws and obstructing lawful hunting opportunities.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance filed suit after waiting more than 15 months for public records from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Those records revealed troubling misconduct by several commissioners, prompting the Alliance to petition current Gov. Bob Ferguson for their removal. The case underscores how easily anti-hunting politics can infiltrate state agencies meant to manage wildlife scientifically—not ideologically.

Taking on the CDC’s “Puppy Ban”

In August 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implemented a sweeping ban on importing dogs under six months old or those without a microchip. The stated goal was to prevent rabies, but the rule applied even to countries where dog rabies hasn’t existed for decades—including the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

Recognizing the ban’s devastating impact on sporting dog breeders and the genetic diversity of U.S. bloodlines, the Sportsmen’s Alliance sued. A federal district court denied an initial injunction in April 2025, but the alliance has appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, where a decision is expected soon.

From protecting public lands to fighting bureaucratic overreach, the Sportsmen’s Alliance continues to be the legal and legislative shield for America’s hunting and fishing community—making sure that every sportsman’s voice is heard and every tradition defended. Join or support the Sportsmen’s Alliance to help in these important battles that help all sportsmen.