EP. 343: Breaking Down 2026’s Projected Conservation Battles at the State Level

Statehouse conservation battles are shaping your future experiences in the uplands. This episode provides a valuable state-by-state rundown of what’s coming in 2026 and how bird hunters can influence policy through advocacy efforts at the state level. From dedicated conservation funding to the restructuring of state natural resource agencies, the 2026 legislative season is already loaded with major issues that could reshape the future of upland hunting, wildlife management, and habitat conservation across the country. In this episode, host Bob St. Pierre sits down with Swanny Evans, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Government Affairs, for a deep dive into the state-level policy fights that matter most to bird hunters, habitat advocates, and public land diehards. Swanny breaks down upcoming conservation legislation from Pennsylvania to Washington and Tennessee to Colorado, highlighting wins, setbacks, and the political realities driving each effort. Listeners get an insider view at how dedicated funding models work, why license plate programs help fuel on-the-ground habitat work, and how charitable gaming reforms directly impact chapter fundraisers that support upland conservation nationwide. The guys also tackle access issues like Sunday hunting, college-student hunting license reforms , public lands bills, and growing threats from “ ballot box biology .” Swanny also explains how hunters, anglers, and conservationists can meaningfully influence state policy, and why a single action-alert email can carry surprising weight when it hits an elected official’s inbox at the right time. If you care about upland habitat, bird dogs, hunting access, public lands, or the future of conservation funding, this is essential listening. Show notes Learn more about PF & QF’s advocacy efforts or drop an email inquiry to advocacy@pheasantsforever.org . Use the code PFQF at onxmaps.com/hunt/app for 20% off your onX Hunt membership to plan your next bird hunting adventure. On the Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.