Hunt-Fish Rule Released, Funding Secured in Louisiana, and Delta Attends Key Meetings in Ottawa
United States
Hunt-Fish Rule Released, Public Comment Sought
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recently released the annual Hunt-Fish Rule, opening or expanding waterfowl hunting on 41 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. Delta’s Policy Team sent out an action alert to our members, who have submitted nearly 300 comments in support of expanded waterfowl hunting access on federal land.
Legacy Restoration Fund Legislation Filed
Earlier this month, The Great American Outdoors Act 250 was introduced in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, a critical funding tool used to address deferred maintenance across federal public lands and waters. Reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund is one of Delta’s highest priorities for this Congress and is a centerpiece of the Restore Our Refuges Initiative. Read more about this bill and what it means for ducks and duck hunters here.
California
Grasslands Region Wetlands Support
Delta's policy team has been advocating for Senate Bill 1108, legislation that would establish the Grassland Ecological Area Conservancy as a new state agency within the California Natural Resources Agency. The new agency would be 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 in California. The bill would support putting water on wetlands, which in turn would support migratory waterfowl throughout California and the Pacific Flyway.
We are pleased to report that this bill made it out of Senate Appropriations and passed its final floor vote 37-1. The bill has been transferred to the Assembly and is currently awaiting a committee date in Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife.
Hunter Fees Directed to Fund Wildlife Areas
Assembly Bill 1987 could lead to more funding for state wildlife areas by ensuring that money generated from certain wildlife areas is properly used to support them. The bill would create 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 is happy to report that this bill unanimously passed its final floor vote in the Assembly and has been transferred to the Senate. It passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee and has been assigned to the Appropriations Committee.
Oklahoma
Providing Structure to Guiding and Outfitting
Delta's Policy Team worked diligently during the legislative session this year to provide structure and clarity to guiding and outfitting operations in Oklahoma. On May 11, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 2095, requiring hunting guides to purchase a guide license and maintain personal liability insurance. Additionally, guides and outfitters must obtain written permission for access to the private land on which they’re guiding. This legislation was the result of years of meetings with legislators, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, guides, and hunters.
Louisiana
Securing Funding
The Louisiana legislative session wrapped up on the last day of May with a strong finish. Delta’s Policy Team helped secure $1 million for the Louisiana Outdoors Forever fund — which finances outdoor conservation and recreation projects in the state — and another $500,000 for the Conservation Incentive Program for flooding future rice stubble to benefit wintering waterfowl.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Master Plan was also approved, adding $4.3 million to southwestern Louisiana’s White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area project this year. That brings the total invested in White Lake to about $38 million during the past two years.
Canada
Conservative Hunting and Angling Outdoors Symposium and Wild Game Garden Party
Delta’s Policy Team was in Ottawa, Ontario, attending the 2026 Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus Outdoors Symposium and Wild Game Party from May 31 to June 2. The symposium gathered 50 different hunting and fishing organizations from across Canada, providing an incredible opportunity for networking with like-minded organizations and Members of Parliament.
Delta’s team presented our top priorities, including the Shallow Wetlands Incentive Program, hunter apprentice licensing, and the need for robust and sustainable funding for wildlife conservation and HunteR3 programming. We also participated in a meet-and-greet with Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Official Opposition of Canada and host of the Wild Game Garden Party. In addition, we met with Rob Jamieson, chief of staff for the Office of the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime) within Public Safety Canada, where we spoke about a variety of topics, including the firearms classification process in Canada and issues relating to firearms prohibitions. We also broached the lack of federal funding and need for a funding program like the Pittman-Robertson Act provides in the United States.
Following those meetings, Delta’s team traveled over the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Quebec, to meet with Canadian Wildlife Service leaders, including Director Caroline Ladanowski, to get updates on the proposed regulation package, Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, and the new online license platform that will be rolling out in August for the Canadian Duck Stamp.
Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partners Inaugural In-Person Meeting
After officially launching in September 2025, the Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partners hosted its inaugural in-person meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, on June 2. The CWCP has grown to 24 partners and five affiliates that collectively represent more than 1 million outdoor enthusiasts. The meeting was well-attended and filled with great discussions on matters impacting Canadian hunters and trappers, and was strategically scheduled to coordinate with the Hunting and Angling Outdoor Symposium.
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 emails and alerts when issues that impact you arise, providing you with the tools and resources to engage with lawmakers. Click here to sign up.