In this edition of the Big Buck Registry's Deer News, we bring you twelve key stories every hunter should know as we head deeper into 2025. From Washington D.C. to the backwoods of Wisconsin, this roundup covers everything from sweeping conservation wins and poaching crackdowns to predator control, CWD outbreaks, and controversial legislation. Congress wraps up the Biden era with major investments in wildlife and outdoor access, while states wrestle with issues like buck limits, deer tag programs, and firearm restrictions. Whether you're in the tree stand, driving the backroads, or tuning in from camp, this is the news shaping the future of whitetail hunting across America.
- ACE & EXPLORE Acts (Washington, D.C.) Congress passes two bipartisan bills funding CWD research, wetlands restoration, and outdoor access—plus mandates broadband in public rec areas and shooting range construction.
- ESA Reform & Fish & Wildlife Director Nominee (Washington, D.C.) Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act stir debate, and Brian Nesvik’s nomination to lead the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service raises concerns among environmental groups.
- Wisconsin Poaching Crackdown Over 250 deer were illegally killed in one of the largest poaching crackdowns in state history. Offenders face jail time, steep fines, and decades-long license bans.
- Texas Deer Smuggling Operation Texas Game Wardens file 1,200+ charges in a massive deer breeding and smuggling case. Violations include CWD testing failures and falsified records.
- Maine Coyote Hunting Bill Rejected A bill aiming to restrict coyote hunting to a defined season is shot down. Officials say year-round control is vital to protect deer, pets, and livestock.
- Ohio CWD Cases Increase Ohio reports 24 new cases of Chronic Wasting Disease this season. Wildlife officials expand surveillance zones and urge hunters to submit samples.
- Oklahoma Buck Limit Proposal Lawmakers consider reducing the annual buck limit from two to one. Some hunters support the change; others want more data before backing the bill.
- Florida Antlerless Deer Rule Changes Hunters in Deer Management Unit D2 can now harvest antlerless deer all season long on private land. The bag limit increases to better manage the herd.
- Pennsylvania Deer Season Opener Debate A new bill seeks to shift the season opener back to Monday after Thanksgiving. The move would restore tradition but may limit access for some hunters.
- Michigan Doe Tag Legislation Proposed legislation offers hunters two free antlerless tags with a base license, aimed at reducing herd size, crop damage, and deer-vehicle collisions.
- Maryland Lead Ammo Ban Fails Efforts to phase out lead hunting ammunition stall in the state legislature. The debate over wildlife safety and affordability continues.
- Colorado Gun Law Tightens Colorado passes a law restricting semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines. Hunters express concern over how it may affect traditional sporting use.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.