June 27, 2025 • 12 mins
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America's public lands face an unprecedented threat as Senator Mike Lee revises but maintains his controversial plan to sell substantial BLM acreage near population centers. Despite scaling back from the original proposal, the current plan still endangers up to 1.2 million acres of vital hunting grounds and wildlife habitat across multiple states.• Senator Mike Lee's revised public land sale plan still threatens between 600,000 to 1.2 million acres of BLM land• USDA's decision to rescind National Forest logging protections raises concerns about wildlife habitat disruption• Anti-hunting bias displayed in Lorna Smith's controversial presentation at Colorado State University• Multiple state-specific threats identified from California to Wyoming, Idaho to the Pacific Northwest• National Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups strongly opposing the land sale plan• Canada investing $10 million to protect Atlantic salmon populations in New Brunswick and Nova ScotiaCall your senators at 202-224-3121 and let them know that not one acre of public land is for sale. Stay safe, hunt smart, and keep the wild in wildlife.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Howdy folks and welcome to the hunting stories
podcast.
The hunters brief, your quickshot of hunting and fishing news
from the last two weeks.
Sorry about that.
I missed last week because Iwas on vacation.
My bad, but I'm your host,michael, bringing you the latest
in wildlife, public lands,outdoor access with a sprinkle
of trailhead humor, fromnational debates to global
(00:26):
catches.
We've got 11 stories loaded up.
Let's hit the woods.
I'm tired of talking about thisone, but Mike Lee revises the
public land sale plan.
After a lot of backlash, utahSenator Mike Lee scaled back his
controversial proposal to selltwo to three million acres of
(00:47):
public land after bipartisanoutrage.
Announced on June 24th, therevised plan excludes US Forest
Service lands and limits Bureauof Land Management Sales to
anywhere from 600,000 to 1.2million acres and only near
population centers for housingspecifically.
Critics, including hunters,argue it threatens wildlife
(01:07):
habitat.
The Senate parliamentarianblocked the original plan from
the GOP bill.
But it's not good enough, mike.
If you guys are out there, callyour senators, call your local
senators, call Mike Lee.
Tell him not one acre.
This is way too vague.
There's way too many thingswrong with this and we can never
get our land back.
I said this on a post recently.
(01:29):
My grandpa said the only thingthey ain't making any more of is
dirt, so we can't sell thisstuff off, guys.
This is important to all of us.
I try my best to stay away fromopinions, but I think this is a
big one, and so please, if youcan contact your local senator
every day, contact Mike Leeevery day and let him know.
Not one acre.
(01:57):
Usda rescinds National ForestLogging protections.
On June 23rd, agriculturalSecretary Brooke Rawlins
announced the USDA will rescinda rule restricting logging on
natural forest lands.
Revealed at a Western GovernorsAssociation meeting in Santa Fe
.
The decision aims to reducewildfire risk but spark protests
from hunters and anglers.
Critics fear increased loggingcould disrupt wildlife habitats
(02:21):
and migration corridors.
The move aligns with many ofthe Trump administration
policies.
Reduced protections may limitaccess, of course, to prime
hunting grounds and impact manygame populations.
Logging's back, but don't letit clear-cut your favorite deer
stand.
(02:43):
Lorna Smith's anti-hunter talkat Colorado State sparks outrage
.
On June 18th, lorna Smith'santi-hunter talk at Colorado
State sparks outrage.
On June 18th, lorna Smith, aWashington Fish and Wildlife
Commissioner appointed byGovernor Jay Inslee in 2021,
spoke at Colorado StateUniversity in a presentation
called Wildlife Ethics in the21st Century.
Critics, including localhunters, slammed her for her
anti-hunting bias as sheadvocated for non-lethal
(03:05):
wildlife management anddownplayed hunting's
conservation role.
The Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation criticized the lack
of balanced perspectives.
Csu has not responded to thebacklash.
This is relevant becauseSmith's influence as a
commissioner could shapepolicies limiting hunting in
Washington and beyond.
Lorna's talk missed the marklike a rookie's first shot.
(03:26):
This is going to keep coming upbecause it is a big deal.
But the National WildlifeFederation opposes land sale
plan.
The National WildlifeFederation condemns Senator
Lee's revised land sale proposal, calling it a smokescreen for
developer profit.
The plan could sell 1.2 millionacres again, guys, of BLM land
(03:48):
that we can't get back,threatening mule, deer and
pronghorn habitat.
The group urges hunters tocontact senators to oppose the
bill.
It remains under review after aSenate ruling blocked its
budget inclusion.
I'm telling you right now, guys, I think of the animals I put
down last year.
Half of them were within fivemiles on BLM land of population
(04:10):
centers.
This bill cannot go.
Not one acre.
These stories keep coming fromall over the country.
California hunters oppose theGOP land sale bill.
Rural Californians, includinghunters in Northern California's
Cow Mountain, are pushing backagainst Senator Lee's land sale
(04:32):
plan.
The bill could sell up to 16million acres in California all
said and done, threateninghunting and fishing access.
Congressman Mike Thompsoncalled it a betrayal of public
land users.
Local groups are mobilizing toprotect recreational areas.
Again, guys call your senators,we're going to beat this one.
In Wyoming faces threat toiconic public lands.
(04:59):
A Wilderness Society map showsthat Wyoming's Green River,
fremont and New Fork Lakes areall at risk under the new plan
that Mike Lee has put togetherto sell our public lands.
Though revised, it does excludesome of the Forest Service
lands.
The plan still endangers BLMparcels, vital for hunting and
fishing.
(05:19):
Blm parcels vital for huntingand fishing.
Wyoming resident Neil Shorturged senators to oppose the
bill, citing its impact onoutdoor traditions.
It's happening in every state.
We're going to keep going.
Idaho's Boise foothills are atrisk in the revised land sale.
Senator Lee's updated proposalcould impact Idaho's BLM lands,
(05:42):
including the Boise foothills, apopular hunting and fishing
area.
The revised plan limits salesto within five miles of
population centers, butconservationists warn it
threatens mule deer habitat.
Local anglers and huntersobviously are urging opposition
before the July 4th budgetdeadline.
Guys, this affects all of us,whether you are Western or an
Eastern hunter.
(06:03):
We can't get these lands backand these lands are used by
people all over the UnitedStates.
Contact your senator, please.
What do you know?
Another one Pacific Northwestleaders slam Lee's land sale
plan.
Leaders in Oregon, washington,criticize Senator Lee's revised
(06:23):
plan to sell the BLM lands,citing risks to hunting and
fishing areas like Fish Lake onSteens Mountain.
The proposal could sell up to1.2 million acres, and
backcountry hunters and anglersemphasize the cultural value of
these lands for outdoor families.
The plan threatens iconicNorthwest hunting and fishing
destinations.
Guys, this is serious.
(06:44):
It's amazing how quickly thiscame up, and every time they say
that they're listening, theyjust revise it and try and take
more.
So please contact your senators.
Canada boosts Atlantic salmonconservation efforts.
On June 15th, canada announced$10 million to protect Atlantic
(07:06):
salmon in New Brunswick and NovaScotia.
The funding supports habitatrestoration and monitoring to
combat a 30% drop in salmonreturns since 2020.
Anglers are encouraged to adoptcatch and release practices and
the initiative aims tostabilize populations by 2030.
Stronger salmon stock benefitsCanadians and US anglers.
Canada's salmon plan is a realwin for Atlantic anglers.
(07:40):
That's a wrap for this week'sHunter's brief.
From public land fights tocommissioner controversies and
global fish rules, we've coveredthe wilds of outdoor news.
Join us next time for morestories to keep your boots muddy
and your lines tight.
Really, guys, though, I want toemphasize this public land sale
bill.
It can't go through.
If you're listening right now,just take the time to call once,
(08:00):
once per day.
Call all your senators.
Whatever you think you canmanage, let's do it.
The number to get theWashington DC line just say hey,
I want to talk to my localsenator or I want to talk to
Mike Lee is 202-224-3121.
Call them and let them knowthat not one acre is for sale.
(08:20):
Thank you, you guys.
Stay safe, hunt smart and keepthe wild in wildlife.
Howdy folks and welcome to the hunting stories
podcast.
The hunters brief, your quickshot of hunting and fishing news
from the last two weeks.
Sorry about that.
I missed last week because Iwas on vacation.
My bad, but I'm your host,michael, bringing you the latest
in wildlife, public lands,outdoor access with a sprinkle
of trailhead humor, fromnational debates to global
(00:26):
catches.
We've got 11 stories loaded up.
Let's hit the woods.
I'm tired of talking about thisone, but Mike Lee revises the
public land sale plan.
After a lot of backlash, utahSenator Mike Lee scaled back his
controversial proposal to selltwo to three million acres of
(00:47):
public land after bipartisanoutrage.
Announced on June 24th, therevised plan excludes US Forest
Service lands and limits Bureauof Land Management Sales to
anywhere from 600,000 to 1.2million acres and only near
population centers for housingspecifically.
Critics, including hunters,argue it threatens wildlife
(01:07):
habitat.
The Senate parliamentarianblocked the original plan from
the GOP bill.
But it's not good enough, mike.
If you guys are out there, callyour senators, call your local
senators, call Mike Lee.
Tell him not one acre.
This is way too vague.
There's way too many thingswrong with this and we can never
get our land back.
I said this on a post recently.
(01:29):
My grandpa said the only thingthey ain't making any more of is
dirt, so we can't sell thisstuff off, guys.
This is important to all of us.
I try my best to stay away fromopinions, but I think this is a
big one, and so please, if youcan contact your local senator
every day, contact Mike Leeevery day and let him know.
Not one acre.
(01:57):
Usda rescinds National ForestLogging protections.
On June 23rd, agriculturalSecretary Brooke Rawlins
announced the USDA will rescinda rule restricting logging on
natural forest lands.
Revealed at a Western GovernorsAssociation meeting in Santa Fe
.
The decision aims to reducewildfire risk but spark protests
from hunters and anglers.
Critics fear increased loggingcould disrupt wildlife habitats
(02:21):
and migration corridors.
The move aligns with many ofthe Trump administration
policies.
Reduced protections may limitaccess, of course, to prime
hunting grounds and impact manygame populations.
Logging's back, but don't letit clear-cut your favorite deer
stand.
(02:43):
Lorna Smith's anti-hunter talkat Colorado State sparks outrage
.
On June 18th, lorna Smith'santi-hunter talk at Colorado
State sparks outrage.
On June 18th, lorna Smith, aWashington Fish and Wildlife
Commissioner appointed byGovernor Jay Inslee in 2021,
spoke at Colorado StateUniversity in a presentation
called Wildlife Ethics in the21st Century.
Critics, including localhunters, slammed her for her
anti-hunting bias as sheadvocated for non-lethal
(03:05):
wildlife management anddownplayed hunting's
conservation role.
The Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation criticized the lack
of balanced perspectives.
Csu has not responded to thebacklash.
This is relevant becauseSmith's influence as a
commissioner could shapepolicies limiting hunting in
Washington and beyond.
Lorna's talk missed the marklike a rookie's first shot.
(03:26):
This is going to keep coming upbecause it is a big deal.
But the National WildlifeFederation opposes land sale
plan.
The National WildlifeFederation condemns Senator
Lee's revised land sale proposal, calling it a smokescreen for
developer profit.
The plan could sell 1.2 millionacres again, guys, of BLM land
(03:48):
that we can't get back,threatening mule, deer and
pronghorn habitat.
The group urges hunters tocontact senators to oppose the
bill.
It remains under review after aSenate ruling blocked its
budget inclusion.
I'm telling you right now, guys, I think of the animals I put
down last year.
Half of them were within fivemiles on BLM land of population
(04:10):
centers.
This bill cannot go.
Not one acre.
These stories keep coming fromall over the country.
California hunters oppose theGOP land sale bill.
Rural Californians, includinghunters in Northern California's
Cow Mountain, are pushing backagainst Senator Lee's land sale
(04:32):
plan.
The bill could sell up to 16million acres in California all
said and done, threateninghunting and fishing access.
Congressman Mike Thompsoncalled it a betrayal of public
land users.
Local groups are mobilizing toprotect recreational areas.
Again, guys call your senators,we're going to beat this one.
In Wyoming faces threat toiconic public lands.
(04:59):
A Wilderness Society map showsthat Wyoming's Green River,
fremont and New Fork Lakes areall at risk under the new plan
that Mike Lee has put togetherto sell our public lands.
Though revised, it does excludesome of the Forest Service
lands.
The plan still endangers BLMparcels, vital for hunting and
fishing.
(05:19):
Blm parcels vital for huntingand fishing.
Wyoming resident Neil Shorturged senators to oppose the
bill, citing its impact onoutdoor traditions.
It's happening in every state.
We're going to keep going.
Idaho's Boise foothills are atrisk in the revised land sale.
Senator Lee's updated proposalcould impact Idaho's BLM lands,
(05:42):
including the Boise foothills, apopular hunting and fishing
area.
The revised plan limits salesto within five miles of
population centers, butconservationists warn it
threatens mule deer habitat.
Local anglers and huntersobviously are urging opposition
before the July 4th budgetdeadline.
Guys, this affects all of us,whether you are Western or an
Eastern hunter.
(06:03):
We can't get these lands backand these lands are used by
people all over the UnitedStates.
Contact your senator, please.
What do you know?
Another one Pacific Northwestleaders slam Lee's land sale
plan.
Leaders in Oregon, washington,criticize Senator Lee's revised
(06:23):
plan to sell the BLM lands,citing risks to hunting and
fishing areas like Fish Lake onSteens Mountain.
The proposal could sell up to1.2 million acres, and
backcountry hunters and anglersemphasize the cultural value of
these lands for outdoor families.
The plan threatens iconicNorthwest hunting and fishing
destinations.
Guys, this is serious.
(06:44):
It's amazing how quickly thiscame up, and every time they say
that they're listening, theyjust revise it and try and take
more.
So please contact your senators.
Canada boosts Atlantic salmonconservation efforts.
On June 15th, canada announced$10 million to protect Atlantic
(07:06):
salmon in New Brunswick and NovaScotia.
The funding supports habitatrestoration and monitoring to
combat a 30% drop in salmonreturns since 2020.
Anglers are encouraged to adoptcatch and release practices and
the initiative aims tostabilize populations by 2030.
Stronger salmon stock benefitsCanadians and US anglers.
Canada's salmon plan is a realwin for Atlantic anglers.
(07:40):
That's a wrap for this week'sHunter's brief.
From public land fights tocommissioner controversies and
global fish rules, we've coveredthe wilds of outdoor news.
Join us next time for morestories to keep your boots muddy
and your lines tight.
Really, guys, though, I want toemphasize this public land sale
bill.
It can't go through.
If you're listening right now,just take the time to call once,
(08:00):
once per day.
Call all your senators.
Whatever you think you canmanage, let's do it.
The number to get theWashington DC line just say hey,
I want to talk to my localsenator or I want to talk to
Mike Lee is 202-224-3121.
Call them and let them knowthat not one acre is for sale.
(08:20):
Thank you, you guys.
Stay safe, hunt smart and keepthe wild in wildlife.
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