Posts by Hunter Nation
Kentucky Wild Game Banquet Goes Big as Hunter Nation Leads the Conversation
More than 250 hunters packed the Audubon Country Club in Louisville on December 3 for the League of Kentucky Sportsmen’s Wild Game Banquet, turning the event into standing-room-only proof of the strength of Kentucky’s sporting community. With U.S. Senate candidates, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, state officials, and conservation officers in attendance, the night was as much about policy and advocacy as it was wild game and fellowship. Hunter Nation Founder and CEO Keith Mark delivered a keynote underscoring a clear message: if sportsmen want a seat at the table, they must stay engaged, organized, and active at the ballot box.
Read MoreHunter Nation Welcomes Sheila Musso as Louisiana State Director
Hunter Nation is proud to welcome Sheila Musso as Louisiana State Director, strengthening the organization’s grassroots presence in the Bayou State. With more than 25 years of executive leadership, conservation advocacy, and community engagement, Sheila brings a deep understanding of Louisiana’s hunting culture and the challenges facing sportsmen today. Raised in the outdoors, she views hunting as heritage, responsibility, and family tradition. At a critical moment for wildlife policy and hunter access, her leadership will focus on unifying hunters, expanding grassroots networks, and advancing ethical, science-based conservation. Sheila’s appointment marks an important step in protecting Louisiana’s hunting traditions for generations to come.
Read MoreHunter Nation Arizona: State Director Derek Matthews, Ph.D.
Hunter Nation is proud to announce Derek Matthews, Ph.D., as the new Arizona State Director. Raised in rural Illinois where faith, family, and hunting shaped daily life, Derek brings a deep-rooted commitment to protecting America’s hunting heritage. Now based in Arizona, his background spans grassroots organizing, executive leadership, and political involvement, giving him a unique ability to unite sportsmen and families around shared values. As a father of three, Derek views this mission as deeply personal—ensuring future generations inherit the same freedoms and outdoor traditions. His leadership marks an important step forward in strengthening Hunter Nation’s presence and impact across Arizona.
Read MoreFlorida’s Black Bear Hunt: A Conservation Success Worth Defending
Florida’s 2025 black bear hunt marked a major conservation milestone, reopening for the first time since 2015 after decades of successful recovery efforts. Once reduced to just a few hundred bears in the 1970s, Florida’s black bear population now exceeds 4,000 thanks to science-based wildlife management. Despite fierce opposition and legal challenges from anti-hunting groups, demand for the hunt was overwhelming, with more than 163,000 applicants for just 172 permits. The season stands as a clear example of responsible hunting playing a vital role in conservation success.
Read MoreHunter Nation Mobilizes Wisconsin Sportsmen in Green Bay: Town Hall Draws Engaged Crowd to Advance Wolf Management and Voter Turnout
When hunters, anglers, and trappers gathered at Stadium View Bar & Grill in Green Bay on November 14, the message was clear: Wisconsin’s sportsmen are ready to fight for their values—and they’re showing up at the ballot box to make it happen. Hosted by Hunter Nation, the town hall brought together grassroots advocates and elected leaders to tackle two critical issues: returning wolf management to the state and mobilizing Wisconsin’s 521,000 hunters as a powerful voting bloc.
Read MoreHunter Nation applauds Senator Rob Stafsholt and Representative Chanz Green for advancing wolf population goal legislation in Wisconsin
MADISON, WI – Hunter Nation commends Senator Rob Stafsholt (R–New Richmond) and Representative Chanz Green (R–Grand View) for introducing legislation that requires the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to include a clear statewide wolf population goal in its wolf management plan. This important bill responds to the DNR’s recently approved wolf rule, which moved forward without a numeric population goal despite concerns raised by legislators and stakeholders. This critical legislation addresses a significant gap in Wisconsin’s current wolf management framework.
Read MoreWisconsin State Updates & News
Wisconsin’s DNR recently reported a drop in the state’s wolf population, estimating 1,226 wolves in 2025—102 fewer than last year and below the biological carrying capacity of 1,242. Even with a claimed 95% credible interval, these numbers raise serious concerns about the agency’s management. Meanwhile, Hunter Nation members successfully documented 3.4% of the statewide population in just four locations, further highlighting inconsistencies in the DNR’s approach. Adding to the frustration, a state audit revealed the DNR spent less than half of its Fish & Wildlife Account on programs benefiting hunters and anglers. Hunter Nation will continue fighting for accountability.
Read MorePheasant Hunting in Pennsylvania: A Day to Remember
A crisp November morning at Trophy Mountain Upland Bird Hunts set the stage for a memorable group outing with Hunter Nation. Frosted fields, dense cover and skilled dog work defined the rhythm of the day, creating the kind of camaraderie upland hunters cherish. This experience unfolded against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s long-standing pheasant-management efforts and the state’s recent shift to expanded Sunday hunting. With new Sunday opportunities now available, more hunters can join gatherings like this one, strengthening traditions and opening the door for broader participation in the upland community.
Read MoreCongressman Tiffany & Hunter Nation’s Keith Mark Talk Wolves, CWD & DNR Policy at Event in Green Bay
Hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts packed Stadium View Bar & Grill Friday night for Hunter Nation’s Green Bay Town Hall featuring Congressman Tom Tiffany and Hunter Nation Founder Keith Mark — a powerful evening focused on protecting Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage and the traditional values that define America’s hunting community.
Hosted by the Hunter Nation Wisconsin Chapter, the event brought together hunters from across the state to discuss issues including wolf management, Wisconsin DNR policy, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and the growing need for hunters to become active participants in elections. It was an evening of fellowship, open discussion, and a reminder that hunters are not just keepers of tradition — they are a political and cultural force defending freedom itself.
Hunter Nation Brands of Freedom – Krate Tactical
Hunter Nation is proud to partner with Krate Tactical, a Veteran-owned company committed to freedom, faith, and protecting America’s hunting heritage. This holiday season, members can save big on Krate Tactical’s Out The Front (OTF) knives — fast-deploying, reliable everyday carry tools backed by a lifetime warranty. With 35% off all OTF knives and a $10 donation from every knife sold, this partnership delivers both value and impact. Whether you’re in the field or looking for the perfect gift for the outdoorsman in your life, you’ll be supporting a mission that defends hunting rights and the American way of life.
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