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 More

Hunter 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 More

Hunter 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 More

Florida’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 More

Pheasant 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 More

Bayou, Bucks & Ballots

Louisiana’s hunting heritage and Second Amendment momentum continue to surge in 2025. With constitutional carry now in full effect and SB 101 poised to remove school buffer zones, the state leads on firearm freedoms. Hunters see major gains too—from expanded deer limits and longer turkey seasons to increased black bear permits and new lifetime licenses for non-residents. Seniors benefit from broader primitive-season firearm options, while youth programs emphasize safe, accessible training. Political shifts, outdoor events, and new voter-registration tools keep sportsmen engaged. Stay informed, stay involved, and get ready for an action-packed 2025–2026 season.

Read More