News & Commentary
Please email media@wildlifeforall.us with press inquiries.
When Journalism Stops Seeking Truth
The Mountain Daily Star covered our Arizona petition in a story that was not journalism—it was a one-sided defense of the status quo.
Why Arizona Game and Fish Needs Reform
Why Arizona Game and Fish Needs Reform Preordained and Denied: Arizona Fish and Game Commission Rejects Calls to End Hounding Yesterday, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission held its long-awaited meeting to consider our petition to ban the use of hounds in the hunting...
Disappointment in Arizona: Commission Rejects Petition to End Hounding
Despite powerful testimony, compelling evidence, and widespread public support, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission today voted to reject a petition that would have initiated a rulemaking process to ban the controversial practice of wildlife hounding.
April Wildlife Commission Meetings
Here is a list of all the states with April wildlife commission meetings, listed from first to last by date.
LoboWeek 2025 Is A Call To Action
LoboWeek2025 offers an opportunity to celebrate and advocate for one of the most endangered mammals in North America: the Mexican gray wolf.
Coyote Awareness Week: Challenging Fear, Embracing Coexistence
Coyotes are one of the most persecuted wild animals in North America. Celebrate Coyote Awareness Week to change the conversation.
When Beavers Do It Better
Beavers aren’t just dam-builders; they’re ecosystem engineers who create wetlands, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity. Yet in North America, they’re often trapped and killed as nuisances.
Arizonans Rally Against Hounding—and HB 2552
More than 50 Arizonans rally against hounding in a webinar to support a rulemaking petition to end hound hunting of wildlife in the state.
End Hound Hunting In Arizona
End hound hunting in Arizona to protect wildlife. Arizona’s Game & Fish Department has a legal duty to protect the state’s wildlife.
New Mexico Reform Bill SB 5 Passes the Senate
Groundbreaking New Mexico wildlife governance reform bill SB 5 passes the Senate and now moves onward to the House.
March Wildlife Commission Meetings
Here is a list of all the states with March wildlife commission meetings, listed from first to last by date.
Arizona Officials Back Bill to Undermine Wildlife Protections, Silence Public
After Wildlife for All and partners submitted a petition to the AZ Game & Fish Commission, Arizona officials wrote a bill to stop our work.
Right to Hunt Amendments: a Solution in Search of a Problem
Right to Hunt amendments are a solution in search of a problem. Why Right to Hunt constitutional amendments are a solution in search of a problem Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about the power of language and the ways in which entrenched hunting interests manipulate...
Why Words Matter in Wildlife Management
Words matter in wildlife management. Many terms used in wildlife management reinforce outdated, harmful, and even violent narratives.
The Truth About Wildlife Killing Contests
Wildlife killing contests are nothing more than bloodsport disguised as “tradition,” “predator control,” or “wildlife management.”
What Happens When Science Takes a Backseat to Politics?
What happens when science takes a backseat to politics? Why do political biases so often determine which species live and which die?
A Small Group Can Change the World Because We Must
Never doubt that a small group can change the world, because we must. History shows that when we stand up, we can change our course.
The Wildlife Wire: Mandy Culbertson
Wildlife for All Communications Director Mandy Culbertson had the chance to discuss how language is used to normalize harm to wildlife in depth on the Wildlife Wire podcast with Mark Surls and Samantha Miller of the Colorado Wildlife Alliance. Listen to Podcast ►
Changing the Narrative to Change the Future
Changing the narrative is crucial to build the world we want to live in. To change conversations, we have to change the narrative.
Black History Month is a Call to Action
Black History Month reminds us: our fight must be intersectional, or it isn’t justice at all. Wildlife advocacy must include justice for all.
Celebrating Kevin Bixby
Celebrating Kevin Bixby: After decades of tireless work to protect wildlife and wildlands, Kevin Bixby is retiring—leaving behind an incredible legacy of advocacy, courage, and leadership.
February Wildlife Commission Meetings
Here is a list of all the states with February wildlife commission meetings, listed from first to last by date.
Pass the New Mexico Green Amendment
The New Mexico Green Amendment would establish constitutional protections for environmental rights like free speech and equal protection.
Nevada Wildlife Commission rejects petition to protect mountain lions
The Nevada Wildlife Commission rejected a petition to protect mountain lions by reforming trapping regulations in their January 24 meeting.
New Mexico Wildlife Reform Bill Introduced
A New Mexico wildlife reform bill introduced today offers a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to modernize wildlife management and protect New Mexico’s rich biodiversity.
Wildlife Commissioners Who Stand For Wildlife Become Targets
When wildlife commissioners stand for true wildlife conservation, they become targets of the pro-trophy hunting lobby.
Make Nuisance Trapping in California More Humane
Tell the California Wildlife Resources Committee at their meeting on January 15: make nuisance trapping in California more humane.
Prevent Bobcat Trapping in Indiana
We need your voice to prevent bobcat trapping in Indiana; speak up at a critical public hearing on January 16th.
30th Anniversary of Wolf Reintroduction: Changing the Narrative
Today, January 12, marks the 30th anniversary of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho, of a monumental moment in conservation history.
Grizzly Bears Stay Protected – For Now
A significant development for wildlife: grizzly bears stay protected. USFWS declined to remove grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act.
WDFW Escalates War on Wolves with Columbia Pack Decision
WDFW escalates war on wolves with yesterday’s lethal removal decision targeting the Columbia Pack wolves in an increasingly aggressive stance.
January Wildlife Commission Meetings
It's time to get active in January Wildlife Commission Meetings. January Wildlife Commission Meetings Welcome to 2025, wildlife advocates! As we start this new year, let's kick it off with activism. Wildlife commission meetings are critical opportunities to influence...
USFWS Investigating Illegal Killing of Copper Creek Male
Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced they are investigating the illegal killing of a gray wolf in Grand County.
Missouri Man Illegally Killed a Mountain Lion
In November, a Missouri man illegally shot and killed a mountain lion that had traveled more than 400 miles.
Colorado Wildlife Commission January Action Alert
A baseless lawsuit is targeting the Colorado Wildlife Commission as a whole and two commissioners individually. Take action!
End the Incidental Trapping of Nevada’s Mountain Lions
End the incidental trapping of Nevada’s mountain lions. Incidental trapping harms one of every six or seven mountain lions in Nevada.
SCB Webinar Series on State Wildlife Governance Reform
Society for Conservation Biology announces webinar series on state wildlife governance reform For years, many of us in this field have talked about the need for wildlife governance reform. We’ve called for more inclusive decision-making processes, more attention to...
Wildlife Crossings: A No-Brainer
Wildlife crossings are a no-brainer for coexistence. No animal should die in a car accident when it could be saved by a wildlife crossing.
Conservation of What, Management for Whom
The stakes for wildlife have never been higher. We’re forced to confront a critical question: Conservation of what, and management for whom?
Wildlife for All Welcomes New Board Member Kavya Parsa
Wildlife for All, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming wildlife management to be more inclusive, compassionate, and ecologically driven, is thrilled to announce that Kavya Parsa has joined its Board of Directors.
Take action at the 12/6 Arizona Wildlife Commission meeting
We need your voice at the Arizona Wildlife Commission meeting on December 6 to protect Arizona’s wildlife and public lands.
Ban Dog Pack Hunting in Arizona
Wildlife for All Cosigns Petition to Ban Dog Pack Hunting in Arizona SANTA FE, N.M.—Wildlife for All is proud to join conservation groups in petitioning the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to ban the use of dog packs in hunting wildlife including mountain lions and...
East Slope Mountain Lion Discussion Reveals Hunting Is Unnecessary
On Friday, debate at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on the East Slope Mountain Lion Management Plan, heard a former employee that led the state’s mountain lion program for years admit that hunting mountain lions isn’t necessary.
Action Alert: CPW Commission Meeting Nov. 14-15
Trophy hunting groups are targeting Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) commissioners who supported Prop 127; pack the room to show support!
Florida Amendment 2 Passes, A Backward Step For Wildlife
Wildlife for All statement on Florida voters approving Amendment 2, a constitutional amendment affirming hunting and fishing as protected rights.
Colorado Prop 127 Fails To Ban Trophy Hunting Amidst Misinformation Campaign
Statement from Wildlife for All in response to Colorado Prop 127 failing to pass, a ballot initiative to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting in the state.
Hunting is Not a Constitutional Right: Florida Amendment 2
Beneath the guise of “protecting” rights, Florida Amendment 2 would further entrench the inherently undemocratic nature of wildlife management.
Hunting Wild Cats Is Trophy Hunting
Colorado’s Prop 127 would end mountain lion trophy hunting. Animals that are trophy hunted are not hunted for food, but for entertainment.
Reforming Wildlife Management: Case Studies Reveal Systemic Issues
Recent cases of fraudulent actions by guides and hunters have brought to light deeper systemic issues in wildlife management.
Debunking The “Ballot Box Biology” Myth
The term “ballot box biology” is a myth trophy hunting groups use to maintain their outsized power and influence over wildlife policy.
Valuing Animals As Individuals
Valuing animals as individuals is essential because each animal has intrinsic worth — including unique experiences and emotions— and a vital role within their ecosystem. Individual-level valuation recognizes the importance of compassion and ethical treatment of...
Who Is The Anti-Wolf Lobby?
Journalists in Utah have revealed that an anti-wolf lobby group fraudulently misused public tax dollars to fund its activities, highlighting the entrenched power and corruption of the anti-carnivore lobbyists within state wildlife management.
The ESA Is The Floor, Not The Ceiling
The ESA is the floor, not the ceiling. It can’t bring wolves back to full species recovery, and we can’t rely on its protections forever.
The Power of People Who Care
We know fighting for change in environmental and wildlife issues can feel overwhelming, but people who care really can make a difference.
New Mexico Game & Fish Cancels Squirrel Killing Contest
Last week, a Wildlife for All board member, along with other concerned citizens in New Mexico, helped to stop a squirrel killing contest.
Florida Wildlife Federation joins growing list of opponents to Florida “right-to-hunt” ballot initiative
The Florida Wildlife Federation is the latest group—and the first sportsmen’s organization—to announce its opposition to the so-called “Right to Hunt” amendment on the November ballot in Florida.
Rolling Stone: Inside the Growing and Controversial World of Wildlife-Killing Contests
Rolling Stone’s “Inside the Growing and Controversial World of Wildlife-Killing Contests” details the culture war over ethical hunting.
New Survey Reveals Strong Support for Wildlife Policy Reform
A new nationwide survey conducted by Colorado State University and Project Coyote reveals strong support for criminalizing acts of cruelty to wildlife, including practices like running over wolves with snowmobiles.
New Mexico Loses Another Wildlife Commissioner
Friday, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation released news that Edward Garcia resigned from the New Mexico Game Commission effective Aug. 1. While there is no additional information available at this time, the loss of yet another commissioner adds additional weight to...
Committee Fails To Ban Snowmobiling Over Wildlife
A Wyoming State Legislature Committee had the opportunity to address the public’s overwhelming demand to ban snowmobiling over wildlife—but didn’t.
Hunters Need Predators
Recent research on ungulate diseases like CWD calls into question the wisdom of states’ permissive, in some cases unrestricted, hunting and trapping of cougars, wolves, coyotes and bobcats. If the whole of nature is good, no part can be bad. It’s time for all hunters to recognize predators as allies, not competitors.
WDFW Issues Another Wolf Kill Order for Couse Pack
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved a wolf kill order yesterday for the Couse wolf pack in southeast Washington.
Wild Ground is Common Ground
In a recent op-ed, Will Marlier pushes back against the narrative often repeated in the wildlife management community that interest in hunting is waning because young/urban people are disconnected from nature and too immersed in their screens.
New Study Critiques Misleading Trapping Standards
A groundbreaking peer-reviewed study critically evaluates the methodology that U.S. state wildlife agencies heavily rely on to justify trapping.
Why Florida’s Right to Hunt Amendment is Unnecessary
Wildlife for All has joined with other groups in opposing a so-called “Right to Hunt” ballot initiative in Florida that would tie wildlife managers’ hands and privilege hunters and anglers over the majority of the public. Read more here.
New Mexico’s Green Amendment
A proposed amendment to the state constitution would guarantee New Mexicans the right to healthy environments, ecosystems, and a safe climate. It would also hugely benefit wildlife by acknowledging that native species are to be protected on behalf of future generations as part of the public trust.
The Role of Wildlife Governance in Rewilding
State wildlife agencies are failing to restore and protect wildlife because they prioritize hunting, fishing and trapping over ecological conservation, according to a new study in the journal Bioscience.
Wyoming Wolf Torture Incident Highlights Need to Drastically Reform State Wildlife Management
Wildlife for All and partners renewed our call for Wyoming and other states to overhaul their wildlife management policies in the wake of an incident of a wolf having been captured and tortured in Wyoming.
A Proposed VT Bill Would Add Nonhunters to the Fish and Wildlife Board
A bill in Vermont would democratize wildlife policy making by adding nonhunters to the state wildlife board. This NY Times article links it to similar efforts to shake up wildlife management in other states.
Do cougars require killing?
A ballot initiative in Colorado would ban the hunting of cougars. Opponents say it would eliminate an essential management tool. This hunter doesn’t buy it.
For Asha, Let Nature Takes Its Course
In a heartfelt op-ed for the Santa Fe New Mexican, WFA Executive Director Dr. Michelle Lute reflects on the tragic death of Asha, the first Mexican wolf to cross into northern New Mexico in decades.
Proposed Washington State Policy Seeks to Define, Prioritize “Conservation”
Although it is found in many state statutes, the term “wildlife conservation” is seldom defined, leading to widespread confusion about the purpose of state wildlife management. One state wildlife commission decided to do something about it. The result was surprisingly controversial.
Read more here.
Lawsuit Challenges NJ Law Giving Hunters Majority on State Fish and Wildlife Council
A former New Jersey state senator filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a state law that effectively gives hunting groups the power to select a majority of the 11-member NJ Fish and Wildlife Council, which sets wildlife policy for the state. The legal challenge was filed in response to the state’s decision to allow a bear hunt in each of the next five years. The judge denied a preliminary injunction to halt the hunt which began this month.
Read more here.
Stop next week’s bear hunt wildlife conservationists plead
A lawsuit to stop the New Jersey black bear hunt emphasizes the need for modern, science-based solutions that prioritize coexistence and respect for wildlife.
Wildlife for All joins call to end federal funding for state wildlife killing efforts
In response to the state of Alaska killing more than 100 bears and wolves by helicopter in June, supposedly to increase caribou numbers, a coalition of 35 wildlife and Indigenous groups, including Wildlife for All, sent a letter to Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland in August, renewing their demand that federal funds be withheld from states that practice or sanction the killing of native carnivores like wolves.
Read more here.
Wildlife reforms advance in Colorado with Governor Polis’ latest commission appointments
“Facing escalating threats from climate change, habitat destruction and species extinction, Colorado’s rich natural heritage hangs in the balance — but the recent appointment of three new CPW commissioners offers hope for safeguarding wildlife and the outdoors for all,” says one Colorado hunter.
Read more at the Colorado Politics website
Wolf Connection #137: Michelle Lute
Michelle Lute is the Co-Executive Director for Wildlife For All, whose mission is to reform wildlife management in the U.S. to be more democratic, compassionate and focused on protecting wild species and ecosystems. She is a conservation scientist and advocate with...
Sen. Baldwin’s ‘Midwest Gray Wolf Delisting’ Bill epitomizes abysmal wildlife policy
Current wolf conservation policies epitomize the bias of state and federal agencies to allow unjustified and unscientific lethal control through undemocratic processes that ignore diverse public values. As a result, wolves are used as a political bargaining tool by Republicans and Democrats alike. The latest move to delist wolves by US Senators Baldwin and Klobuchar is no exception.
Read this statement by Wildlife for All and our partners to learn more.
State wildlife agencies focus on ‘hook and bullet’ work. Some see a new path. Washington state aims for a broader conservation role.
“Most state wildlife agencies have followed the North American model for wildlife for a century or more,” said state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, a Democrat who championed the measure. “It’s worth looking — is there a better model?” This Stateline article by Alex Brown looks at steps Washington State is taking to democratize and modernize its wildlife management, along the lines Wildlife for All’s reform agenda.
Read more at the Stateline website
NM Governor vetoes bill to overhaul Game Commission
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham pocket vetoed a bipartisan bill passed by the NM Legislature that would have made the NM Game Commission more professional and representative of the broad public interest in wildlife. The bill was backed by Wildlife for All and a broad coalition of NM groups, ranging from hunters to animal welfare advocates. The governor’s office has not offered an explanation for her veto.
Read more at the Santa Fe New Mexican website
Webinar: Beyond Wildlife Policy to Social Justice: Rethinking Wildlife Management in the U.S.
Join us for a one-hour introduction to Wildlife for All, a national campaign to reform wildlife management in the U.S. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 11 am PST/2 pm EST.
Hunting group recognizes Wildlife for All as leader of democratization effort
A national hunting group has identified Wildlife for All as the leader of efforts to democratize wildlife management in the U.S.
Read more at the MeatEater website
Hunting group files lawsuit against Washington wildlife commissioner, says more legal actions to come
By Eli Francovich
The Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has sued WDFW Commissioner Lorna Smith, claiming that she is “pushing an extremist view of fish and wildlife management and is adamantly opposed to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.”
Are Butterflies Wildlife? Depends Where You Live
By Catrin Einhorn
“‘State agencies are really at the forefront of conservation for wildlife,’ said Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society, a nonprofit group that advocates for insect conservation. ‘But in these states where they can’t work on insects, or in some cases any invertebrates, they don’t. So, you see things just languish.'”
State wildlife management: A crisis of legitimacy
By Charles Fox
“The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish supports itself by selling off the public’s wildlife for recreational killing. But the vast majority of New Mexicans who do not hunt or fish never agreed to this arrangement, and have virtually no say in how their wildlife is managed.”
Wildlife management in New Mexico needs modernizing
By Bryan Bird & Kevin Bixby
“The time for the [New Mexico Department of Game and Fish] to pivot from being a relic of the past to a modern, wildlife conservation agency is long overdue. With the number of species moving toward extinction growing daily, the need is urgent. The Legislature needs to pass modernization and commission reform legislation while also approving license fee increases. It can do that with HB 184 and HB 486.”
Game Commission reorganization should become law
By Christopher Smith
“House Bill 184 would improve the State Game Commission, the appointed body that oversees the Department of Game and Fish. The legislation, which already passed its first committee, would help create a commission that represents all New Mexicans and insulates wildlife policy decisions from political whims and financial influence.”
Bills aim to overhaul New Mexico Game and Fish management
By Nathan Brown
Two bills focused on reforming wildlife management were recently heard before a New Mexico House Committee. HB 183 would have abolished the state’s Game and Fish Department, while HB 184 would change the way that seats are allocated on the State Wildlife Commission. HB 183 was defeated, but HB 184 made it out of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee on a 6-3 vote.
Hunting group to sue Gov. Inslee alleging biased commission appointments
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is finally starting to represent the values of all Washingtonians, yet fringe hunting groups have decided to sue the Governor because they feel that the 2% of Washington residents who hunt are not “represented” on the Commission. Almost 50% of the Commissioners are hunters.
Walter Medwid: Fish & Wildlife is unlike any other department in state government
Wildlife for All Advisory Committee member Walter Medwid wrote commentary for the Vermont Digger to highlight the necessity of reforming the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board.
“The largely uncredentialed Fish and Wildlife Board holds broad regulatory and public policy authority over all game species without the benefit of the public’s voice at the table.”
December 2022 Newsletter
From the Desk of the Executive Director: The Elephant Not In The Room; Did You Know…; This Inspires Us: The Intersectional Environmentalist; Our Coalition Partner: TrapFree Montana; New foundation funder, The Fund for Wild Nature; Join Now.
Port Townsend Washington recognizes rights of orcas
Last week, the city of Port Townsend acknowledged the endangered southern resident orcas who call the region home had rights.
New Mexico needs modern wildlife management
By Kevin Bixby
Kevin Bixby, the Executive Director of Wildlife for All, explores the inadequate and dated system of wildlife governance in New Mexico in this op-ed. “To protect our wildlife and stave off extinctions here, modernization is imperative.”
A Legislature Removing Sportsmanship, Democracy, and Soul of the People from the State
By Michael McFadzen, Amy Mueller, and Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila
“Wildlife is not the province of consumptive users; wildlife concerns us all. And respecting wild animals means moving beyond harm to care. It means allowing wildlife to thrive, for everyone’s sake.”
Should Utah pay $50 bounties on coyotes killed in controversial contests?
By Brian Maffly
“Late fall marks the resumption of Utah’s wildlife killing contests, where an unknown number of coyotes and other animals are shot by teams angling to take the largest haul of dead “dogs” stacked in the bed of their pickups by the end of the day.”
Events such as these are legal because wildlife managers are trained to ignore the interests of individual animals and only focus on the impacts on populations and species.
Hybrid striped bass introduced into Caballo Lake
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish just released over 40,000 hybrid striped bass into Caballo Lake in southern New Mexico. This story illustrates the absurdity of introducing a fish that is a hybrid of two nonnative, piscivorous (fish-eating) species into the state’s waters. There is no conservation value in introducing this fish, only the intention to increase fishing license sales.
Press Release: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission Votes to Permanently Eliminate Recreational Spring Bear Hunting
Press Release, Washington Wildlife First
Today, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 to eliminate recreational spring bear hunting.
“‘We thank the Commissioners for their courage, dedication to scientific integrity and ethical wildlife management, and commitment to representing the values of the people of Washington,’ says Samantha Bruegger, executive director of Washington Wildlife First.”
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A Bear Hunt is not the Answer, Governor Murphy
By Elissa Frank
“We need to resolve human-bear conflicts using sound science, and we humans must adopt common sense behaviors…Trophy hunting has no role to play in mitigating the kind of human-bear conflict characteristic of our state.”
New poll suggests Washington wildlife management is out of touch with the public
By Eli Frankcovich
In a poll of Washington state residents recently conducted by Washington Wildlife First, “a majority of Washington voters believe state wildlife managers’ goal should be ‘preserving and protecting fish and wildlife,’ while only 20% believed that WDFW’s goal should be maximize hunting and fishing opportunities.