The Origins Foundation Podcast: Roundup 166

Date: February 18, 2026
Hosts: The Origins Foundation team (Speakers A & B)

Episode Overview

In this lively weekly roundup, the hosts dive into the latest conservation and hunting legislative updates across the United States, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes from recent industry events, and set the stage for the upcoming Safari Club International (SCI) convention in Nashville. The episode embodies the Foundation’s mission to champion hunting’s role in conservation, encourage principled advocacy, and provide in-depth analysis of policy developments affecting hunters and wildlife. Expect candid banter, informed commentary, and a few moments of comic relief as the hosts reflect on both personal and national happenings in the hunting community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Defending Hunting Narratives

• The episode opens with a reaffirmation of why the movement began:

  “Five years ago, there was a reason why I started this movement. ... We need to champion the truth around what we do and who we are.”
  (A, 00:02)

• Emphasis is placed on the need to proactively tell hunting’s story and support policy and community action.

2. Personal Updates & Travel Antics

• The hosts share some lighthearted personal updates:
  • Family life disrupted by school closures, flu outbreaks, and “Icemageddon” in Memphis.
    (01:15 – 03:00)
  • Fun aside on pets:

    “Let me close this door because I have a little wiener dog.”
    (A, 00:51)

• Both hosts have been traveling frequently for hunting-related business and are excited for in-person meetings at SCI.

3. Legislation Season: The Busy Time for Policy and Advocacy

• Discussion on how legislatures across the country are active, with many bills affecting hunting and conservation in play.
  • Speaker B notes a more positive attitude this year:

    “I have been really pleasantly surprised so far this year with our legislators—give credit where credit is due.”
    (B, 02:19)

• There is criticism of “pay to play” politics and concern about lobbying’s undue influence on legislation.

  “It’s amazing how many bills across the country are passed as a thank you for a really nice steak dinner and a bottle of wine.”
  (B, 03:46)

4. Event Preview: Safari Club International (SCI) Convention

• Both hosts preview the upcoming SCI Convention in Nashville (Feb 21), expressing excitement about networking, a new film premiere, and the unique atmosphere.
  • Advice for newcomers on what to expect at major industry gatherings.
  • Descriptions of the influencer scene at events like NWTF vs. SCI.

    “No costumes necessarily, but like really flashy put together. Yeah, outfits.”
    (B, 11:46)

5. Alphabetical Legislative Roundup

A. Arizona

• Headline: Arizona’s political balance and “right to hunt and fish” bill:
  • The state is described as “moments away from flipping” in terms of contentious hunting ballot initiatives, but has a strong and thoughtful commission.
  • Republicans currently control both legislative chambers, but the governor is a Democrat (Katie Hobbs).
  • Passage of an important “right to hunt and fish” bill out of committee; broad, bipartisan coalition support.

    “That’s a really good bill and we are looking forward to hopefully seeing that pass.”
    (B, 17:30)

• Wolf Legislation:
  • Multiple controversial bills focused on Mexican gray wolf management:
    • Bills to delist wolves from the Endangered Species Act, allow landowners to kill wolves, and cut conservation funding are highlighted.

    “2159 is blatantly at odds with the Endangered Species Act ... the sponsors have said, yeah, we know that, but then that sets us up to be able to institute a lawsuit.”
    (B, 21:14)

  • Hosts note the irony of parallel issues (wild horses vs. wolves) and share behind-the-scenes animal management challenges, such as wolves being fed horse meat.

    “The public is unaware of this ... the wolves are being fed horse meat.”
    (B, 23:30)

B. Colorado

• Key Update: March 5th will see a wave of citizen petitions at the commission level, including an attempted ban on the sale of fur.
  • Previous ballot initiatives on similar issues failed; hosts expect this one to fail as well, but are monitoring closely.

    “Fur in Colorado ... beaver, felt hats, cowboy hats ... fly ties, elk caddis ... all going through the commission.”
    (A & B, 27:05–27:26)

C. Georgia

• Noteworthy Developments:
  • Passage of Senate Bill 148 (Hunter Education in Schools Bill): Will allow (but not require) schools to offer hunter safety education as part of curriculum.

    “It will be taught by a DNR-certified hunter education instructor ... schools have apparently been very receptive.”
    (B, 28:15–29:09)

  • House Bill 946 will expand feral hog hunting rules, including drone usage for locating (not shooting) hogs.

D. Mississippi

• Big News: Senate passes a bear harvest bill (SB 2436) for the 2027–28 season, authorizing a limited, science-based harvest managed by lottery tags.
  • Non-residents can participate beginning several years down the line, with a strict tag percentage cap for outsiders.

    “I don’t hate this bill ... as long as they let the agency and the commission determine in accordance with the number of bears that they have.”
    (B, 36:24)

• Another Landmark: Possible passage (for the 12th attempt) of mandatory harvest check for white-tailed deer.
  • Mississippi is the only state without it; “lack of education, belief, non-belief in science” cited as reasons for historic opposition.

    “Please call your senators ... this is good for wildlife. We need this bill in Mississippi.”
    (B, 41:11)

E. Indiana

• Controversy: House Bill 1003 seeks to dissolve the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), shifting powers to the Department of Natural Resources or executive branch.
  • Conservation groups oppose this as it would reduce public voice and transparency in hunting and fishing rulemaking.

    “Congressional Sportsman foundation says: ‘Shortsighted Bill to Eliminate Indiana Natural Resources Commission’ ... commissions provide dedicated forum for hunters, anglers, and trappers to voice their opinions to an appointed body.”
    (A quoting CSF, 44:40)

F. Oregon

• Imminent Threat: State is close to qualifying a radical animal-rights ballot initiative (formerly IP13/IP3), which would ban hunting, fishing, and even artificial insemination of livestock.

  “They’re like 25,000 signatures away from it becoming a public ballot initiative ... it makes hunting, fishing, artificial insemination ... everything banned, including agriculture.”
  (A, 46:20)

G. Washington State

• All activity is tied to the commission, with little movement in the legislature.
• Episode closes with a bit of exasperation over persistent, commission-level management and policy issues.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Political Frustration:

  “It’s really hard not to take legislation personally ... I just get so frustrated with these people passing laws ... just as favors for lobbyists.”
  (B, 02:41)

• Comic Relief:

  “I have a little wiener dog. What are you laughing? Because I said wiener.”
  (A, 00:51)

• Technology in Conservation:

  “You can buy cheap, cheap, cheap drones ... $109 drone ... it just needs to find a turkey for me.”
  (A & B, 30:44–31:35)

• On Consistency in Policy:

  “If we do not have self-sustaining populations, what are we doing here?”
  (B, 23:25)

• Legislative Call to Action:

  “Please send them emails. Please call them and say, like, this is good for wildlife. We need this bill in Mississippi, because we really do.”
  (B, 41:11)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:02–03:58: Opening reflections on the movement, hunting’s narrative, personal banter about family, travel, and illness
• 04:00–05:56: Legislative “busy season,” lobbying, how hunting community feels about statehouses
• 09:56–13:33: SCI/NWTF conventions, influencer culture, networking opportunities in Nashville
• 13:45–20:57: Arizona legislative roundup: right to hunt and wolf management bills
• 26:18–28:08: Colorado update: upcoming commission meeting, fur and wolf citizen petitions
• 28:15–31:49: Georgia update: hunter education, feral hog hunting expansion, drone technologies
• 32:01–37:13: Mississippi: bear harvest bill, legislative process, agency science considerations
• 38:16–41:55: Mississippi: white-tailed deer harvest check bill, arguments and history of opposition, urgent advocacy call
• 42:04–44:40: Indiana: proposal to eliminate the Natural Resources Commission, implications for public oversight
• 45:41–46:28: Oregon: radical anti-hunting ballot initiative, agriculture and wildlife management
• 46:53–47:37: Washington State: commission drama, ongoing management conflicts
• 47:46–48:32: Wrap-up, info for listeners attending SCI this week, closing remarks

Tone & Style

The conversation is candid and passionate, laced with humor, playful jabs, and moments of sincerity. The hosts convey deep knowledge of policy and advocacy, mix in self-deprecating jokes, and periodically break to encourage listener involvement or poke fun at themselves (“Ashley’s lonely, somebody text it, please,” (A, 25:32)). The language is direct, supportive of science-based management, and unapologetically pro-hunting conservation.

For Listeners

This episode is a dynamic update useful for anyone wanting the latest on hunting-related politics, conservation news, and the intersection of advocacy and everyday life in the outdoors community. For those attending SCI, don’t miss the hosts’ invitation to connect at the event in Nashville—“Come have a drink on us!” (A, 08:58).

Contact the Podcast:
Text: 601-790-0607
Show up at SCI in Nashville (Feb 21-23), Friday 4pm, Omni Ballroom AE for the film premiere and meet-up.