Questions to Ask Midterm Candidates About Conservation, Hunting, and Habitat

As a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) conservation organization, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. We believe our members can (and should!) make their own decisions at the ballot box. One way to do that is by asking candidates where they stand on the issues that matter to you—not just about the issues that make headlines, but about the places, wildlife, and outdoor traditions that matter in your community.

With the 2026 midterm election season underway, here are some questions hunters, landowners, and other conservation-minded voters can ask candidates for local, state and federal office:

1. What role should government play in conserving and improving wildlife habitat?

Ask candidates how they would support habitat on public and private lands while balancing conservation goals with the needs and rights of landowners.

2. How would you support voluntary conservation by private landowners?

Programs that help farmers, ranchers, and other landowners voluntarily improve habitat can benefit both wildlife and working lands. What role should government play in supporting those efforts?

3. What are the greatest threats facing wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation in our state or community?

Give candidates an opportunity to identify the challenges they see—from habitat loss and fragmentation to invasive species, changing land use, water quality, or other local concerns—and explain what they would do about them.

4. How would you support hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities?

Ask candidates about their approach to maintaining access, improving habitat, and ensuring that future generations have opportunities to hunt, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.

5. What is your approach to funding wildlife conservation and public access to the outdoors?

Conservation depends on sustained investments in habitat, wildlife management, public lands, and access. Ask candidates what they believe the appropriate role of government and other funding sources should be.

6. How would you help recruit and retain the next generation of hunters and conservationists?

Hunting is both an outdoor tradition and an important source of funding for wildlife conservation. What would candidates do to help ensure these traditions continue?

7. How would you balance conservation, agricultural production, and private property rights?

For candidates representing rural communities especially, ask how they would approach policies that affect farmers, ranchers, landowners, and wildlife.

8. If you are running for Congress: What are your priorities for the Farm Bill and federal conservation programs?

Ask specifically about programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and other voluntary conservation initiatives—and how they should serve farmers, landowners, hunters, and wildlife.

9. If you are running for state office: What would be your top priority for wildlife, habitat, and outdoor recreation?

State governments play a major role in wildlife management, public access, and conservation funding. Ask candidates what they would prioritize if elected.

10. If elected, what is the one thing you would most like to accomplish for conservation, hunting, or outdoor recreation?

This final question can reveal a candidate's priorities—and give you something specific to hold them accountable for after Election Day.

You don't have to agree with every answer. The important thing is to ask questions, listen to the answers, and make your own informed decision.

At Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, we believe conservation is something that brings people together. Whatever your political affiliation, we encourage you to participate in the process, learn where candidates stand on the issues that matter to you, and make your voice heard this election.