The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Wolf Management Unit 313 to all wolf hunting and trapping effective 11 A.M. Friday, September 25, 2026, after reaching its quota per regulations.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges hunters to apply for 2027 spring hunts before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Applications are open for spring turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture hunts.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission invites hunters to participate in the free Deer Hunting Observation Survey through the AGFC app. The survey, which began in 2004, helps wildlife managers track population trends and set sustainable hunting seasons by collecting data on game and nongame species sightings.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Black Bear Management Unit 700 to all black bear hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Arkansas alligator hunters harvested 150 gators during the first weekend of the 2025 season across three management zones, with zone 3 accounting for 90 alligators. The AGFC reports the season is on pace to set another record, with public land hunters finding the largest specimens so far this year.
North Dakota's youth pheasant season runs October 3-4, allowing legally licensed hunters 15 and younger to hunt rooster pheasants statewide with an accompanying adult. A general game and habitat license is required, and hunters 12 and older must complete hunter education or obtain an apprentice hunter validation.
ODWC is hosting a Field Day on September 26 at Atoka Wildlife Management Area for new rifle hunters. The program includes classroom instruction and live-fire training covering firearm safety, sighting in rifles, cleaning, range etiquette, and hunting locations. Participants must have a valid Oklahoma hunting license; space is limited to 40 attendees.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Black Bear Management Unit 411 to all black bear hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Youth Waterfowl Weekend is set for September 26-27 in Montana, allowing licensed hunters 15 years old and under to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots statewide. Eligible participants include 12-15 year-olds with hunter education accompanied by a nonhunting adult, and certified apprentice hunters 10-15 years old with a mentor at least 21 years of age.
Vermont's ruffed grouse hunting season runs September 26 through December 31 with a daily limit of 4 grouse, while woodcock season runs September 26 through November 9 with a daily limit of 3. All migratory game bird hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Idaho House Bill 939 restricts hunters from using thermal imaging, night vision, transmitting trail cameras, and drones for big game and game bird hunting between August 30 and December 31, 2026. Exceptions apply for hunting predatory wildlife, retrieving wounded animals, and monitoring traps. Idaho Fish and Game urges hunters to review official regulations rather than relying on AI or search engines.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Salmon Region is hosting a free youth pheasant hunt for ages 10-17 on October 10, 2026. Participants will learn pheasant biology, shotgun safety, and hunt with experienced bird dog handlers. The event is sponsored by IDFG, the Lemhi Rifle Range, and the Cockrell Family Ranch.
Michigan's elk hunt begins September 23 in the northern Lower Peninsula with significant changes including a later start date, extended second hunt period with six additional days, and relaxed registration timelines. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is issuing 200 licenses through a weighted drawing system to manage the state's estimated 733-animal elk herd.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife provides essential tree stand safety guidance for hunters, emphasizing the importance of wearing full-body safety harnesses, using Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) certified stands, and following state and private land regulations to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources launched the Michigan Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Dashboard in 2025, replacing a paper survey. Hunters can submit field experiences to access near real-time data on flush rates and compare hunting experiences across counties, with over 1,100 submissions in the first year.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Black Bear Management Units 501 and 520 to all black bear hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Michigan DNR is hosting fall open houses at five managed waterfowl areas including Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Fish Point State Wildlife Area, Shiawassee River State Game Area, Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, and Pointe Mouillee State Game Area. Local staff will discuss hunting conditions and tour the Wetland Wonders areas.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department presents its 2026-2027 Small Game Forecast organized by species, including band-tailed pigeons, chukars, doves, dusky grouse, pheasants, quail, and rabbits. Larisa Harding, Ph.D., AZGFD's small game program manager, provides season dates, bag limits, and habitat information for each species with detailed forecasts based on recent weather and population conditions.
Utah's waterfowl hunting season begins September 19, with 27 waterbodies currently under harmful algae advisories. The Utah Division of Water Quality warns hunters and their dogs to avoid harmful algal blooms and algae mats, which can persist through fall and winter and produce toxins fatal to pets.
Montana FWP releases its annual 2026 hunting forecasts, providing region-by-region outlooks for deer, elk, pronghorn, and upland game birds including grouse, partridge, and pheasant based on spring survey results and weather data.