The North Dakota Game and Fish Department allocated five bighorn sheep licenses for the 2026 hunting season, including one auction and four lottery licenses. Brett Wiedmann, department big game biologist, noted the reduction reflects record population levels and fewer harvestable mature rams due to poor lamb recruitment from 2015-2018.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to embrace Hunt for Tomorrow, an initiative promoting responsible hunting through landowner relationships, land respect, hunter courtesy, and ensuring hunting's future.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department invites hunters to collect feathers from harvested upland game birds including ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, Gray partridge, turkeys, and ruffed grouse. Biologists use wing samples to determine bird sex, age ratios, survival rates, and nesting success for management purposes.
Michigan's 2026 bear hunting season begins September 9 in the Upper Peninsula, with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issuing 6,278 licenses across 10 bear management units. Over 72,500 hunters applied for licenses awarded through an annual drawing based on preference points.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials report that Fort Robinson State Park's hunting habitat remains heavily impacted by the South Fork Fire, which burned approximately 40,000 acres in June. Wildlife populations are substantially down in burned areas, and hunters are warned of hazardous conditions including downed fences, fallen trees, and increased flash flood risks.
Maryland's Department of Natural Resources emphasizes hunters' critical role in wildlife management and conservation. The agency addresses declining deer harvests and hunter numbers impacting forest health, while promoting expanded hunting access and Sunday hunting opportunities to balance ecological and agricultural needs.
Deer Connections, a new fall pilot program funded by the Kent County Deer Management Coalition, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and National Deer Association, is an online platform connecting Kent County landowners with hunters. The program offers customizable hunting agreements and free liability insurance to help manage deer-related challenges.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks provides comprehensive 2026 hunting forecasts for southwest Montana Region 3, covering elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn populations across multiple hunting districts near Livingston, Sheridan, Dillon, Butte, Townsend, Helena, Boulder, and Bozeman. The report details population trends, management objectives, and hunting conditions influenced by mild winter weather and disease considerations.
Multiple in-person Hunter Education courses are open for registration in south-central Montana, taught by volunteer instructors. Courses cover firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife management, and Montana hunting laws. Registration is available at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education for classes starting in September and October.
By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, Hunting District 300 is closed to all bighorn sheep hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages hunters to sight-in firearms and bows at public and private ranges statewide before hunting season. Hunter Education coordinator Kyle Gaston emphasizes proper equipment preparation for safe and successful hunts.
The Atoka WMA is hosting a rifle sighting-in field day on September 26 for hunters new to rifle hunting. Participants will receive classroom instruction and hands-on live-fire training covering firearm safety, rifle sighting, cleaning, and range etiquette at the Atoka WMA Shooting Range in Stringtown, Oklahoma.
FWP Region 2 anticipates better than average hunting opportunities for fall 2026 following mild winters and good spring recruitment for deer and elk. Big game check stations will operate weekends in Darby, Bonner, Anaconda, and Fish Creek, with CWD sampling available at select locations including Anaconda, Drummond, and Darby stations.
Idaho Fish and Game's annual Deer and Elk Hunting Outlook describes a "highly promising" 2026 season following three consecutive mild winters that improved overwinter survival rates for mule deer fawns (83%) and elk calves (95%). Coordinator Toby Boudreau notes better-than-average survival means earlier antler growth, heavier young animals, and more robust herds, though wildfires may affect elk distribution.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department shares field-ready tips and guidelines for dove hunters as Arizona's dove season opens September 1st through September 15th. AZGFD provides equipment recommendations, licensing requirements, and important do's and don'ts to ensure a successful and responsible hunting experience.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced 2026-2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons beginning September 1, including mourning dove, early resident Canada goose, woodcock, and teal seasons. Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer encourages experienced hunters to mentor novice hunters. Hunters must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and federal duck stamp.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering final hunter education courses in traditional and blended formats as fall hunting seasons approach. Hunter education certification is required for all hunters born after January 1, 1966, and spaces are filling quickly. Katie Simpson, Game and Fish hunter education coordinator, encourages new hunters to register soon to ensure compliance before the season begins.
Iowa's special September teal-only duck season opens for nine days beginning Sept. 5, 2026. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, led by state waterfowl biologist Orrin Jones, encourages hunters to scout wetlands and check migration reports available on iowadnr.gov to improve their hunting success.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' August statewide pheasant survey averaged 23 birds per route, the second highest count in over a decade. Todd Bogenschutz, upland game biologist with the Iowa DNR, attributes the results to favorable weather and habitat conditions, with Iowa's pheasant season opening October 31.
Michigan DNR announces September 2026 hunting seasons including small game opener September 15, waterfowl hunting with early teal season September 1-9, deer hunting with Liberty Hunt and early antlerless firearm seasons September 12-13, and fall turkey hunting starting September 15. Licenses available through license agents, Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, or the new DNR Hunt Fish app.