Youth wild turkey hunters in Ohio's south zone checked 1,941 birds during the special youth-only weekend on April 18-19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Highland and Tuscarawas counties led with 65 birds each. The northeast zone youth season is scheduled for April 25-26, 2026.
Pennsylvania's 2026 spring turkey season opens April 25 for junior and mentored hunters, with the statewide season running May 2-16 and May 18-30. The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports strong turkey populations and productivity, with last year's harvest of 42,543 birds nearly matching the all-time record, indicating excellent hunting opportunities ahead.
By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, Black Bear Management Unit 411 closes to all black bear hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Hound training season opens Friday, April 24, 2026.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds landowners that the May 1 deadline is approaching for the Elk Hunting Access Agreement Program. Landowners can exchange free public elk hunting access for elk licenses and permits, with the ability to select up to one-third of public hunters for their enrolled lands.
Youth wild turkey hunters in Ohio's south zone checked 1,941 birds during the state's special youth-only weekend on April 18-19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. The two-day season was open to hunters aged 17 and younger accompanied by nonhunting adults.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board will hold public hearings on May 5 and 7 to gather input on deer and the department's 2026 Antlerless Deer Harvest Recommendation. Comments can also be submitted via email by May 15.
Safari Club International Litigation Associate Madeline Demaske testified before Congress in support of H.R. 6251, legislation addressing unintended consequences of a polar bear import ban. The bill would allow 41 hunters who legally harvested polar bears in Canada before 2008 to import their wildlife, as they complied with all applicable laws at the time of harvest.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2026 deer, antelope, and elk hunting season recommendations at its April 17 meeting at Chadron State Park. Changes include adjusting permit numbers, restructuring permit formats, and modifying season dates to meet management goals based on population data and stakeholder input.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unanimously approved over 200 regulatory changes including modifications to deer hunting limits and seasons, fishing regulations for Lake Wilhelmina and Smallmouth Bass Blue Ribbon Streams, and 2026-27 and 2027-28 waterfowl season dates. Changes emphasize simplification and public input, with notable adjustments to WMA access and permit hunt opportunities.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission closed Black Bear Management Unit 700 to hunting all black bear with hounds effective one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Hound training season in BMU 700 will open Monday, April 20, 2026.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has completed drawings for deer and elk permits and nonresident combination licenses. Applicants can check results online through MyFWP or by calling 406-444-2950. Upcoming deadlines include May 1 for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison applications.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks celebrated 315 landowners statewide for 30 years of Block Management Program participation, with 26 cooperators in south-central Montana reaching this milestone. The program provides public hunting access to private land while landowners receive impact payments and support from FWP.
Nebraska's spring shotgun turkey season opens April 18, with statewide population indices showing an 18% increase from 2024 to 2025, according to Carlie Gizel, wild turkey program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Hunters should be aware of drought conditions and follow fire safety guidelines while hunting.
Moultrie partners with ambassador Sam Soholt, host of "Field & Stream Legends of the Wild" and "Roost" podcasts, to share five expert turkey hunting tips including trail camera scouting with Moultrie EDGE Series cameras, strategic positioning, and patience techniques for spring success.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved final 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons with significant changes including one spring gobbler bag limit for wild turkeys, longer archery bear seasons in WMUs 3C and 3D, and new early October elk firearms season. Antlerless deer licenses increased to 1,469,000 statewide, and 155 elk licenses were allocated across four seasons.
Arkansas's youth turkey hunt runs April 11-12 for hunters ages 6-15. The AGFC provides tips for mentors to keep young hunters engaged, including obtaining free youth turkey tags, practicing patience and stillness, ensuring comfort with snacks and insect repellent, and prioritizing fun over success to create lasting hunting memories.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will meet April 17 at Chadron State Park to consider staff recommendations for 2026 deer, antelope, and elk hunting seasons. Proposed changes include adjusting permit quotas, season dates, and bag limits to meet management goals based on population data and hunter input.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Waterfowl Rice Incentive Conservation Enhancement Program offers rice producers up to $150 per acre to leave post-harvest waste and flood fields during winter, creating habitat for migrating waterfowl while allowing managed weekend hunts coordinated by Private Lands Biologist David Graves.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2026 bighorn sheep regular lottery permit from April 20 through August 7, with a $34 nonrefundable application fee. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible, with the permit drawing occurring in August and the season running December 1-22.
In March 2026, Governor Healey announced legislation to allow Sunday hunting, expand crossbow use, and reduce setback distances for bowhunting in Massachusetts. MassWildlife held public listening sessions that generated nearly 1,000 attendees and over 11,300 comments, with majorities supporting the proposed changes to modernize hunting laws and improve wildlife management.