Idaho's youth and veterans/active military personnel waterfowl hunting season runs September 26-27. Youth hunters 17 and younger must be accompanied by a licensed adult, while veterans and active military may hunt and harvest. A Migratory Bird Permit is required; a Duck Stamp is required for hunters 16 and older.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack on an archery hunter near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte south of Augusta on September 14. The hunter sustained significant but non-life-threatening injuries and drove himself home before being transported to Benefis Hospital. The bear species remains unknown as the investigation continues.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department provides a list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who volunteer to help locate deer, bear, or moose that have been shot but not yet recovered. These certified handlers provide their services free of charge and must pass extensive exams to be licensed.
Iowa's youth deer season opens September 19 through October 4, welcoming approximately 10,000 young hunters paired with licensed adult mentors. The mentor-styled hunt emphasizes teaching proper techniques, wildlife behavior, and safe practices, with harvest reporting required through the Iowa DNR website or toll-free number.
By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, Hunting District 501 is closed to all bighorn sheep hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for 2027 spring hunt permit-tags for turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture through October 6, 2026. Applicants must have valid hunting licenses and AZGFD portal accounts to apply and receive results.
Utah's 2026 waterfowl season requires hunters to obtain a Harvest Information Program number and federal duck stamp. DWR Waterfowl Coordinator Jason Jones advises scouting before hunts, as duck numbers declined slightly while habitat improved, and emphasizes proper identification to avoid harvesting protected trumpeter swans.
Oklahoma implemented a two-day validation period for nonresident deer licenses purchased after season opens to combat unlicensed hunting. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reports 34 percent of nonresident licenses in 2024-25 were bought within one hour of checking in deer, with violations carrying fines up to $2,000 and imprisonment.
Maryland's fall teal-only hunting season opens September 17-26 in the September Teal Hunting Zone with a daily bag limit of six teal. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers this special early season as an additional waterfowl hunting opportunity. Hunters must possess valid Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp permits.
Michigan's fall hunting seasons for turkey and small game, including cottontail rabbit, ruffed grouse, squirrels, and woodcock, begin Tuesday. Turkey hunters must now report all harvested turkeys through the DNR's website or mobile app within 72 hours. The fall turkey season runs September 15 through November 14 in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
North Dakota's waterfowl season opens September 26 for residents and October 5 for nonresidents. Swan season begins October 3 for residents and October 5 for nonresidents with a swan license. All waterfowl hunters must obtain a habitat restoration stamp and federal duck stamp, and be Harvest Information Program certified.
Michigan DNR operates 15 shooting ranges across the state offering safe, low-cost target practice and firearm sighting opportunities. Ranges in Barry County, Dansville, Echo Point, Lapeer, Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake, and Sharonville will have extended hours in October and November to help hunters prepare for upcoming seasons.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosts a free Youth Trap Shoot and Safety Refresher on Sept. 18 at Custer Rod & Gun Club in Miles City for hunters 15 and under. The event includes instruction on safe gun handling, field ethics, regulations, and non-competitive trap shooting, preparing youth for Montana's pheasant and waterfowl hunting weekends.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will release approximately 2,500 pheasants across multiple state regions before the youth pheasant weekend Sept. 19-20 as part of the Roosters for Recruitment Program's fifth year. The initiative, authorized by the 2021 Montana Legislature and re-authorized through 2029, aims to help new and returning hunters find success and encourage continued interest in hunting and conservation.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department announces the archery deer hunting season running October 1-December 15. Hunters may take up to four deer with specific antler requirements varying by Wildlife Management Unit, and an archery deer license and tag are required for each deer.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides preparation tips for the 2027 Spring Draw for turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture. Applicants must have valid hunting licenses, know their Customer ID, download Arizona E-Tag, and open AZGFD portal accounts to access draw results by the October 6, 2026 deadline.
The Arizona Deer Association is raffling one elk hunt permit-tag valid for 365 days across Arizona. Tickets are $20 with no purchase limit, on sale through September 30, with 100% of proceeds supporting Arizona Game and Fish Department conservation projects.
A nine-and-a-half-day youth deer hunting season begins September 18 at noon Central time and closes September 27. Youth hunters must be under direct adult supervision, with orange clothing required for both hunters and mentors. The youth license is also valid during the regular deer gun season from November 6-22.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a field day for students ages 12-17 who completed an online hunter education course on September 18 in Glasgow. The field day will cover firearm identification, safe handling, shot selection, and other hunting skills.
North Dakota's sandhill crane season runs September 19 through November 15 with daily limits of three cranes in unit 1 and two in unit 2. Hunters must obtain Harvest Information Program certification and respective crane permits from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, with shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to 2 p.m., extended to sunset on Saturdays and Wednesdays.