The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission accepted $10,000 from the 1791 Foundation and $10,425 from Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers for the Hunters Against Hunger program, hunter education, and law enforcement. The Commission honored Suzetta Wise from Central Public School as the International Hunter Education Association's Oklahoma Instructor of the Year.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on a management plan for the 8,611-acre Gallatin Wildlife Management Area near Big Sky. The plan will address habitat conservation, infrastructure maintenance, and human use management, with comments due by November 6. Contact Julie Cunningham at juliecunningham@mt.gov to submit feedback.
The Southwest Lion Ecoregional Population Objective Panel convenes October 19-20 in Whitehall to discuss mountain lion management in southwest Montana. The seven-citizen panel will balance interests of hunters, livestock producers, wildlife enthusiasts, and ungulate conservation advocates, with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks incorporating recommendations for the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The 2027 North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar is available for pre-order on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. The calendar features wildlife photography, landscapes, outdoor recreation, 2027 hunting seasons, lottery dates, and moon phases. Current subscribers receive it automatically with their December magazine issue.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. The meeting includes a coffee session with commissioners at 8:30 a.m. and the official public meeting at 9:30 a.m., which will be livestreamed via the Michigan DNR's YouTube channel.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is completing a construction project at Gourdneck State Game Area in Portage, funded by a $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Improvements include paved parking, vault toilet, kayak launch, and ADA-accessible trail at Hampton Lake, with heavy work expected to finish early this month.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lifted a floating closure on the Blackfoot River in Milltown after BNSF Railway Company bridge construction concluded. The closure, in place since July 15, restricted access from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site downstream to Interstate 90. Another temporary closure is anticipated in 2027 for projected Interstate 90 bridge work.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is accepting public comments on proposed Title 800 administrative rule changes through November 6, 2026. The public can submit comments online, by mail, or in person at a hearing on November 5 at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building in Oklahoma City.
Commissioner Ian Wargo from Region 1 proposed four amendments to the 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations for the October 14 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. The amendments address kokanee harvest limits at Little Bitterroot Lake, regulations for Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River, Flathead River fishing rules, and Flathead Lake catch limits.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is conducting telephone and email surveys for paddlefish tag holders as the 2026 season concludes. The surveys will gather data on catch, effort, and angler satisfaction to help fisheries biologists manage this unique Montana fishing opportunity.
Montana FWP invites public comment on an updated programmatic environmental assessment examining how projects in Montana's streams are reviewed and permitted under the Stream Protection Act. The assessment aims to streamline permit processing while safeguarding aquatic habitats and environmental protection.
The Michigan DNR commissioned a new 66-foot research vessel named RV Steelhead to monitor Lake Michigan fisheries. Designed by Boksa Marine Design and constructed by Moran Iron Works in partnership with Superior Boats, the vessel features advanced navigation equipment, sampling technology, and a SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer for safer operations.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an introductory meeting of the Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel on October 7 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The panel will provide input on strategies for restoring bighorn sheep populations in Montana, particularly on private lands, with public comment opportunities available.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including prescribed fire projects at Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area, Travelers' Rest State Park improvements, Smith River boat camp restoration, bass removal at Sacajawea Lagoon, Baker Lake fish transfer operations, Hannah Ranch conservation easement, Glasgow Shooting Range development, and Stream Protection Act permitting through October 23.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed Hannah Ranch conservation easement to protect 3,652 acres of wildlife habitat and provide public access. The 99-year easement will be considered by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission at its October 14 virtual meeting, with comments due by October 9.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously rejected two citizen petitions: one from Footloose Montana and Gallatin Wildlife Association requiring 24-hour trap checks on public land, and another from Patty Ames on behalf of approximately 65 NGOs requesting mandatory bear spray in grizzly habitat. The commission approved FWP staff to prepare a draft predator management policy for future consideration.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department encourages hunters to voluntarily use non-lead ammunition. Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder notes that non-lead copper or copper alloy bullets are now widely manufactured and provide health benefits for wildlife and safer game meat for human consumption.
Michigan DNR's Upper Peninsula staffers will answer viewer questions live on WNMU-TV13's "Ask the DNR" hosted by Mike Settles on Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m. EST. Panelists include Mike Evink, John Bauman, Brian Roell, and Tom Seablom, with the U.P. Whitetails Association of Marquette County underwriting the broadcast.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved changes to antlerless deer license sales procedures, providing greater flexibility in determining availability. The board also approved multiple land donations, acquisitions, and exchanges involving organizations including the Department of Environmental Protection, Northern Allegheny Conservation Association, and JKLM Energy, LLC, while tabling oil and gas rights agreements.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Transportation, and Indiana State Police urge motorists to exercise caution during harvest season when encountering slow-moving farm equipment. From 2020-2024, 22 occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana, resulting in seven deaths.