Game Fish

Across the United States, state game and fish agencies are closing out the year by resetting hunting and fishing rules, defending public access, and responding to new technology and federal policy shifts that affect wildlife management.

In Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission met in Phoenix on December fifth to consider changes to archery deer seasons for twenty twenty five and twenty twenty six, new commission orders for future hunting seasons, and a license agreement to support utility services at the Silver Creek fish hatchery, a key trout facility in eastern Arizona, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The commission also heard license revocation cases involving violations of game and fish codes, underscoring an ongoing emphasis on enforcement and ethical hunting.

Separately, Arizona Game and Fish is seeking public comment on two proposed changes to the twenty twenty five to twenty twenty six statewide fishing regulations, reported the Gila Herald. The proposals focus on adjusting specific water body regulations to improve angler opportunity while protecting fish populations, and public feedback is being collected online.

In Montana, the Fish and Wildlife Commission met at the State Capitol in Helena on December fourth to take final action on wide ranging hunting regulations for the twenty twenty six and twenty twenty seven seasons, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Proposals cover bison, moose, mountain goat, mountain lion, upland game birds, turkey, elk, mule deer, and non member fishing on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The agency highlighted extensive public meetings and surveys leading up to the decisions, signaling a broader pattern of heavy public involvement in game and fish rulemaking across the West.

On the federal front, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies reports that new station specific hunting and sport fishing regulations for national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries have just taken effect for the twenty twenty five to twenty twenty six season, adding dozens of new opportunities for hunters and anglers while aligning activities with conservation goals. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers notes that at the same time, a proposed narrowing of the Waters of the United States rule could weaken protections for wetlands and streams that support fish and wildlife, prompting national level concern from sporting and conservation groups.

In Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently issued guidance on how the federal Airborne Hunting Act applies to drone use in fishing. The agency explains that using drones to locate, harass, or take fish can violate federal law, reflecting a growing need to clarify how emerging technologies fit within long standing game and fish regulations.

Beyond the United States, these developments mirror a global trend in game and fish management where agencies are tightening ethical standards, expanding public participation, and updating

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Game and Fish agencies across the United States continue managing critical wildlife conservation efforts and implementing operational changes. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is holding a public meeting on Friday, December fifth at their headquarters located at five thousand West Carefree Highway in Phoenix. The meeting begins at eight in the morning and will address various wildlife management topics with complete agendas available on their website.

In Arkansas, the Game and Fish Commission recently approved significant budget allocations to address trout population challenges. The commission authorized eighty thousand dollars to purchase trout for restocking the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery following April flooding that severely damaged the facility and reduced its output capacity. Additionally, the commission approved fifty five thousand dollars for educational equipment including a boating safety simulator and portable cave exhibit for upcoming conservation summits and education events.

Feral hog control remains a priority across multiple states. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced that Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area will experience temporary closures during the week of December eighth. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct aerial operations to control feral hog populations in cooperation with state wildlife officials. These flights will be weather dependent and may occur over one to two days to allow safe operations across large contiguous habitat areas.

Idaho continues robust fish stocking initiatives with over four thousand five hundred catchable sized rainbow trout being distributed throughout the state this December. These stockings target many of Idaho's lakes and ponds with hatchery staff coordinating releases to popular fishing locations.

California's Fish and Game Commission has scheduled upcoming meetings including a Tribal Committee session on December ninth and a full Fish and Game Commission meeting on December tenth and eleventh, twenty twenty five.

In Oklahoma, the Department of Wildlife Conservation recently concluded its public comment period for proposed rule changes that closed on November sixth. Proposed modifications include limiting waterfowl blinds on federal lands to daily use only and requiring nonresidents to obtain game bird permits priced at one hundred dollars for accessing state managed lands.

Pennsylvania continues evaluating its wildlife management structure with lawmakers examining potential consolidation of separate game and fish commissions. The state is studying operational efficiencies while maintaining its historic two agency system. The House Game and Fisheries Committee recently approved a resolution designating December twenty seventh as Pennsylvania Elk Hunt Day, recognizing the one hundred second anniversary of regulated elk hunting in the state.

These developments reflect ongoing efforts by state agencies to balance wildlife conservation, p

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Wildlife agencies across the United States have been active this past week with significant regulatory developments and meeting activities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released four proposed rules on November 21st aimed at revising Endangered Species Act practices. These changes would largely revert to regulations from the first Trump Administration and apply only to new cases going forward. The public comment period for these proposed rules remains open until December 22nd, 2025, and stakeholders in industries potentially affected by endangered species protections are being urged to carefully evaluate how these changes might impact their operations.

In California, the Fish and Game Commission's Marine Resources Committee met on November 6th to discuss the Barred Sandbass fishery. The department presented data showing increased landings, with over 81,000 Barred Sandbass retained by commercial passenger fishing vessels in the first nine months of 2025, roughly double the previous year's total. This increase reflects a larval recruitment pulse from the mid-2010s that has now grown large enough to enter the fishery. The commission is tracking the progress of regulations adopted in April 2025 with a three-year sunset date. The department has collected over 270 otoliths, which are ear bones used for aging fish, and continues gathering maturity data through gonad collection to support an upcoming comprehensive stock assessment.

Arizona's Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on proposed changes to fishing regulations. The department proposes allowing unlimited daily bag limits for striped bass and 25 catfish daily limits at both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave for the 2025-26 fishing season.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission held a meeting on November 20th in Lewiston covering several topics including the adoption of administrative rules, an update on the 2025 Nonresident Tag Draw, and chronic wasting disease status reports. The commission also reviewed Western States hunting technology regulations and discussed strategic planning initiatives.

Arkansas held a Game and Fish Commission meeting on November 20th as well. The state reports favorable water conditions for the 2025-26 hunting season, with the initial split of waterfowl season extending through Thanksgiving weekend, providing additional hunting opportunities for Duck and other waterfowl hunters.

California's Department of Fish and Wildlife has maintained an active calendar of hunting seasons throughout November. Fall Wild Turkey season opened on November 8th, General Pheasant season began the same day, and Late Season Dove hunting opened statewide. These seasons reflect the ongoing management of game bird populations across multiple zones and regions throughout the state, ensuring regulated recreational hunting opportunities remain available to the public during established seasonal windows.

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Game and Fish agencies across the United States have been involved in a series of major developments and meetings in the past week, highlighting changes in fishery regulations, wildlife disease management, and public engagement in wildlife conservation. In Idaho, the Fish and Game Commission convened on November twentieth in Lewiston, addressing the adoption of new administrative rules and providing updates on key wildlife health issues such as chronic wasting disease and hemorrhagic disease affecting white-tailed deer in North Idaho. The meeting also included discussion of the nonresident tag draw for 2025 and ongoing research and management at Dworshak Reservoir, with a preview of upcoming season settings for upland game and furbearer species, and a discounted fishing license initiative for foster families.

In Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the seasonal snook harvest closure, which will begin December first on Florida’s west coast and December fifteenth on the east coast. The Commission also recently submitted a request to the U.S. Commerce Secretary to allow Florida to manage the red snapper fishery off its Atlantic coast in 2026. Recreational flounder harvest will reopen on December first, with refurbished regulations including a fourteen inch minimum size and a daily limit of five fish per person. The Commission has proposed updates to spotted seatrout management, aiming to better reflect local fishery differences through adaptive regional management, and has set rule amendments for wildlife trapping in line with best practices for humane methods and improved reporting requirements.

Arizona Game and Fish Department announced a request for public comment on proposed changes to fishing regulations at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Among the most discussed changes are an unlimited daily bag limit for striped bass and an increased daily limit for catfish to twenty five. This move would bring Arizona’s limit into alignment with Nevada’s rule for these two lakes, with both states reporting no evidence of negative impacts on fish populations. Public input will remain open through December eighteenth, and these changes are set to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in mid-January.

Across the nation, November’s gatherings of state wildlife commissions have driven public participation in decisions affecting species management and ecosystem health. Texas held its first mountain lion management plan hearing, Wyoming conducted public tours of its Regional Office and Forensic Lab, and a variety of states including California, New Hampshire, and Arkansas hosted meetings to shape the future of game and fish policy. In Arkansas, opening weekend for the duck hunting season has been typical, with favorable water conditions reported by the state’s Game and Fish Commission, giving hunters better opportunities through the Thanksgiving weekend.

Emerging patterns this month show a strong emphasis on adapting wildli

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Recent developments within Game and Fish agencies across the United States highlight ongoing adjustments in regulations, conservation measures, and fisheries management in response to ecological trends and legal changes. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service announced four proposed rules on November twenty-first to revise Endangered Species Act regulations, with the aim of restoring regulatory clarity and efficiency. These proposals would reestablish the 2019 and 2020 framework for species listing and critical habitat decisions, focusing on science-based evaluations and transparent consideration of economic impacts. Federal agencies intend to replace broader protections with species-specific rules for threatened wildlife, addressing decades of implementation practice and judicial consensus, while ensuring that conservation does not unnecessarily burden resource-dependent communities. This reform responds directly to recent United States Supreme Court decisions and embraces stakeholder input, reflecting an ongoing pattern of legal adaptation within federal wildlife policy. Public comment on these changes is invited through December, signaling further opportunities for involvement and debate as the rules move toward finalization.

In California, the Department of Fish and Wildlife postponed the opening of both the recreational and commercial Dungeness crab seasons in northern waters, due to elevated levels of domoic acid detected in crab populations and increased risk of entanglement for whales and sea turtles. According to official announcements, the delay is supported by both fishing organizations and environmental groups, showing cooperation among regulators, industry, and conservationists. The persistence of domoic acid—a natural but potent neurotoxin produced under certain ocean conditions—has prompted ongoing risk assessments and a cautious approach to season openings that prioritize human health as well as marine mammal safety. The next evaluation is scheduled for mid-December, with the possibility of opening the commercial fishery around New Year if conditions improve.

On the Atlantic side, Florida’s Wildlife Commission considered significant updates to trapping regulations earlier this month, proposing expanded requirements for trap registration, user training, and reporting. The changes align with national standards for humane trapping and incorporate feedback from both public and industry stakeholders, pointing to a pattern of regulatory modernization in response to ethical concerns and best management practices.

Elsewhere, the California Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee convened to review new data collected for a barred sand bass stock assessment, following the adoption of regulations designed to balance environmental protection with fishing interests. The agency has prioritized gathering essential data on fish age structure and reproductive biology, and has collaborated with the recreational industry on dat

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Across the United States, Game and Fish agencies and commissions have been deeply engaged in key wildlife management decisions and regulatory updates this past week. In California, the Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee convened on November sixth in Sacramento, focusing on new rulemaking for the barred sand bass fishery. This followed a multiyear process involving researchers, industry stakeholders, and recreational anglers. The commission adopted new regulations with a three-year sunset clause in April to afford more protections for barred sand bass while the state works to complete a new stock assessment. The department, together with partners, is intensifying efforts to collect age and maturity data and continues sampling through year’s end to support stock evaluation. The committee also reviewed bycatch in the California halibut fishery and provided agency updates on ongoing marine resource projects.

White sturgeon management has been another urgent topic in California. According to The Riverbank News, state officials extended catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon due to continuing population declines linked to harmful algal blooms and poor conditions in the Sacramento River and Delta. The commission is also evaluating a rule to align the sturgeon fishing season with actual fishing dates, shifting away from the previous calendar-year-based approach. Additionally, the commission discussed continuing the closure of the red abalone recreational fishery for ten more years and listed new invasive mussel and crab species for import and possession restrictions to combat biological threats.

Further east, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission finalized its 2026 and 2027 Custer State Park bison license allocations, issuing 12 trophy buffalo licenses and 25 non-trophy licenses for the next two years. These numbers are determined annually based on herd health and forage availability.

At the national level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Regulations Committee gathered on November thirteenth to review waterfowl population status and craft recommendations for the next hunting season. Meanwhile, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies celebrated the implementation of new federal regulations that expand hunting and angling opportunities on more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System for this current season.

In the Southeast, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted to permanently implement Descend Act conservation measures. As described on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s November fourteen broadcast, these descending device requirements substantially reduce post-release mortality in deepwater reef fish, promoting healthier and more sustainable fisheries for recreational anglers and commercial operators alike. However, in Louisiana, recent regulatory rollbacks regarding menhaden harvest buffer zones have highligh

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In the past week, several significant developments have taken place in Game and Fish management across the United States, reflecting both conservation priorities and evolving fishery management strategies. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi, adopted a series of major measures aiming to promote both sustainability and access in Gulf fisheries. The Council extended the moratorium on issuing new federal Gulf commercial shrimp permits until October twenty-sixth, two thousand thirty-six. This ten-year extension is intended to maintain present biological and economic gains by limiting entry into the fishery. Additionally, the Council finalized a new rule that will require all commercial and recreational fishermen targeting reef fish in federal Gulf waters to possess a venting tool or descending device, which must be rigged and ready for use. These devices are crucial for reducing bycatch mortality when reef fish are released, directly improving the sustainability of these stocks. The Council also moved closer to updating essential fish habitat definitions and maps, guided by the latest research, which will help focus future protection efforts.

Another important measure discussed by the Gulf Council involves adjusting catch limits for several key species. Recent scientific assessments confirmed that mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and red grouper stocks remain healthy and are not experiencing overfishing. This prompted proposals to increase catch limits, with the Council considering phased-in increases for red grouper and new allocation strategies between the commercial and recreational sectors. At the same time, new stock assessments for other shallow-water grouper, such as scamp and yellowmouth grouper, will likely result in stricter harvest caps and a new closed season for recreational fishers stretching from January through June. The Council also reviewed early options for allowing the Gulf states greater authority in managing the federal for-hire red snapper fisheries.

On the West Coast, the California Fish and Game Commission held its Marine Resources Committee meeting in Sacramento on November sixth. There, regulators and stakeholders discussed new protections for the barred sand bass fishery, a move prompted by recent scientific and industry input pointing to stock vulnerabilities. The regulation, adopted earlier this year, will last for three years as the state works with researchers and anglers to gather data that will drive a more comprehensive management plan and future stock assessment. The Commission also focused on improving data collection and community involvement in coastal fishing policy.

Elsewhere, the New Mexico State Game Commission convened in Los Alamos on November seventh. Their agenda included property purchases for wildlife habitat, public meetings on hybrid striped bass stocking proposals, updates on black bear population studies in the Gila National Forest, and restoration wo

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Recent developments in Game and Fish management across the United States highlight a strong focus on updating regulations, habitat restoration, and public engagement. In Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission held meetings this month to address several key issues. Staff presented proposed rule amendments to modernize statewide hunting regulations and specific area rules for wildlife management areas, aiming to better meet management objectives. There was also a significant update on Lake Okeechobee, detailing ongoing recovery efforts, fisheries status, and habitat restoration projects. The commission considered final rules for Apalachicola Bay oyster management, proposing a new framework to reopen the bay’s oyster fishery while supporting long-term resource recovery. Additionally, proposed changes to trapping regulations were discussed, introducing new registration, training, and reporting requirements to align with best practices for humane trapping. The public was invited to comment on these proposals, with live streaming and telephone options available for participation.

In California, the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the opening of several hunting seasons this month, including scaup, wild turkey, pheasant, and late season dove hunting. These seasons extend into December, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts across the state. The Fish and Game Commission’s Marine Resources Committee also met to discuss marine resource management, with meetings held both in person and via webinar. Community habitat restoration events were scheduled in Playa del Rey, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in conservation efforts.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission addressed a predicted shortage of stockable rainbow trout, approving a budget increase to purchase additional trout for restocking the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery. The commission also issued an emergency order to limit trout harvest in four key fishing areas to ensure sustainable populations.

Nationally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported the successful birth of four litters of black-footed ferrets at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of this endangered species.

These recent actions reflect a broader trend of proactive management, public engagement, and habitat restoration efforts across the United States, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable wildlife and fisheries resources.

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This week, Game and Fish agencies across the United States are navigating several pressing challenges and regulatory changes as the fall season settles in. In California, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has opened the recreational Dungeness crab season for much of the state beginning November first, though a significant health hazard has delayed the opening in northern California following the detection of unsafe levels of domoic acid, a marine biotoxin. State health officials warn that consuming crab viscera from some regions could pose serious health risks and have prohibited recreational take of Dungeness crab in the affected zones. These events highlight the increasing impact of climate and environmental disruptions on traditional fisheries, prompting more frequent delays and assessments according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission met on November fifth to advance several major agenda items. Among the most notable were proposed updates to the rules for marine special activity licenses, which manage genetic risks and tagging procedures for marine organisms, and stricter recreational and commercial size limits for Gulf lane snapper, seeking to curb overfishing and create regulatory consistency between state and federal waters. Additionally, the Commission voted to add the Carolina hammerhead shark to Florida’s list of prohibited species due to its visual similarity with other vulnerable species and the critical importance of protecting coastal nursery habitats. Staff also provided a comprehensive update on fisheries and recovery efforts in Lake Okeechobee, reflecting ongoing restoration priorities.

Across the country, November marks a decisive period for wildlife governance, as commissions in twenty-two states hold their final meetings of the year, weighing essential policies around species management, representation in decision-making, and science-based guidelines. For instance, Texas is considering its first mountain lion management plan, inviting public input at its November meeting in El Paso. Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission convened in Laramie to gather comments in person and via Zoom, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement as policy frameworks evolve.

Nationally, yesterday saw the implementation of the 2025-2026 station-specific hunting and fishing regulations, with forty-two new opportunities for hunting and angling now available across federal lands, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing for its Migratory Bird Regulations Committee meeting on November thirteenth. This committee will review the status of migratory game birds and develop recommendations for the upcoming hunting season, a crucial step in federal rulemaking that directly shapes seasonal limits and conservation strategies for birds that traverse across state and national boundaries.

With heightened p

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Game and Fish agencies across the United States are making significant headlines this week as commissions and departments address both immediate wildlife management concerns and long-term conservation strategies. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission responded to an anticipated shortage of stockable rainbow trout with an emergency order to limit trout harvest in four key fishing areas. The move follows the April 2025 flooding of the Jim Hinkle Spring River State Fish Hatchery, and the commission has approved an eighty thousand dollar budget increase to buy trout for restocking. An update was provided on the 2025 Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan, which focuses on biodiversity and habitat restoration, emphasizing the vital role of nongame species for environmental health and agricultural support. Notably, Arkansas’s conservation planning is recognized as more advanced than that of many other states, according to agency leadership. Tim Burnley, Elizabeth Kimble, and Scotty Quarles received this year’s Campbell Awards for leadership and commitment to wildlife stewardship, further highlighting the focus on community engagement and education.

In Oklahoma, the Department of Wildlife Conservation opened a public comment period for proposed administrative rule changes until November sixth. Key proposals include making permanent a limit on waterfowl blinds on federally managed lands to daily use only, requiring nonresident hunters in pursuit of game birds to buy a game bird permit at a cost of one hundred dollars, and mandating nonresident hunters to check in through an online system. Another notable regulation would establish clearer guidelines on the legal use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, for scouting and recovering wildlife.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Game Commission finalized the state’s 2025 to 26 hunting and trapping seasons. Significant changes include expanding firearms seasons for antlerless deer on properties enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program and in a wildlife management unit impacted by chronic wasting disease, with allocations rising to over one million three hundred thousand licenses statewide. The archery bear season has been shortened to one week to balance successful population control with hunting opportunities. The elk season for auction and raffle tags will begin two months earlier than previous years, reflecting efforts to address agriculture-related damage. Regulations on snowshoe hares have been tightened to prevent overharvest, and permit allocations for antlerless deer and elk have increased, guided by scientific data and population targets. Residents are ensured first access to antlerless deer licenses before nonresident sales begin, a policy designed to maintain hunting tradition and local wildlife management.

Regionally, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is convening in Laramie this week, with agenda items likely to address fisheries, habitat projects, and public engagem

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