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Service Establishes Faster, Smarter Framework for Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Establishes Faster, Smarter Framework for Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

Modernized approach cuts red tape, strengthens state and tribal authority, and gives hunters more certainty

Jun 25, 2026

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FWS Press

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced regulations to modernize how seasonal migratory game bird hunting is authorized nationwide, cutting unnecessary federal red tape while giving states, tribes and hunters earlier certainty and greater flexibility. The Service is publishing both a proposed rule and a direct to final rule to ensure that the September 1st hunting deadline is not impacted. 

The changes align with President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to streamlining government, reducing regulatory burden, and protecting America’s hunting traditions while maintaining strong conservation. 

With the changes, the Service will move away from duplicative annual rulemaking and adopt a more efficient framework that allows hunting seasons to be authorized earlier and with fewer procedural delays. The result is a faster, more predictable process that supports conservation while respecting state and tribal wildlife management expertise. 

“President Trump has made it clear that our hunting heritage and our public lands must be managed with both conservation and access in mind,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “This new process will make it easier for states and tribes to plan hunting seasons, give hunters more time to prepare, and continues to ensure decisions are based on sound science and up-to-date habitat and population data. It also cuts costs and reduces government waste.” 

Key improvements under the regulations include: 

• Ending the need for repetitive annual federal rulemaking for migratory bird hunting seasons, significantly reducing regulatory complexity. Earlier authorization of hunting seasons to allow states, tribes and the public more time to plan. 
• Cost savings and reduced federal staff workload, which makes government more efficient and responsive. 
• Stronger coordination with state and tribal partners to ensure local priorities are front and center in wildlife management decisions. 

The notice is available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-MB-2024-0206 and includes complete details on the updates. 

Migratory game bird hunting regulations are a cornerstone of sound wildlife conservation by providing opportunities for both recreation and sustenance. These regulations enable sustainable harvest levels consistent with migratory bird population health and habitat conditions while meeting legal obligations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Administrative Procedures Act.  

By Sal GeraciJune 26, 2026

Discussing the controversy on whether to have an open season on hunting bears in Connecticut is a waste of time. It is going to happen, just like when the overpopulation of deer became a problem for farmers and motorists. On a personal level, I kind of like seeing the bears that cross our property; just like deer, bobcats and other wildlife. We took down our bird feeders. Basically, “They don’t bother me, if they don’t bother me.”

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But I do understand those who have issues with aggressive bears that pose a danger to people. It makes no sense to oppose killing bears because they are cute makes. Bessie the cow; Lily the lamb and Porky the pig are cute too, but who cares when ordering a steak, leg of lamb or pork chop? And the argument that they were here first and humans are the problem only sounds good until you realize that Native Americans were here first and it seems to me that we had no problem killing them and taking their land. That’s what humans do. It is happening right now in Ukraine.

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Of course there isn’t a solution that will please everyone, but waiting until a hungry bear kills a human, or waiting until “car vs. bear” accidents pile up makes even less sense. Why not come up with a plan that works without starting a bear-killing frenzy? Maybe a lottery system where only so many bear-hunting licenses are issued. Also, maybe 50% of the meat must be donated to homeless food shelters. In this manner, maybe the “save the bear” crowd will see that some good will come out of it. Sitting around or writing editorials as the bear population increases while their urban food sources deplete is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Doing nothing is long past being an option. 

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To digress for a moment on bears, on a global level it has been reported that the Trump administration plans to give Iran funds to buy food from American farmers. If it is true (and I am not sure it is), why not give the money to the American farmers and ship Iran the food? Sending money to a corrupt government to purchase food makes no sense. They can stuff the money into their pockets, but they won’t do it with a loaf of bread or broccoli. Just wondering.

Sal Geraci

Woodbury