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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.