Upcoming Deadlines for Montana: May 1 for Moose, Sheep, Goat and Bison; June 1 for Elk B, Deer B and Antelope

Montana hunters still have time to apply for several of the state’s most sought-after big game licenses, but the first major deadline is fast approaching. Applications for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison are due May 1, followed by elk B, deer B and antelope applications due June 1. Here’s what hunters need to know about where to apply and how the process works.

CDFW 2026 Wolf Depredation Report Shows Rising Conflicts as Wolf Numbers Grow

California’s latest 2026 wolf depredation investigations report confirms continued livestock losses and expanding wolf territory across Northern and Sierra Nevada regions. Year-over-year increases in depredation incidents and wolf population estimates highlight growing overlap with major California deer hunting zones.

Texas Tightens Residency Verification for Hunting Licenses Starting in 2026–27 Season

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has approved new identity and residency verification rules for purchasing hunting and fishing licenses, beginning with the 2026–2027 license year. The change is designed to prevent residency fraud and protect resident pricing, but it will also affect how some hunters—especially those purchasing in person—verify their eligibility.

Montana Releases 2026 Elk and Deer Draw Results — More Application Deadlines Still Ahead

Montana hunters can now check their 2026 elk and deer permit drawing results after the state’s major mid-April release. While many hunters are celebrating successful draws, several key application deadlines — including antelope and B licenses — are still approaching later this spring and summer.

California Approves Major Bear Hunting Expansion for 2026: Two Tags, New Hunt Zones, More Opportunity

California bear hunters received one of the biggest wins in years after the Fish and Game Commission approved sweeping black bear regulation changes on April 16. The new rules authorize up to two bear tags per hunter and expand legal hunting opportunity into new northeastern California areas. If final administrative approval is completed in time, the changes could reshape the 2026 season.

Wisconsin Youth Turkey Hunt Incident Leaves Two Injured, Raises Questions About Mentored Hunting Safety

A 3-year-old hunter, guided by an adult mentor, accidentally shot two individuals after a turkey misidentification at Honey Creek Wildlife Area. The incident is under investigation and is already prompting discussion among Wisconsin hunters about safety and mentorship standards.

Pennsylvania Finalizes 2026–27 Hunting Seasons — Expanded Sunday Opportunities, Key Changes for Deer, Bear and Elk

The Pennsylvania Game Commission approved new hunting seasons this weekend, expanding Sunday hunting across most seasons while introducing important changes to deer, bear, elk and turkey regulations. Here’s what hunters need to know heading into the 2026–27 season.

Hunterizer App Updates 2026 California Big Game Seasons: More Opportunity for Bear, Elk, and Bighorn Sheep Hunting

With the release of the 2026 Big Game Digest by the CDFW, the Hunterizer app has rolled out updated seasons and tag information. California hunters are looking at expanded access, more tags, and brand-new hunt zones, pending final approval this April by Fish & Game Commission.

California Bear Hunting Set for Expansion in 2026: Second Tag and New Territory Likely

California hunters may see rare new opportunities as regulators respond to a booming bear population. Proposals for a second tag and expanded hunting areas are expected to be approved this spring. Insights from Bill Gaines on the Hunterizer Podcast suggest momentum is firmly on the side of expansion.

US Farm Bill Sparks Alarm Among Hunters Over Potential Restrictions on Hunting with Dogs

A controversial provision tied to the latest federal Farm Bill has raised concerns across the hunting community. While aimed at banning greyhound racing, critics warn the language could unintentionally impact long-standing hunting practices involving dogs. As the bill advances, hunters nationwide are watching closely.

CDFW Drops Bighorn Sheep Plan: Three New Hunt Zones Proposed for 2026-27 Season and more updates

CDFW released the North Central Deserts Bighorn Conservation Unit Plan on February 10, 2026, unlocking major new desert bighorn hunting opportunities. The plan recommends 3 brand-new hunt zones — Granite/North Bristol, Providence/Woods/Hackberry, and Castle/Piute Mountains — with conservative quotas that could boost the unit’s total tags from the current 5 to as many as 15 starting in the 2026-27 season. With roughly 900 healthy desert bighorn in the unit and strong science-based management, this marks one of the biggest expansions of sheep hunting opportunity in California in years.

Stuffed Turkey Breasts (Turkey Roulade) – Wild Game Recipes by Jeff Benda

Hunterizer launches its new publication series with wild game recipes from Jeff Benda, a seasoned wild game chef with 25 years of restaurant and catering experience. With spring turkey seasons approaching in many states, this debut features an approachable wild turkey breast recipe perfect for successful hunters – whether you’re new to cooking turkey or seeking a fresh twist.

California Eyes Grizzly Bear Reintroduction: New Legislation Sparks Debate Among Hunters and Conservationists

A recently introduced bill in the California State Senate seeks to explore the reintroduction of grizzly bears, absent from the state for over a century. While proponents highlight ecological and cultural benefits, critics worry about the implications for local wildlife management and human activities in the outdoors.

Wisconsin Opens 2026 Elk Season Applications March 1 with Expanded Quotas, Format Changes

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces that the application period for the 2026 elk season opens March 1 and includes new subunit licensing, expanded quotas, and a continuous October–December season. Hunters must choose among specific hunting units or unit groups, with separate bull and antlerless drawings shaping opportunities across both elk management zones.

Montana Mountain Lion Quotas Trigger Multiple Mid-Season Closures Across the State

Several Lion Management Units (LMUs) have shut down harvest of specific sexes after quotas were reached, reflecting strong hunter participation and tight population management. Montana’s quota-driven system continues to produce early closures in high-pressure areas while other districts remain open.

Hunterizer Podcast #3: Rick Brazell – Mentorship, Ethics, and the Future of Hunting

In this episode, the Hunterizer team is joined by Rick Brazell — a lifelong hunter, wildlife biologist, and founder and president of the First Hunt Foundation (FHF). FHF is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting new hunters with experienced volunteer mentors across the United States. Rick shares his passion for mentoring, the foundation’s programs, and why passing on these traditions matters more than ever.

Illegal Deer Harvest discovered in Greene County, New York

A recent enforcement action in Greene County, New York, resulted in fines and legal penalties after a hunter was found to have taken a deer illegally using the wrong harvest tag and without the proper permit. The case underscores the role of Environmental Conservation Police in upholding hunting regulations and the importance of ethical and lawful harvest practices for all hunters.

CA FGC Lists Some Mountain Lion Populations as Threatened – What It Means for Hunters, Ranchers, and Wildlife Management

The California Fish and Game Commission has designated six Central and Southern California mountain lion populations as threatened under state law, while leaving Northern and Sierra populations unchanged. The decision could reshape habitat policy, predator management, and long-term deer herd dynamics in key hunting regions. Here’s what the ruling means for sportsmen, ranchers, and wildlife conservation across the state.

U.S. Forest Service Announces 2026 Seasonal Hiring Push to Support Public Lands, Hunting Access, and Conservation Work

Seasonal hiring across national forests and grasslands aims to strengthen habitat projects, wildfire preparedness, and public access ahead of the 2026 field season. The added workforce will support recreation, wildlife monitoring, and conservation work that directly benefits hunters and other public land users. Applications are expected to open in the coming months, offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to work where they hunt and explore.

Bobcat Seasons Tighten Across Montana as Region 4 Closure Takes Effect

Harvest quotas are triggering early shutdowns in several trapping districts, including Region 4’s Feb. 11 closure after exceeding its limit. While some areas remain open, hunters and trappers face rapidly changing conditions as FWP monitors harvest totals statewide. Staying on top of quota updates is critical as the 2025–26 bobcat season enters its final stretch.

Georgia House Advances Bill Allowing Drone Use in Feral Hog Hunting

Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill in the House that would allow drones to assist in locating feral hogs on private land. The proposal aims to improve control of the invasive species while maintaining restrictions on aerial shooting. If enacted, the measure could add a new tool for landowners and hunters battling widespread hog damage.

Michigan NRC Meets in Lansing: Furbearer Regulations, TB History and Legislative Update on Agenda

Furbearer regulations, small game seasons and Michigan’s long-standing bovine tuberculosis issue headline this week’s Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing. With legislative updates and management discussions on the agenda, hunters and trappers will want to watch for signals that could shape future seasons. The meeting offers a key look at where wildlife policy may be headed in 2026.

CDFW Approves Controversial Eradication of Mule Deer on Catalina Island

California’s Catalina Island mule deer face total eradication after CDFW green-lights a five-year lethal removal plan, ending a century of regulated hunting on the island. Some conservation groups hail the move as essential to restore native habitats and reduce wildfire risk, while hunting organizations strongly condemn it as unnecessary and a loss of a cherished sporting tradition.

California Assembly Takes on Human-Wildlife Conflict: A Capitol Hearing on Wolves, Predators, and Rural Safety

As predator populations expand across California, lawmakers heard blunt testimony from ranchers, hunters, and wildlife managers about livestock losses, public safety, and limited management tools. The hearing underscored the widening gap between predator protection policies and the realities faced by rural communities.

Montana FWP Releases 2026 Big Game Hunting Regulations – Hunterizer Updates Now Live!

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has published the official 2026 big game regulations for deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison. Hunterizer has already rolled out detailed seasons and tag info for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison – deer, elk, and antelope updates coming next week. Mark your calendars for the drawing deadlines and start researching zones now for the best shot at tags this fall!

Interior Department Moves to Expand Hunting and Fishing Access on Federal Lands

The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a new order directing federal land agencies to expand hunting and fishing access while cutting back unnecessary regulations. The move reinforces hunting as a priority use of public lands and could open the door to more seasons, clearer rules, and fewer access restrictions for sportsmen.

PGC to Weigh Earlier Firearms Deer Season, Sunday hunting for Spring turkey season at January Meeting

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will review proposed hunting seasons and bag limits for the 2026–27 license year, including a possible shift of the firearms deer opener to before Thanksgiving. Other topics include Sunday hunting for spring gobblers, bear season adjustments, elk management, and Chronic Wasting Disease response.

Hunterizer launches Major Update to Seasons App

Hunterizer Seasons just got a major update! Seasons & regulations now automatically match your exact GPS location and hunting zone, sunrise/sunset times included. Plus Georgia seasons added! Update now and hunt smarter.

Spring Gobbler Season in Pennsylvania: 2025 Guide

Two male turkeys in the forest

Spring Gobbler Season in Pennsylvania: Everything You Need to Know for 2025 As winter fades and the Pennsylvania woods begin to come alive, hunters across the state eagerly prepare for one of the most anticipated seasons of the year-spring gobbler season. This is more than just a hunt; it’s a time-honored tradition that has been …

Read more

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00