New York Hunters Harvest Near-Record Number of Bears in 2025-26 Season
Southern Zone sets all-time record as statewide harvest climbs above long-term averages
Southern Zone sets all-time record as statewide harvest climbs above long-term averages
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.
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 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.
With the new license year opening April 1, Wisconsin hunters can now view updated season dates for deer, elk, bear, turkey, small game, game birds, and more inside the Hunterizer app. Additional opportunities will be added as the state releases further details.
Drawing results are now live in Go Wild accounts, with nearly 15,000 bear permits issued statewide. Competition remains fierce in Zones A and B, while southern zones offered improved odds for 2026.
Wisconsin bear hunters will see expanded opportunity this fall after state wildlife officials approved a record number of bear hunting licenses. The move reflects strong hunter demand and ongoing efforts to manage a healthy black bear population across the state.
Report your 2025 deer tags by January 31, 2026, and bear tags by February 1, 2026, to stay compliant and help manage our wildlife populations.
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