FWS Sets 2025 Bird Hunting Seasons: Hunt Responsibly, Protect Feathers
Published Date: 8/18/2025
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service set the official rules for the 2025-26 migratory bird hunting season, letting States choose season dates, limits, and hunting areas within safe boundaries. These rules help protect bird populations while giving hunters a fun and fair chance to enjoy the sport. Hunters, States, and Tribes should get ready for the upcoming season with these new guidelines in place.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Federal Frameworks Set Hunting Limits
If you hunt migratory game birds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has set the 2025-26 federal frameworks that define outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where hunting may occur. States will use these frameworks when picking their own seasons and limits.
Frameworks Aim to Keep Harvest Sustainable
The frameworks are set to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions for the 2025-26 season, which helps protect bird populations and supports continued recreational and subsistence hunting.
States Choose Season Details Within Frameworks
If you hunt in different states, each State may select its own 2025-26 season dates, bag limits, and hunting areas from the federal frameworks, so season rules can vary by State. Hunters, States, and Tribes are advised to prepare for those State selections.
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