Fish and Wildlife Service Expands Hunting Spots in Refuges for 2025 Season

2026-12951 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.

2026-12955 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.

2026-10846 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 1.5 million acres of land across six states to save the rusty patched bumble bee, a once-common pollinator now endangered. Starting July 1, 2026, this critical habitat designation will help keep these bees buzzing by limiting harmful activities in these areas. Landowners and communities in 33 counties should get ready for new rules that support bee recovery without heavy costs.

2026-08146 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This means these rivers will get special care to help these mussels survive and thrive. The new protections start May 27, 2026, and could affect activities near these waters, encouraging conservation efforts without heavy costs.

2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.

2026-13284 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Depredation and Control Orders

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing a paperwork process about controlling animal damage without making any changes. This affects folks who deal with wildlife depredation rules and won’t cost extra time or money. You’ve got 30 days from July 1, 2026, to share your thoughts before the renewal is finalized.

Previous: 2025-16452 — Removal of Obsolete Regulations for Crop Insurance Provisions

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation is cleaning house by removing old and confusing rules about crop insurance. This update helps farmers and insurers understand the rules better without changing any insurance coverage or costs. It’s all about making things simpler and clearer, with no impact on your current or past insurance.

Next: 2025-16466 — Air Plan Approval; California; Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District; Internal Combustion Engines

The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to new rules in the Mojave Desert that cut pollution from engines, helping keep the air cleaner. This update affects anyone using internal combustion engines in the area and makes sure the local air plan meets federal standards. No big costs or deadlines for you—just better air and clearer rules!