New Hunting Rules Protect Alaska Natives' Bird Traditions and Wildlife

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.

2026-13719 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Kern Canyon Slender Salamander and Endangered Species Status for the Relictual Slender Salamander; Designation of Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to protect two special salamanders: the Kern Canyon slender salamander as threatened with extra protections, and the relictual slender salamander as endangered. They’re also setting aside important habitats to help these salamanders survive. People have until August 6, 2026, to share their thoughts, and these protections could affect local land use and conservation funding.

Previous: 2026-04558 — Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Polar Bears and Pacific Walruses in the Beaufort Sea and North Slope of Alaska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new rules to allow the Alaska oil and gas industry to accidentally disturb small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walruses during their work in the Beaufort Sea and northern Alaska for the next five years. This plan continues similar protections from the past five years while balancing wildlife safety with energy development. Public comments are open until April 8, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized.

Next: 2026-04567 — Honey Packers and Importers; Increased Assessment Rate

Honey packers and importers will see their fees go up from 1.5 cents to 2 cents per pound of honey starting soon, helping fund research and promotion efforts. This new rate will last until it’s changed or stopped, and comments on the change are open until April 8, 2026. It’s a small price for sweeter support of the honey industry!