Wildlife Permit Drama: Comments Needed on Endangered Plants and Animals

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.

2026-12578 — Definition of Shellfish; Inclusion of Cephalopods

Starting July 23, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating the definition of shellfish to officially include squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods—even though they don’t have traditional shells. This change clears up confusion, matches modern science and business, and makes regulations simpler for fishermen and seafood sellers. No extra costs, just a smarter way to protect and manage these sea creatures!

Previous: 2026-09232 — Adams Street Advisors, LLC., et al.

Adams Street Advisors wants permission to offer different types of shares with various fees and sales charges for their business development companies. This change could affect investors by giving them more choices on how to invest and pay fees. If no one asks for a hearing by June 1, 2026, the SEC will likely approve this soon.

Next: 2026-09234 — Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is letting the public know they’ve received applications to do special activities with endangered animals from other countries. They’re asking for your thoughts before deciding to approve these permits. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by June 10, 2026—no late entries allowed!