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HuntingSeason
Federal Register · Docket FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223
● FINAL RULE · IN EFFECT SINCE AUG 31, 2026

111 new hunting
grounds
now final across 32 states

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 111 National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries for the 2026-2027 season — including 16 stations opened to public hunting for the very first time. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026. Find what changed in your state below.

Read the full breakdown: what the 2026 rule means →

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02 · Final rule in effect

All 111 stations were adopted

FWS published the final rule on September 1, 2026 (91 FR 56290) after reviewing 19,679 public comments. Every station in the proposal was adopted; 17were adopted with changes, which are noted on their pages. Seasons, bag limits, and permits still come from state regulations and each refuge's own hunt plan.

Read the final rule ↗
03 · All Changes

111 stations · 32 states

Filter by your state to see what changed near you. Each station can have changes in up to four categories: migratory bird, upland game, big game, and fishing.

About this data

Data sourced from Federal Register Docket FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223, Attachment A to the final rule. Categories reflect the federal classification (migratory bird, upland game, big game, sport fishing) — which specific species are huntable depends on state regulations. The rule is final and took effect August 31, 2026. Hunting access within any refuge varies by unit, season, and species. Always check the official station regulations before hunting: fws.gov/refuges.

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