# North American wildlife and hunting updates

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-wildlife-and-hunting-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-28T18:16:44.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Hunting activities and wildlife population trends are being monitored across North America. In Maine, youth hunting days were scheduled for late October, following a period where hunters recorded a record 55,876 deer harvests in 2025, a 32 percent increase from the previous year. Biologists linked this high harvest to mild winters and drought conditions affecting forage.

Waterfowl populations in the Pacific Northwest show varying trends. While mallard and pintail numbers have declined, wigeon, greenwing teal, and gadwall populations have increased. Regional water availability also differs, with pond counts dropping by 10 percent in the northern Great Plains of the Dakotas, while Canada reported a 29 percent increase in pond counts compared to the previous year.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Hunting trends and wildlife population updates in the US and Canada

Waterfowl populations show mixed trends in the Pacific Northwest, while Maine reported a record deer harvest in 2025 due to favorable environmental conditions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hunting-trends-and-wildlife-population-updates-in-the-us-and-canada

### 2026-10-22: Deer hunting traditions and seasonal updates in North America

Deer hunting traditions continue in North America, with specific youth hunting days scheduled for October 23-24 in Maine.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deer-hunting-traditions-and-seasonal-updates-in-north-america

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Cite as: North American wildlife and hunting updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-american-wildlife-and-hunting-updates