# U.S. regional hunting season updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-regional-hunting-season-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-15T23:43:50.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Various U.S. states have announced updates regarding wildlife hunting seasons and permit availability for the 2026 period.

In Alaska, the Department of Fish and Game transitioned moose permit registration for the Ship Creek drainage to an exclusive online system. In Montana, pheasant hunting seasons were scheduled to open in mid-October, supported by state-authorized pheasant releases on public lands.

By October 10, pheasant hunting seasons also commenced in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Pennsylvania officials expanded hunting opportunities by opening more Sundays and stocking approximately 232,000 pheasants, though certain recovery areas remain closed to hunting. Meanwhile, Minnesota reported a 25-30% increase in pheasant populations compared to the previous year, with the season expected to progress alongside corn harvesting.

In the Midwest, Nebraska is preparing for its 100th pheasant season to open on October 31. State wildlife officials reported that pheasant populations increased by 36% over the summer compared to the previous year, though officials warned that drought conditions could reduce available hunting cover in the Panhandle. 

In Wisconsin, the hunting season began on October 17. However, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced a 13% reduction in stocking farm-raised birds, releasing 65,000 pheasants compared to 75,000 last year. Officials cited budget constraints and inflation, noting that the cost to raise a single bird increased from $6.91 to $9.80 between 2021 and 2025.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: Pheasant hunting seasons open across US Midwest

Pheasant hunting seasons are opening in Nebraska and Wisconsin, with Nebraska reporting a 36% population increase while Wisconsin reduces bird stocking due to budget and inflation pressures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pheasant-hunting-seasons-open-across-us-midwest

### 2026-10-10: Pheasant hunting seasons open in Pennsylvania and Minnesota

Pheasant hunting seasons open in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, with Minnesota reporting a 25-30% increase in bird populations compared to last year.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pheasant-hunting-seasons-open-in-pennsylvania-and-minnesota

### 2026-10-06: Hunting seasons and permit updates announced in Alaska and Montana

Upcoming hunting seasons in Alaska and Montana feature new online moose permit requirements and pheasant release programs to support wildlife conservation and hunter recruitment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hunting-seasons-and-permit-updates-announced-in-alaska-and-montana

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Cite as: U.S. regional hunting season updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-regional-hunting-season-updates