At the close of the 2025 general rifle hunting season on Nov. 30, just over 2,800 hunters had passed through the check station operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Augusta, representing a 10 percent increase over the 5-year average but a 9 percent decline from the 10-year average.

North Dakota's river otter trapping season is closed. The statewide season's predetermined harvest limit of 30 has been reached.

The wildlife board approved adjustments to some of the existing bison hunts, as well as the creation of a new cow bison hunt that would be held during the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons.

Hunter participation and success were mixed across south-central Montana for the sixth and final weekend of the season. For the season, harvest for both species of deer was below-average across the region, while elk harvest was near or above long-term averages.

The last drawing for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation is Jan. 5. Chances are $10 each, and there is no limit on the number of chances each hunter can purchase. 

Muzzleloader heritage season in Montana opens on Saturday, Dec. 13, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 21. This season is for heritage muzzleloaders only; no other means of taking game, such as archery, is allowed.

Weather for the closing weekend of Montana's general deer and elk season brought cold temperatures, wind and snow in some areas. Conditions got animals moving a bit more, and hunters visiting area check stations on Sunday were generally satisfied with their experience.

The Indiana DNR has closed the bobcat trapping season after reaching the statewide quota. The season was scheduled to run from Nov. 8 – Jan. 31, or until the quota of 250 bobcats was reached.

Beretta announced its partnership with Hook & Barrel magazine for the Yipee-Ki-Yay Christmas Giveaway, a holiday promotion honoring one of the most recognizable pistols in film and firearms history: the Beretta 92.

The Michigan Community Tree Species Selection Guide is now available. This handbook, created by DNR Urban Forester Lawrence Law, is your guide to planting the right tree in the right place.