D&D Outdoors Podcast
The fastest Growing Hunting and Fishing Podcast
Hunting and Fishing Weekly Recap:April 5 2025
This Week in Hunting and Fishing: April 5 2025
Welcome to this week’s roundup of the latest happenings in the hunting and fishing world! As of April 5, 2025, there’s plenty to talk about, from regional reports to regulatory updates and environmental shifts impacting outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the highlights of the week.
Shop new arrivals
-
20oz Tumbler
$26.00 Tax -
D&D OUTDOOR PODCAST DECAL
Price range: $1.87 through $3.35 Tax -
D&D Outdoors Fishing UV Protectant Hoodie
$45.00 Tax -
D&D OUTDOOR PODCAST SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT
Price range: $16.93 through $24.15 Tax -
Dove O’Clock Short Sleeve Shirt
Price range: $25.78 through $34.15 Tax
Michigan Fishing and Hunting Report
In Michigan, the outdoor season is heating up. According to the Michigan Fishing and Hunting Report from Outdoor News on April 4, walleyes are making their way into the Detroit River, signaling a promising start for anglers targeting this prized species. Meanwhile, turkey hunters are gearing up as strutting toms are already being spotted across the state. With spring turkey season on the horizon, hunters are fine-tuning their strategies to make the most of the early activity. The blend of fishing and hunting action underscores Michigan’s reputation as a hotspot for outdoor pursuits this time of year.
Idaho: Spring Chinook Season and Hunter Education Opportunities
In Idaho’s fishing and hunting calendar is also in focus, with significant updates for the spring season. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has set the spring chinook salmon season to open on April 26, 2025, covering the Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon River drainages (Spring Chinook Fishing Seasons and Rules). Fishing will be allowed four days a week (Thursday through Sunday) in several key waterways, a measure aimed at balancing angler access with conservation needs, given the forecasted return of hatchery adults. On the other hand the hunting side, hunter education classes are scheduled from April 7-11 in Lewiston, offering a critical opportunity for new hunters to get certified before the spring turkey season (Hunter Ed Certification). An X post from Idaho Fish and Game (Idaho Fish and Game) emphasized the importance of these classes, noting they could be the last chance for certification this season. A pro tip shared in reports suggests setting up turkey decoys at logging road bends for better visibility and success.
Yukon: Regulatory Changes for the 2025-2026 Season
In Yukon, the government has announced significant changes to hunting and fishing regulations for the 2025-2026 licensing year, effective as of recent announcements.The Government of Yukon (Government of Yukon Announces Key Changes), these include increasing moose permit hunt authorizations from seven to 15 in the Fish Lake and Mount Lorne Moose Management Unit areas, with four new permits each, excluding specific subzones. The Braeburn elk hunt will be closed for the 2025-2026 season to support population recovery, and starting in 2026, the bison hunting season will be shortened, closing on March 24 to reduce pressure on pregnant bison. These changes, detailed in a Yukon News article (YG Introduces Changes to Hunting and Fishing Regulations), reflect a balance between harvest opportunities and conservation, with ongoing population inventories to assess trends.
Washington: Trout Hatchery Concerns and Hunting Baiting Ban
Washington’s fishing community faces potential changes with the consideration of closing four trout hatcheries—Natchez, Chelan, Omak, and Arlington—due to budget cuts or legal settlements, as reported in recent discussions (Hatchery International Washington State Hatcheries Facing Budget Cuts). This proposal has raised concerns among anglers, given the hatcheries’ role in supporting the state’s trout fishing, potentially impacting local economies and recreational opportunities. Washington has implemented a statewide ban on feeding and baiting wildlife, effective April 24, 2025, as part of efforts to control chronic wasting disease (CWD), confirmed in North Spokane eight months ago (Spokesman-Review Statewide Bans on Baiting, Feeding Wildlife Proposed). This ban replaces emergency regulations and includes restrictions on moving carcasses and expanded testing requirements, aiming to limit CWD spread, as detailed in Outdoor Life (Deer and Elk Hunters in Washington State Can No Longer Hunt Over Bait).
Weather Impacts: Polar Vortex and Storms
The weather has significantly influenced outdoor activities this week. A polar vortex is bringing an April cold snap to the eastern U.S., with forecasts from the National Weather Service (Weather Prediction Center) predicting freezes early next week, potentially affecting spring vegetation and game habitats. As a result this could disrupt hunting patterns and fishing conditions, particularly in colder waters. In Addition, the South and Midwest are recovering from deadly storms reported on April 2, 2025, by the Associated Press (Storm Prediction Center), which killed seven and caused tornadoes and flooding, temporarily halting outdoor plans but expected to ease soon.
Utah: Significant Price Hikes for Hunting Licenses for Nonresidents
Utah has announced substantial increases in hunting and fishing fees, particularly for nonresidents, effective July 1, 2025. In fact according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (License, Permit and Miscellaneous Fees), nonresident fishing licenses will rise from $94 to $120 for adults and $34 to $44 for youth, hunting licenses from $120 to $144 for adults and $34 to $44 for youth, and combination licenses from $150 to $190 for adults and $38 to $58 for youth. Hunt drawing application fees will increase from $16 to $21 starting September, with specific permits like buck deer rising from $418 to $599 (KSL.com Utah Raises Prices for Fishing, Hunting and Other Fees for Nonresidents). These hikes aim to cover operational costs and align with neighboring states, potentially impacting out-of-state participation.
Comparative Table of Fee Changes in Utah
| License/Permit Type | Current Fee (Nonresident) | New Fee (Effective July 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing License (Adult) | $94 | $120 |
| Fishing License (Youth) | $34 | $44 |
| Hunting License (Adult) | $120 | $144 |
| Hunting License (Youth) | $34 | $44 |
| Combination License (Adult) | $150 | $190 |
| Combination License (Youth) | $38 | $58 |
| Buck Deer Permit | $418 | $599 |
| Hunt Drawing Application Fee | $16 | $21 (Effective September) |
These changes, detailed in Senate Bill 8 and reported by Outdoor Life (A $3,710 Elk Tag? Utah Set to Double Hunting Fees for Nonresidents), could price out some nonresident hunters, prompting discussions on accessibility and long-term participation.
Looking Ahead
As we move into mid-April, the hunting and fishing community faces a mix of opportunities and challenges. From Michigan’s walleye runs to Idaho’s chinook season, Yukon’s regulatory shifts, Washington’s hatchery debates and baiting ban, weather disruptions, trade tariff impacts, and Utah’s fee hikes, the landscape is dynamic. Whether casting a line or calling a turkey, these developments highlight the resilience and adaptability required in the outdoors.
What’s happening in your area? Share your experiences below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Until next week, tight lines and good hunts!
Key Citations
YG Introduces Changes to Hunting and Fishing Regulations for 2025-2026 Season (Yukon News)
Michigan’s Statewide Fishing Report on April 4, 2025 (Outdoor News)
Spring Chinook Fishing Seasons and Rules (Idaho Fish and Game)
Hunter Ed Certification (Idaho Fish and Game)
Government of Yukon Announces Key Changes for 2025–26 Hunting and Fishing Licensing Year (Government of Yukon)
Washington State Hatcheries Facing Budget Cuts (Hatchery International)
Weather Prediction Center (National Weather Service)
License, Permit and Miscellaneous Fees (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
Statewide Bans on Baiting, Feeding Wildlife Proposed to Help Fight CWD (Spokesman-Review)
Deer and Elk Hunters in Washington State Can No Longer Hunt Over Bait (Outdoor Life)
Utah Raises Prices for Fishing, Hunting and Other Fees for Nonresidents (KSL.com)
A $3,710 Elk Tag? Utah Set to Double Hunting Fees for Nonresidents (Outdoor Life)
Storm Prediction Center Apr 5, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook (Storm Prediction Center)
Dell Oliver
Dell Oliver, an avid hunter, fisherman, and wildlife conservationist residing in Wolfforth, Texas. He explores hunting and fishing grounds within the great state of Texas and adventure out to the Sky Islands of southern Arizona to the Grand Mesa of Colorado and across the United States. He is passionate about preserving hunting traditions for future generations and actively participate in game and fish commission meetings nationwide, advocating against anti-hunting bills.