Weekly Hunting and Fishing Round Up May 17, 2025

This week’s hunting and fishing news brings a wealth of updates for outdoor enthusiasts. From potential expansions in public land access to state-specific regulation changes, international developments, new gear introductions, and a promising fishing season, there’s much to explore.

Major Announcement: Expanded Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

On May 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior proposed 42 new hunting opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. This includes:

• First-Ever Hunting: Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland may open to hunting.
• New Sport Fishing: North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery in Massachusetts could allow sport fishing.
• Minnesota Adjustment: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge plans to end an early teal hunt to ensure safety during tribal wild rice harvesting, with the regular teal season unaffected.

This proposal, open for public comment at Regulations.gov, could boost outdoor recreation and rural economies, contributing to the $394 billion outdoor industry. Finalization is expected for the 2025-2026 seasons.

Expansion Details	Information
New Opportunities	42 proposed hunting opportunities
Acreage	Over 87,000 acres
Locations	Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, Washington
Economic Impact	$394 billion from outdoor activities in 2022
Public Comment	Available at Regulations.gov

State Hunting Updates

Michigan: Adjusted Deer Regulations

Oklahoma: Nonresident Fee Controversy

Oklahoma’s doubled nonresident big-game hunter fees have sparked debate, with critics arguing it may exclude less affluent hunters. This reflects broader discussions on access equity.

Wisconsin: Wolf Monitoring Report Concerns

Wisconsin’s latest DNR Wolf Monitoring Report lacks a population estimate, raising questions about future hunting regulations . This could impact deer management strategies.

Oklahoma: 2025 Controlled Hunts

The 2025 Controlled Hunts application period, open until May 20, allows extra Preference Points and hunt choices for $3 each Applications are available at Go Outdoors Oklahoma.

Minnesota: Bear Hunting Licenses

Bear hunting license applications for 2025 are open until May 2 through the Minnesota DNR, available online or via agents

Utah: Regulation Changes for 2025

Utah has introduced several hunting regulation changes for 2025 . Key updates include:

• A 2.2% processing fee on all applications and licenses.
• Simplified blaze orange requirements: one item (hat, shirt, jacket, etc.) during legal weapon hunts.
• Hunters must choose between the Dedicated Hunter Program and General Season deer draw, prohibiting dual applications or point accumulation.
• New restricted weapon hunts in units like Beaver/West and boundary adjustments in several areas.

These changes aim to streamline regulations and enhance safety.

Texas: Proposed Regulation Changes for 2025-26

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking public input on proposed changes for 2025-26 (TPWD). Proposals include:

• Expanding the mule deer archery season to the day before the general season.
• Modifying the Managed Lands Deer Program to allow mule deer harvest with any legal means from late September to late January.
• Extending the statewide quail hunting season to the last day in February.
• Clarifying wild turkey hunting zone boundaries in Hill County and opening Lubbock County to turkey hunting.

Public comments are accepted until March 26, 2025, with a hearing on March 27.

State	Update	Details
Michigan	Deer Regulation Changes	Antlerless deer in UP, specialty hunts allow bucks, youth/disabled restrictions in 2025
Oklahoma	Nonresident Fee Increase	Doubled big-game fees, debated for excluding less affluent hunters
Wisconsin	Wolf Monitoring Report	No population estimate, raising management questions
Oklahoma	2025 Controlled Hunts	Open until May 20; extra Preference Points and hunt choices available
Minnesota	Bear Hunting License Applications	Open until May 2 for 2025 season; apply online or via agents
Utah	Regulation Changes for 2025	New fees, simplified blaze orange, application restrictions
Texas	Proposed Changes for 2025-26	Expanded mule deer archery, extended quail season, public input sought

International Hunting News

European Union: Wolf Protection Downgrade

On May 8, 2025, the European Parliament voted 371-162 to downgrade wolf protections from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’, allowing more flexibility for farmers to manage wolf populations (AP News). Environmentalists criticize the move as politically driven, potentially harming biodiversity, while farmers welcome the relief (X post).

Fishing Season Highlights

• Great Lakes: Lake Michigan is expected to offer abundant king and coho salmon.
• New York: The walleye season opened May 1, with Lake Erie as a prime spot.
• Minnesota: The May 10 fishing opener saw strong catches and favorable weather.

Region	Update	Details
Great Lakes	Promising Salmon Season	King and coho salmon abundant in Lake Michigan
New York	Walleye Season Open	Lake Erie highlighted as prime fishing spot
Minnesota	Successful Fishing Opener	Strong catches and favorable weather on May 10, 2025

Fishing Tips and Techniques

• Classic Spinners: Effective for muskies .
• Custom Jigs: Tailored jigs improve walleye catches .
• Free Rig: A versatile, underutilized method .

Technique	Target Species	Details
Classic Spinners	Muskies	Effective for large fish, regaining popularity
Custom Jigs	Walleye	Tailored jigs improve catch rates in specific conditions
Free Rig	Various	Versatile and simple method, often underutilized

Notable Catches

Keith Kirk of Berrien Springs, Michigan, caught and released a 21.5-inch smallmouth bass on May 3, 2025, in Berrien County .

Public Engagement Opportunities

• Minnesota DNR Muskie Plan: Public comments are invited on the muskie plan update
• Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener: The May 10 event highlighted angling’s impact

Opportunity	Location	Details
Muskie Plan Comment	Minnesota	Public invited to comment on DNR’s muskie plan update
Governor’s Opener	Minnesota	Event highlights angling’s economic and cultural impact

Conclusion

The week of May 17, 2025, offers a dynamic mix of hunting and fishing news. From potential public land expansions to state and international regulation changes, new gear, and robust fishing seasons, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to engage with. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy hunting and fishing!

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