Michigan Bill Set to Trigger Wolf Hunt If Federal Protections Lift 🐺

ven•a•tic: fond of or living by hunting

NORTH AMERICA’S MOST-READ OUTDOOR NEWSLETTER

In the event that the weekend wasn’t quite long enough for you, here’s to hoping that your favorite dispatch from the outdoor world can give you 5-or-so minutes to prep yourself for yet another week.

So, without further ado, let’s grab that coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past few days. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

NINTH CIRCUIT ARGUMENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW
MICHIGAN BILL SET TO TRIGGER WOLF HUNT IF FEDERAL PROTECTIONS LIFT

With another swipe of his pen last month, President Trump signed an executive order giving the Department of the Interior 90 days to determine whether gray wolves have met recovery goals as outlined in the Endangered Species Act. The EO also states that if findings indicate recovery, the process to delist or downlist the species is to begin immediately.

That potential shift has put a spotlight on legislation in Michigan that is already making its way through the House. Back in May, U.P. Rep. Dave Prestin tabled House Bill 6008, which would require the DNR to establish a gray wolf hunting and trapping season within a 90-day window following a decision to federally delist wild canines. And while the bill, which is currently with the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee, does not set quotas or season dates, it would serve to remove the state’s ability to wait or decline to act the moment that federal protections are lifted…

South Dakota wildlife officials offer hunting license refunds as deer disease reports continue: Reports of deer deaths from a viral disease have spiked as hunters take to the fields in South Dakota, and state wildlife officials are reducing some hunting opportunities and offering hunting-license refunds to protect deer numbers.  Read the full story.

Arkansas drought could make duck hunting season tougher, costlier: Arkansas’ extended drought could mean tougher conditions for duck hunters this season, fewer ducks across the landscape and higher costs for outfitters working to keep water on their land. Read the full story.

Pennsylvania pheasant hunters gain more hunting days, with 232K birds to be stocked: The Pennsylvania Game Commission has expanded pheasant-hunting opportunities for 2026-27 with 21 open Sundays and plans to stock approximately 232,000 birds across the state. Read the full story.

OSP Fish and Wildlife asks for public’s help to find elk poacher: The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the waste of a bull elk in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Read the full story.

North Dakota bighorn sheep hunting licenses down slightly: There were 22,739 hunters who applied for a license this year, breaking last year's record of 21,221. It is the third time in the past four years that applications for the once-in-a-lifetime licenses have surpassed 20,000. Game and Fish typically allocates fewer than 10 bighorn licenses per year. The number of 2026 licenses is down from eight last year. Read the full story.

Linn County deputies seek hunter after fatal shooting near Sweet Home: A 54-year-old Sweet Home man died after investigators believe he was accidentally shot by a hunter Saturday evening near Sweet Home, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is asking the public for help identifying the hunter involved. Read the full story.

🙏 "Making chicken salad out of chicken sh*t". This man lost just about everything in a terribe fire but was able to salvage some mounts and a grizzly bear.

If anyone knows how to restore these mounts, I'm sure this fella would appreciate it. Glad everyone was ok though.

I’ve never competed but I think I’m a pretty damn good parallel parker. I’ll have to try my skills when Philly holds the next parallel parking championships. I was born and raised in Canada and despite having extensive experience with much of my home country’s food and drink traditions, I’ve yet to have been fortunate enough to try one of the Great White North’s mummified toe cocktails. It’s crazy to think that large-scale art heists still take place. Like this one where thieves stole an enormous bronze book cover designed by Salvador Dalí last week in the town of Issoire in central France. And a colorized trip down memory lane and what Halloween looked like in the 60s and 70s.

Smell that? It’s a new week.

📸 by @cfreephotos

Oh, and one more thing…