CAMO News – Hunting

Welcome to the daily CAMO News, your roundup of the latest stories for outdoor enthusiasts!

Why it’s important for turkey hunters to know when it’s ‘quitting time’: Outdoors column

Understanding the daily rhythms of wild turkeys is crucial for hunting success and ethical practices. In New York, the spring turkey season ends at noon each day to allow nesting hens to tend to their eggs without disturbance from hunters. This regulation is based on turkey behavior; gobblers are most active in the morning seeking to mate, but as hens leave for their nests in the afternoon, the woods quiet down. Adhering to these “quitting times” is not just about following the law, but also about ensuring the health and future of the turkey population. Knowing when to call it a day demonstrates respect for the quarry and contributes to sound wildlife management, ensuring robust flocks for seasons to come.

https://www.eveningtribune.com/story/sports/outdoors/2025/06/28/when-time-runs-out-on-a-turkey-hunter-outdoors-column/84320630007/“>Read the full story

Historic changes on the horizon for Pennsylvania hunters

Pennsylvania hunters are on the brink of a major change as legislation to repeal the ban on Sunday hunting moves closer to becoming law. House Bill 1431, which would remove the long-standing restrictions, has passed both the House and Senate with significant bipartisan support. After a final vote in the House to approve a Senate amendment, the bill will head to the governor’s desk. For decades, hunting on Sundays has been heavily restricted, a remnant of old “blue laws.” The potential repeal is seen as a historic victory for hunters, especially those with busy work weeks, as it would open up significant new opportunities to be in the field. Supporters argue this will boost hunter participation and retention.

https://www.timesobserver.com/sports/local-sports/2025/06/historic-changes-on-the-horizon-for-pennsylvania-hunters/“>Read the full story

Meeting-Free Montana Hunting Regulations Input Needed by FWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is making it easier for hunters to provide input on the upcoming 2026-2027 hunting regulations. Instead of requiring attendance at in-person meetings, the agency has launched an online survey where hunters can submit their suggestions directly. This approach is designed to gather a wider range of feedback from those who may not have the time or ability to attend scheduled meetings. FWP is seeking specific recommendations on potential changes to hunting seasons and rules. This public input is a critical part of the regulation-setting process and will be used by staff to draft formal proposals for the Fish and Wildlife Commission. The online survey will remain open until July 20th, giving hunters a convenient way to have their voices heard.

https://kyssfm.com/big-game-hunting-seasons-in-montana/“>Read the full story

The Quest for Big 8: A 203 2/8-Inch Iowa Giant

An epic, multi-year quest for a giant non-typical whitetail came to a thrilling conclusion for Iowa bowhunter Glen Salow. The buck, nicknamed “The Big 8” for its massive 8-point frame, was a familiar sight on Salow’s trail cameras for several seasons, growing more impressive each year. The hunt was a chess match of patience, strategy, and playing the wind on his southern Iowa property. The story highlights the dedication and persistence required to hunt mature whitetails, tracking the buck’s development from a promising younger deer to a true giant. Finally, during the November rut, a hot doe brought the massive 203 2/8-inch buck into close range, rewarding the hunter’s long-term efforts with the deer of a lifetime. The tale is a classic example of Iowa’s trophy whitetail potential.

https://www.northamericanwhitetail.com/editorial/big-8-nontypical-iowa-giant-buck/527176“>Read the full story

3 Nasty Plants to Avoid During Summer Deer Projects

For the dedicated hunter, the off-season is prime time for habitat work, but summer growth brings its own set of hazards beyond ticks and mosquitoes. This article highlights three particularly nasty plants to avoid while working on food plots or clearing shooting lanes. The first is the honey locust tree, armed with formidable, tire-popping thorns that can cause serious injury. Next are stinging nettles, which deliver a painful, burning rash upon contact with their silica-tipped hairs. Finally, and most dangerous, is poison hemlock. This plant is highly toxic; contact can cause skin reactions, and inhaling particles while cutting it can be life-threatening. Recognizing these plants is crucial for staying safe while improving your hunting grounds during the summer months.

https://www.themeateater.com/wired-to-hunt/whitetail-management/3-nasty-plants-to-avoid-during-summer-deer-projects“>Read the full story

Ducks Unlimited and Partners Celebrate 2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp First Day of Sale

The 2025-2026 Federal Duck Stamp is now on sale, continuing a conservation legacy that has raised over $1.2 billion for habitat since 1934. This year’s stamp, featuring a pair of spectacled eiders painted by artist Adam Grimm, was celebrated at a first-day-of-sale event in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older are required to purchase the $25 stamp, but conservationists and collectors also contribute significantly. An impressive 98 cents of every dollar goes directly to acquiring and protecting wetland habitat within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This funding benefits not only ducks and geese but countless other wildlife species, making the Duck Stamp one of the most effective conservation tools available for outdoor enthusiasts to support.

https://www.ducks.org/newsroom/ducks-unlimited-and-partners-celebrate-2025-2026-federal-duck-stamp-first-day-of-sale“>Read the full story

DEC proposes changes to deer hunting regulations

New York’s deer hunters may soon see several modernizing changes to regulations. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed a suite of updates, now open for public comment. Key proposals include the option for electronic tagging using the HuntFishNY app, which would work offline and eliminate the need for physical tags in the field. The harvest reporting deadline would also be shortened from seven to 48 hours. To boost youth participation, another proposal would allow young hunters who fill their regular season tag during the special Youth Hunt to receive a replacement tag for a deer of the opposite sex. These changes aim to streamline the hunting process and improve deer management across the state.

https://www.nny360.com/news/publicservicenews/dec-proposes-changes-to-deer-hunting-regulations/article_cd506788-a342-513f-9e74-b1e76480a3c3.html“>Read the full story

Wildlife officials create new CWD management zone in Flathead

In response to the detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has established a new CWD Management Zone around the Flathead County landfill. This measure aims to assess the spread of the fatal prion disease in the region’s deer population. To help manage the disease, hunters can now purchase a new over-the-counter license for an either-sex whitetail deer valid within this specific zone. There is no quota on these licenses, but hunters are limited to one each. Officials are strongly encouraging hunters who harvest a deer within the new management zone to have the animal tested for CWD. This surveillance is crucial for understanding the prevalence of the disease and informing future management decisions to protect the state’s ungulate herds.

https://www.mtpr.org/montana-news/2025-06-27/briefs-wildlife-officials-create-new-cwd-management-zone-in-flathead-fwp-seeks-comment-on-hunting-regulations“>Read the full story

Alaska governor signs insurance overhaul bill and three others into law

Among a series of bills recently signed into law by Alaska’s governor is one that will bring significant changes to the state’s big game hunting industry. The new law will create a system of permits for commercial big game guides operating on state lands. This establishes a framework for ten-year concessions that guides can compete for in designated areas, similar to how guide services are managed on federal lands. The change is intended to better regulate the industry and provide more structure for guiding operations. While the bill passed, it faced some debate, with concerns raised about the potential for larger, corporate hunting lodges to dominate the new concession system over smaller, local guides. The law marks a pivotal shift for the future of guided hunting in Alaska.

https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-governor-signs-insurance-overhaul-bill-and-three-others-into-law/“>Read the full story