Today’s outdoor news includes a Minnesota archery season reminder, newly secured public hunting and fishing access in Montana, major NOAA fish habitat funding, a Mendocino National Forest fire closure, and practical cold-water safety lessons from a Lake Superior kayak rescue.

Photo credit: fisheries.noaa.gov | NOAA Fisheries

Hunting and Seasons

• Minnesota archery deer season opens September 19: The Minnesota DNR says the 2026 archery season runs through December 31. Before you head out, review electronic licensing, chronic wasting disease requirements, carcass disposal rules, blaze clothing requirements, and ground-blind visibility rules. Read the Minnesota DNR update.
• Permanent public access secured in Montana: Outdoor Life reports that a $29.3 million conservation easement on 20,629 acres of Stimson Lumber Company timberland in northwest Montana creates year-round public hunting and fishing access, including more than 6,000 days of public hunting access each year. Read the Outdoor Life report.

Prepare for your next outing with the Hunting and Fishing collection.

Fishing and Regulations

• NOAA awards $103 million for fish habitat: NOAA Fisheries announced funding for 16 restoration projects across the country, including work benefiting salmon, shrimp, oysters, redfish, and other fisheries. See the NOAA Fisheries announcement.
• Fishing line wildlife reminder: NOAA reported that staff rescued a brown pelican entangled in heavy-duty fishing line and a treble hook. The agency reminded anglers that discarded monofilament can injure or kill wildlife and advised people who hook a bird to reel, remove, and release rather than cut the line. Read the NOAA wildlife safety story.

Keep your tackle setup ready with the Fishing Accessories collection.

Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

• Lucas Fire closure remains in effect: Mendocino National Forest updated an emergency closure for the Upper Lake Ranger District. The order runs September 15 through September 29 and closes Forest Road 16N26 plus four national forest trails in the Hunter Point and Middle Creek areas, while several campgrounds and roads have reopened. Read the U.S. Forest Service alert.

Trail and Access Closures

• East Portal Road temporarily closed: Curecanti National Recreation Area closed East Portal Road to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists because of adverse weather and mudslide risk. Check for a reopening notice before planning access to Crystal Dam, Gunnison Tunnel, East Portal Campground, or nearby recreation areas. Read the National Park Service notice.

Water Safety

• Lake Superior cold-water rescue offers a safety lesson: Paddling Magazine reports that a sea kayaker capsized during a crossing, developed hypothermia symptoms in water in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, and was assisted ashore by his group. The account emphasizes practicing rescues, checking equipment, paddling together, using suitable cold-water gear, and honestly assessing conditions and ability. Read the Paddling Magazine account.

Gear Recalls

No significant outdoor gear recalls today. The current CPSC pressure-washer warning is not an outdoor recreation gear recall.

Featured Gear: Keep your boat organized for your next fishing trip with the in-stock C.E. Smith Flush Mount Rod Holder.

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