Check the latest game-consumption guidance, winter fishing rules, prescribed-fire notice and seasonal access update before you head outside. Use the topic links below to jump to the updates that affect your plans.

In this briefing: Hunting and Seasons | Fishing and Regulations | Wildfire and Fire Restrictions | Trail and Access Closures

Hunting and Seasons

• Michigan renews Clark’s Marsh venison warning: If you hunt near Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda Township, Michigan, do not eat venison from deer taken within three miles of the marsh, state agencies reiterated November 9 (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services). The existing PFAS-related advisory remains in effect, and Do Not Eat advice also remains in place for all fish and aquatic or semi-aquatic wildlife taken from Clark’s Marsh (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services).

As you prepare for your next outing, browse the Hunting collection.

Fishing and Regulations

• Upper Red Lake switches to its winter walleye limit: On Minnesota state waters of Upper Red Lake, your winter walleye possession limit will be four fish, with only one longer than 17 inches, from November 15, 2026 through February 28, 2027 (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources). The DNR’s November 9 announcement reduces the five-fish possession limit used during the 2026 open-water season (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources).

For your next fishing trip, explore the Fishing collection.

Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

• Tahoe National Forest plans Deadwood prescribed burning: If you are visiting the Foresthill Divide in California, expect possible smoke from the planned Deadwood Phase 2 prescribed underburn on up to 300 acres between China Wall and Mumford Bar Trailhead (Tahoe National Forest). The November 9 notice lists possible ignitions November 9 through 13, conditions permitting, and warns that smoke can settle overnight in valleys and low-lying areas (Tahoe National Forest).

Trail and Access Closures

• Mountain Loop Highway winter closure starts November 16: If your Washington trip uses Mountain Loop Highway, the stretch from Bedal Campground south to Barlow Pass closes for winter on Monday, November 16 (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest). The November 9 notice says the area remains open for non-motorized winter recreation, including hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest).

Featured Gear: Review the Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp, Black/Grey [APX21-BK/DK] as you plan your hiking and campsite lighting. Check its specifications against your needs before choosing your gear.

Stay up to date with the latest outdoor news every morning at lotzoutdoors.com. Shop gear for every adventure at shop.lotzoutdoors.com.

Photo: NPS / Chad Allmendinger, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. NPS white-tailed deer photo page. Illustrative wildlife photo, not the Clark’s Marsh advisory area or a deer identified by that advisory. No claim to original U.S. Government works.