You have a busy outdoor-news day ahead: Minnesota’s archery deer season opens September 19 with new licensing reminders, NOAA announced major fish-habitat funding, and two recent boating incidents underscore why you should wear a personal flotation device every time you are on the water.

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. This season brings a new electronic licensing system for buying licenses, validating harvests, and registering deer. You should review chronic wasting disease requirements, new carcass-disposal rules, blaze clothing requirements, and ground-blind visibility rules before heading out. Read the full update from Minnesota DNR.
• Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is September 19 and 20: Minnesota adult residents accompanied by a youth younger than 16 may hunt small game without a license during the special weekend, while still following open seasons, limits, and other regulations. The Minnesota DNR announcement includes links to safety and small-game guidance.

Get ready for your next hunt 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. The projects will improve habitat for salmon, sturgeon, shrimp, oysters, and other fisheries by reconnecting rivers, restoring wetlands and salt marshes, and rebuilding coral reefs. See the details from NOAA Fisheries.

Keep your tackle and on-water setup organized with the Fishing Accessories collection.

Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

No significant updates today.

Trail and Access Closures

No significant updates today.

Water Safety

• Shasta Lake drowning during dog rescue attempt: Active NorCal reports that a 60-year-old Redding man drowned after entering the water near Bailey Cove to help a dog that went overboard. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office urged boaters to wear a personal flotation device every time, not merely keep one aboard. Read the report from Active NorCal.
• Teen drowns after fishing boat capsizes in Louisiana: Hoodline reports that a 16-year-old died after an aluminum boat carrying three teenagers overturned in a private pond in Sulphur. Two teens reached shore, and emergency crews later recovered the third teen. Read the report from Hoodline.

Gear Recalls

No significant outdoor gear recalls today.

Featured Gear: As you prepare for the archery season, the in-stock Easton Archery Essentials Tool Pack gives you a compact eight-piece kit for routine bow maintenance.

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