Today’s outdoor news includes new hunting-season reminders from Michigan and Wyoming, NOAA’s 2026 striped marlin limits and habitat investments, and fire-related campground and trail closures in Death Valley, Mendocino National Forest, Yosemite, and Zion. Use the updates below to plan your next hunt, fishing trip, or park visit safely.

Photo credit: nps.gov | Death Valley National Park fire update

Hunting and Seasons

• Michigan asks waterfowl hunters to Clean, Drain, Dry: The Michigan Invasive Species Program says you should inspect and remove plants, debris, and soil from boats and gear, drain water, and dry equipment for five days when possible to slow the spread of invasive species. Read the Michigan EGLE update.
• Wyoming check stations remain mandatory: Wyoming Game and Fish reminds you to stop at posted check stations whether or not you harvested an animal. Staff may check licenses, collect biological samples, and record harvest information used for disease and wildlife monitoring. Read the Wyoming Game and Fish reminder.
• Sage-grouse monitoring continues: Wyoming asks sage-grouse hunters to submit one wing from each harvested bird at roadside barrels, check stations, or regional offices. Biologists use the wings to determine age, sex, and reproductive success. See the sage-grouse submission details.

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Fishing and Regulations

• NOAA sets 2026 striped marlin limits: NOAA Fisheries established a 2026 Western and Central North Pacific striped marlin limit of 393.4 metric tons, with a 381.6-metric-ton U.S. longline retention limit. The final rule takes effect October 14, 2026. Read the NOAA Fisheries rule.
• NOAA awards $103 million for fish habitat: Sixteen restoration projects will support salmon, coral reefs, shrimp, oysters, redfish, and other fisheries across the United States. See the habitat funding announcement.
• Pelican rescue highlights discarded-line risk: NOAA biologists removed a treble hook and several feet of monofilament from a brown pelican. You should secure used line, use recycling bins, and follow the agency’s advice if a bird is hooked: reel, remove, release. Read the pelican rescue story.

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Wildfire and Fire Restrictions

• Death Valley campground temporarily closed after fire: Saline Valley Warm Springs Campground was closed after a September 15 fire. Everyone evacuated safely, no injuries were reported, and officials are investigating the cause while assessing hazards. Read the National Park Service update.
• Lucas Fire closure continues in Mendocino National Forest: Forest Road 16N26 and four national forest trails remain closed from September 15 through September 29, while several campgrounds and roads have reopened. Check the U.S. Forest Service alert.

Trail and Access Closures

• Yosemite closes trails near the Dome Fire: The Chilnualna Falls Trail and trails from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes are temporarily closed for safety. The fire has no immediate threat to infrastructure or developed areas, according to the National Park Service. Read the Yosemite fire update.
• Zion announces nighttime tunnel closures: Construction will temporarily close portions of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway tunnel at night. If you are heading to the Canyon Overlook Trail, use alternate routing and allow for possible 10 to 45 minute travel delays. See the Zion access notice.

Water Safety

No significant updates today. Recent boating incident listings did not have underlying publication dates within the 48-hour window. Check local conditions and wear a properly fitted personal flotation device whenever you are on the water.

Gear Recalls

No significant outdoor gear recalls today. The CPSC pressure-washer warning in the search results was outside the 48-hour window.

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