Still time to participate in Nebraska Upland Slam

Several hunters already have accepted and completed the challenge, but there’s still plenty of time to take part in the Nebraska Upland Slam.

The Slam invites hunters to pursue and harvest a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken, and northern bobwhite quail within a single season in Nebraska.

Now in its eighth year, the Nebraska Upland Slam is a collaboration among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever.

Hunters who take all four of Nebraska’s primary upland gamebird species should upload a photo of each harvested bird online. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate, a pin and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize: a Winchester SX4 Upland Field 12-gauge shotgun.

The second-place prize is the Print of the Year with Medallion: Mr. Pheasant by Christa Dawn. The third-place prize is a Scheels $100 gift card.

Resident hunters 15 or younger who complete the slam will be automatically entered into a drawing for a resident youth lifetime hunt permit. Additionally, upon the fourth and final bird submission, hunters can acknowledge their hunting dog’s achievement by uploading a photo of their dog afield to receive an official Top Dog tag and certificate.

The seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken opened Sept. 1, and the seasons for pheasant and bobwhite began Oct. 25. The seasons for all four species close Jan. 31, 2026. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Upland Slam” for more information, official rules and entry details.

North Dakota

A Course Near You

If you were born after 1961, are 12 years or older, you must take an in-person or home study certified hunter education course before you can get a firearm or bowhunting license in North Dakota.

Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2026 must click on the education link at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required. Classes are listed by city and can also be sorted by start date. Classes will be added throughout the year as they become finalized.

Those interested in receiving a notice by email or SMS text message when each hunter education class is added, can click on the “subscribe to news and alerts” link below the news section on the Game and Fish home page. Check the box labeled “hunter education” under the education program updates.

Students must turn 12 during the calendar year to take the home study course, and age 11 during the calendar year to take the traditional in-person class.

Gear on WMAs

Hunters are reminded that tree stands, blinds, steps and other personal items such as cameras, must be removed from all North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas by Jan. 31.

Items not removed by Jan. 31 are considered abandoned property and are subject to removal and confiscation by the Game and Fish Department.

Tentative 2026 Season Opening Dates

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates to help hunters prepare for hunting seasons.

Hunters should note the opening date for the regular waterfowl season is still under discussion.

Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2026 include:

HuntLink

HuntLink is a new, voluntary program designed to help North Dakota landowners easily connect with hunters and trappers. The program offers a simple way to allow managed access for antlerless deer, coyotes, turkeys, and other species. For landowners experiencing wildlife depredation or looking for additional management tools, HuntLink can help.    

Landowners can enroll through their North Dakota Game and Fish My Account page and may remove their listing at any time once they’ve connected with enough participants.

Hunters can view landowner requests across the state through the HuntLink Map, but must contact landowners directly to obtain permission before hunting or trapping.

Historical Look at Waterfowl in North Dakota

The storied past of waterfowl in North Dakota is uniquely revealed in the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s publication, “The Duck Factory – A History of Waterfowl in North Dakota.”

Certainly of interest to waterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts, the 213-page, full color, soft-cover publication is authored by Mike Jacobs and Erik Fritzell. The book traces the history of waterfowl species and their habitats in North Dakota.

The book is sold only online for $24.99, including shipping, on the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, by clicking on Buy and Apply, and then Shop.

Pennsylvania

BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER 2026-27 HUNTING SEASONS AND MORE AT JANUARY MEETING

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will hold its first meeting of the new year on Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Among other agenda items, the Board will consider preliminary hunting seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 license year.

The meeting will include two proposals for the Board to consider regarding the start of the firearms deer season. The first proposal would open the firearms season on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The second proposal would maintain the current season structure, with the season opening on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

Regarding the proposal to open the firearms season before Thanksgiving, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said, “This change would give hunters an earlier start and provide more opportunities for families, young hunters, and those who travel longer distances to enjoy opening weekend without competing with the Thanksgiving holiday. Opening the season earlier could improve access for hunters and continues the Board’s focus on structuring seasons in ways that maximize participation.”

To accommodate a potential earlier start date, the first proposal would move the firearms bear season one week earlier and shorten the early bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season to a single weekend.

Executive Director Smith discussed the potential change this week on an episode of the agency’s podcast, Call of the Outdoors.

The Board also will consider allowing Sunday hunting during the 2027 spring gobbler season. To offset the potential for increased harvest associated with Sunday hunting, the proposal recommends limiting the spring gobbler bag limit to one bird, eliminating the option to purchase a second spring turkey tag for the 2027 season.

The two-day public meeting begins Friday, Jan. 23, at 1 p.m., and will include staff presentations on a range of wildlife management topics, including elk and turkey management, as well as other key agency initiatives. No public comment will be accepted on Friday.

The meeting resumes Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8:30 a.m. Public comment, limited to five minutes per speaker, will be accepted on a first-to-register, first-to-speak basis. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. in the headquarters lobby. PowerPoint presentations will not be permitted during public comment.

Following public comment, the Board will proceed with its regular agenda and new business. The full agenda is available on the Game Commission’s website under “About Us” and “Public Meetings.”

In addition to preliminary seasons and bag limits, the Board will consider items related to Pennsylvania’s elk application process, Chronic Wasting Disease response, the Certified Hunter Program, approved trapping methods, fluorescent orange on game lands for non-hunters during the fall hunting seasons, changes to the regulations authorizing baiting in the Special Regulation Areas, and other wildlife management issues.

The Board is set to adopt final seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 license year at its next meeting, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The meeting will be held at the Pennsylvania Game Commission headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, just off the Progress Avenue exit 69 of Interstate 81. Those unable to attend may watch the meeting live on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel.

South Dakota

GFP Seeking Comments on Multiple Action Plans

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) currently has multiple action plans available for public comment.

Wildlife Damage Management Action Plan

The Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) Action Plan is used for general, strategic guidance and serves to identify what to accomplish related to Wildlife Damage Management.

The WDM program works directly with landowners and agricultural producers to reduce damage to livestock, crops, and property caused by wildlife.

Giant Canada Goose Action Plan

The Giant Canada Goose Action Plan is used for general guidance related to Canada goose management in South Dakota.

The goal for giant Canada goose populations in South Dakota is to manage for maximum recreational opportunity consistent with the welfare of the population, habitat constraints, and social tolerance.

Public Comments Being Accepted

The draft action plans can be found online at gfp.sd.gov/management-plans/.

Individuals interested in any of these action plans may provide suggestions and comments on the revised action plan by February 20, 2026. Written comments must include your full name and city of residence. Comments can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501, or submitted at gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/.