COVID-19 Changes to Hunting Regulations

Written by HLRBO| 8/27/2020

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has completely changed our day-to-day lives, from how we work, go to school, go to appointments and even how we socialize and see our loved ones. As states try to slow the spread of COVID-19 by enacting a wide range of regulations enforcing social distancing, many hunters are left wondering what they will be able to do come deer and other hunting seasons. Below is a list of the latest updates to hunting regulations around the country in the midst of COVID-19.

August, Washington: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reopened most recreational fishing, hunting, wildlife areas, and water access areas in a phased approach following the state’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. WDFW is currently not able to hold Master Hunter Permit Program exams or in-person hunter education classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The department has canceled the 2020 open application period for the Master Hunter Permit Program. August 11, Alaska: As of August 11, all nonresidents must arrive in Alaska with a negative COVID-19 test per Gov. Mike Dunleavy's new order. August, New Mexico: According to the New Mexico governor's orders, nonresident hunters headed to New Mexico need to quarantine for 14 days before hunting. August, Kansas: KDWPT facilities are open to the public. Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Kansas has suspended the sale of nonresident turkey permits for 2020 due to COVID-19. Hunters traveling from states listed on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s “Travel Quarantine List” must self-quarantine upon arrival for 14 days prior to hunting and/or checking into a state park cabin. June 1, Montana: Montana’s travel ban has officially expired. This means that hunters that are coming in from out-of-state are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days and people can gather in groups of 50 people or less. May 22, Kentucky: The state’s travel ban expired in May. Hunters traveling from out -of-state are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days and may gather in groups of 10 or fewer. May 14, Idaho: Starting May 15, Idaho Fish and Game resumed the sale of all nonresident hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and tags. May 7, Maryland: Recreational fishing and hunting reopened in Maryland, but social distancing guidelines are still in place. May 5, Oregon: Non-resident hunting and fishing reopened in Oregon. Fishing also re-opened on the Columbia River. March, Iowa: Iowa's hunting and fishing regulations are not affected by the current COVID-19 health emergency in Iowa. Despite rumors on social media channels, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no plans to eliminate seasons, relax regulations or change license prices.

Safety while hunting during COVID-19 • Practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet of distance between yourself and others • Stay home if you are sick or feeling any symptoms, such as fever, coughing, troubled breathing, and/or other flu-like symptoms • Visit alone or with members of your household • Stay local and visit parks that are closest to where you live • If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, move to another area or return another time/day to visit • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm/elbow