{"id":126823,"date":"2020-04-06T11:16:13","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T15:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=126823"},"modified":"2024-08-03T20:51:51","modified_gmt":"2024-08-04T01:51:51","slug":"hunt365-nssf-covid-19-related-changes-states-hunting-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-nssf-covid-19-related-changes-states-hunting-season\/","title":{"rendered":"NSSF: The COVID-19-Related Changes States Are Making to Hunting Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"NSSF:
(Photo: NSSF<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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By Larry Keane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic that no one saw coming: hunting. While consumer demand for firearms is at a record level, and while non-essential activities have been shut down in most states, it is no surprise that Americans would be looking forward to hunting seasons. Hunting is a perfect opportunity to be outside, alone or in small groups, enjoying nature and perhaps being able to bring home local game meat for yourself or to donate to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hunting Closures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, several states have taken measures to limit this naturally-social-distanced activity. NSSF has learned that Alaska is closing<\/a><\/strong> spring bear hunting to non-residents. Nebraska is not issuing<\/strong><\/a> any more non-resident spring turkey permits. Illinois has canceled<\/a><\/strong> all hunting and fishing on state land. In Washington state<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> all wildlife areas and water access areas are closed for at least two weeks starting March 25. The spring youth turkey hunt has been canceled, and bear season will remain closed for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are what several other states are doing:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Alabama<\/strong>: The Executive Order does not include hunting to be specifically closed as it does with other businesses, industries, activities. From Alabama DNR website<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> WFF unmanned shooting and archery ranges remain open. The manned shooting ranges at the Cahaba River WMA and Swan Creek WMA will be closed until further notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida:<\/strong> Executive Order includes the following as \u201cEssential Activities\u201d: Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting<\/strong>, running, or swimming\u2026 Open\/Closed Status of FWC Offices, Facilities and Managed Areas<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maryland<\/strong>: Can I go hunting<\/strong>? <\/strong>Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mississippi:<\/strong> As part of the \u201cEssential Activities\u201d list in the Executive Order, it includes, \u201cTo engage in individual outdoor activity and recreation.\u201d MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas will remain open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina:<\/strong> Order mentions allowing outdoor activities, but not hunting specifically. Per the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (4\/2\/20): There have been no changes to North Carolina hunting or fishing license requirements, seasons, or bag\/creel limits. Link<\/a><\/strong> for closure of game lands and shooting ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Carolina: <\/strong>Hunting remains open, but DNR has closed certain areas<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas:<\/strong> Executive Order deems hunting and fishing as \u201cessential activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tennessee:<\/strong> \u201cEssential Activities\u201d includes \u201cEngaging in outdoor activity, provided that persons the Health Guidelines to the greatest extent practicable, including, but not limited to, driving or riding in a vehicle, walking, hiking, running, biking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, golf, tennis, or other sports or recreational activities that can be performed while maintaining the aforementioned precautions or utilizing public parks and outdoor recreation areas\u2026\u201d From TWRA: Tennessee\u2019s 2020 Turkey Season Will Be Open for Business<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utah:<\/strong> The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources\u2019 two public shooting ranges will be closed<\/a><\/strong> beginning Friday, April 3, until further notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia:<\/strong> Hunting is not prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n