Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service: Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2025–26 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

B-337802

September 15, 2025

The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito
Chairman
The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse
Ranking Member
Committee on Environment and Public Works
United States Senate

The Honorable Bruce Westerman
Chairman
The Honorable Jared Huffman
Ranking Member
Committee on Natural Resources
House of Representatives

Subject: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service: Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2025–26 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

Pursuant to section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, this is our report on a major rule promulgated by the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) titled “Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2025–26 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations” (RIN: 1018-BH65). We received the rule on August 28, 2025. It was published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2025. 90 Fed. Reg. 40178. The effective date of the rule is August 18, 2025.

According to FWS, this rule establishes the final frameworks from which states may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2025–26 migratory game bird hunting season. FWS stated that it annually prescribes limits (which they call frameworks) within which states may select hunting seasons. FWS also stated that the frameworks specify the outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. FWS stated further that these frameworks are necessary to allow state selections of seasons and limits and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Lastly, FWS stated that the migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid federal, state, and tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) requires a 60-day delay in the effective date of a major rule from the date of publication in the Federal Register or receipt of the rule by Congress, whichever is later. 5 U.S.C. § 801(a)(3)(A). The 60-day delay in effective date does not apply, however, to rules that establish, modify, open, close, or conduct a regulatory program for a commercial, recreational, or subsistence activity related to hunting, fishing, or camping. 5 U.S.C. § 808(1). FWS stated that because this rule establishes a regulatory program for activity related to hunting, it's covered by 5 U.S.C. § 808(1). 90 Fed. Reg. at 40193. Therefore, according to FWS, it was not required to delay the effective date for 60 days. See id.

Enclosed is our assessment of FWS's compliance with the procedural steps required by section 801(a)(1)(B)(i) through (iv) of title 5 with respect to the rule. If you have any questions about this report or wish to contact GAO officials responsible for the evaluation work relating to the subject matter of the rule, please contact Charlie McKiver, Assistant General Counsel, at (202) 512-5992.

Shirley A. Jones
Managing Associate General Counsel

Enclosure

cc: Gregory W. Fleming
Wildlife Biologist
Fish and Wildlife Service

ENCLOSURE

REPORT UNDER 5 U.S.C. § 801(a)(2)(A) ON A MAJOR RULE
ISSUED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
TITLED
“MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING;
FINAL 2025–26 FRAMEWORKS FOR MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING REGULATIONS”
(RIN: 1018-BH65)

(i) Cost-benefit analysis

The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) prepared an analysis of the costs and benefits for this rule. 90 Fed. Reg. 40178, 40192 (Aug. 18, 2025). FWS estimated that this rule will result in a consumer surplus of $624 million to $816 million for the 2024–25 season. Id.

(ii) Agency actions relevant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. §§ 603–605, 607, and 609

FWS determined that this rule will have a significant economic impact on substantial numbers of small entities, such as restaurants, grocery stores, lodging, transportation, and sporting goods stores, and prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40193.

(iii) Agency actions relevant to sections 202–205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. §§ 1532–1535

FWS determined that this rule will not result in the expenditure by state, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million in 1995 dollars, updated annually for inflation, in any one year, and that the rule does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40193.

(iv) Other relevant information or requirements under acts and executive orders

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

On January 21, 2024, FWS released a proposed rule. 90 Fed. Reg. 7056. FWS also released its proposed regulatory frameworks for the 2025–26 migratory game bird hunting season on April 24, 2025. 90 Fed. Reg. 17300. Additionally, FWS held open meetings with the Flyway Council Consultants on May 17, 2024, and November 19, 2024. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40178. FWS stated that they considered all pertinent comments received in response to the proposals and the open meetings. Id. FWS responded to comments in the rule. Id. at 40179.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. §§ 3501–3520

FWS determined that this rule contains no new information collection requirements under the Act. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40193.

Statutory authorization for the rule

FWS promulgated this rule pursuant to sections 703–712 of title 16, United States Code

Executive Order No. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review)

FWS stated that this rule is significant under the Order. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40192.

Executive Order No. 13132 (Federalism)

FWS determined that this rule does not have federalism implications. 90 Fed. Reg. at 40194.