Real-world outdoor, foraging, fishing, conservation, and gear headlines curated weekly.
Updated October 18, 2026
Welcome to Hunter Gatherer Society News, where we follow the stories that matter to people who forage, fish, hunt, gather wild food, and spend time outdoors.
This week, fall fishing regulations shift from Alaska to the Caribbean, North Carolina wildlife refuges prepare for hunting season, and new outdoor gear reviews offer practical ideas for colder-weather adventures. Mushroom education also remains in full swing, with several upcoming events where beginners and experienced foragers can learn directly from knowledgeable identifiers.
Harvest regulations, access rules, and conditions can change quickly. Always check current information with the appropriate managing agency before heading out.
FEATURED HEADLINES
North Carolina Wildlife Refuges Prepare for Fall Hunting and Fishing
Summary: New updates from Mattamuskeet and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuges in eastern North Carolina bring important news for hunters, anglers, and conservation-minded visitors. Improvements to refuge roads and fishing facilities are helping restore access, while deer and goose hunting permits have moved to Recreation.gov. The waterfowl hunt lottery deadline is October 31. At the same time, managers are addressing poor water quality and blue-green algae blooms in Lake Mattamuskeet, demonstrating how closely wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreational opportunities are connected.
Alaska Fisheries Reallocate Pacific Cod Harvest Opportunities
Summary: NOAA Fisheries announced several October 13 management actions reallocating Pacific cod among fishing fleets in Alaska’s Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea regions. The changes move portions of the available harvest from some trawl allocations toward hook-and-line and pot-gear fisheries. These decisions affect how commercial fishing opportunities are distributed while maintaining established catch limits. For communities that depend on wild seafood, the actions highlight the complexity of managing fisheries that support both livelihoods and regional food systems.
New England and Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Consider Changes to Spiny Dogfish Management
Summary: NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed changes to Atlantic spiny dogfish management, including annual catch specifications and accountability measures. Spiny dogfish are small sharks harvested commercially along the Atlantic coast. The proposal offers an opportunity for fishermen and coastal communities to participate in decisions affecting future harvest levels. As with many managed fisheries, the challenge is maintaining fishing opportunities while responding to scientific assessments and conservation requirements.
Caribbean Fisheries Seek Public Input on Spiny Lobster Catch Limits
Summary: NOAA Fisheries announced an October 16 proposal to update annual catch limits for Caribbean spiny lobster around St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John. Spiny lobster supports important fishing traditions and commercial harvest throughout the Caribbean. The proposed changes would influence how the fishery is managed in federal waters. Public input provides an opportunity for fishermen and other stakeholders to help shape regulations intended to maintain sustainable harvest opportunities.
Fall Mushroom Season Offers New Opportunities for Learning and Identification
Summary: The arrival of autumn is bringing mushroom enthusiasts together for identification programs, educational displays, and hands-on learning. One of the largest upcoming events is the Puget Sound Mycological Society’s October 24–25 Wild Mushroom Show, which will feature hundreds of identified species. Visitors can compare edible and poisonous mushrooms, examine specimens under microscopes, and learn from experienced identifiers. For beginners, studying real mushrooms side by side is an invaluable way to develop the observation skills needed for responsible foraging.
FISHING & HARVEST NEWS
NOAA Restricts Shortraker Rockfish Retention in Alaska’s Gulf of Alaska
Summary: NOAA Fisheries announced an October 13 prohibition on retaining shortraker rockfish in the central Gulf of Alaska regulatory area. The action is part of ongoing groundfish management designed to keep harvest within established limits. Shortraker rockfish are long-lived, deepwater fish, making careful management especially important. Commercial fishermen operating in the affected area should review the complete notice and applicable regulations.
Pacific Ocean Perch Retention Prohibited in Central Gulf of Alaska
Summary: A separate October 13 NOAA action prohibits retaining Pacific ocean perch in the central Gulf of Alaska regulatory area. The restriction affects vessels operating in the region’s groundfish fisheries and reflects the use of in-season management measures to control harvest. Fishermen should verify the effective dates, affected areas, and applicable requirements before fishing.
Atka Mackerel Allocation Adjusted in the Bering Sea
Summary: NOAA Fisheries announced an October 16 reallocation of Atka mackerel from an incidental catch allowance to the Amendment 80 cooperative in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Atka mackerel is an important commercial groundfish species and a component of the North Pacific marine food web. The action adjusts how available catch is allocated within the established management system.
Pacific Cod Harvest Shifted Toward Hook-and-Line and Pot-Gear Fisheries
Summary: Two October 13 federal notices adjust Pacific cod allocations among fishing sectors in Alaska. The changes include transfers from trawl allocations to hook-and-line and pot-gear vessels in designated management areas. For coastal fishing communities, allocation decisions can affect which fleets have opportunities to harvest available fish while operating within overall catch limits.
Caribbean Snapper Harvest Closure Continues Through December 31
Summary: Federal waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands remain closed to fishing for or possessing black, blackfin, silk, and vermilion snapper through December 31. The seasonal closure protects these reef fish during a sensitive period and applies to both recreational and commercial fishing in affected federal waters. Anglers should check territorial regulations as well, since requirements can differ between local and federal jurisdictions.
PUBLIC LAND & CONSERVATION
North Carolina Refuge Restoration Projects Improve Fishing and Hunting Access
Summary: Habitat and infrastructure projects at Mattamuskeet and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuges are improving conditions for wildlife and visitors. The Bell Island Fishing Pier has received new decking, railings, and improvements intended to address tidal flooding. Road rehabilitation at Mattamuskeet is also improving access to hunting blinds and other refuge areas. Additional watershed restoration work aims to address sediment and water-quality problems affecting Lake Mattamuskeet.
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Announces October Deer Management Closures
Summary: Maryland’s Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge has scheduled several October closures to accommodate deer management hunts. Additional closures are planned for October 21 and 22, while boaters may still access Bogles Wharf for launching watercraft. The refuge protects important migratory bird habitat along the Chesapeake Bay and illustrates how public access, hunting, and wildlife management sometimes require coordinated scheduling.
Michigan’s Shiawassee Refuge Continues Managed Deer Hunts
Summary: Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan has several deer hunting opportunities scheduled throughout October and into December. The refuge uses regulated hunting as one tool for managing deer populations and maintaining habitat health. Hunters must follow the applicable permit, lottery, and seasonal requirements. The program offers an example of how carefully managed harvest can support conservation objectives.
Arkansas Wildlife Refuges Offer Hunting Opportunities for the 2026–27 Season
Summary: Central Arkansas national wildlife refuges are offering hunting opportunities for deer, waterfowl, and other permitted species during the 2026–27 season. Participating refuges include Cache River, Big Lake, Wapanocca, Holla Bend, and Bald Knob. Hunters must obtain the required refuge access permit and review individual refuge regulations. These public lands provide important habitat while maintaining opportunities for traditional outdoor recreation.
Georgia’s Okefenokee Refuge Continues Fall Deer and Hog Hunting Opportunities
Summary: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge continues its 2026 hunting season, including archery opportunities for white-tailed deer and feral hogs in designated areas. The Pocket Unit season runs through November 10, with additional opportunities in the Cowhouse Unit under applicable regulations. Hunters should review refuge boundaries, permit requirements, and species-specific rules before entering the field.
GEAR & EQUIPMENT
Buck Knives 110 Crossbar Elite Review: A Classic Hunting Knife Gets Modern Upgrades
Summary: GearJunkie’s October 13 review examines a modern version of the iconic Buck 110 Folding Hunter. The Crossbar Elite replaces the traditional lockback mechanism with a crossbar lock and adds MagnaCut blade steel, a pocket clip, and lighter construction. At approximately 3.5 ounces, it weighs about half as much as the original. The reviewer praised its cutting performance, smooth operation, and comfortable handling, although its premium price may limit its appeal to budget-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent Review: Comfortable Camping for Cooler Weather
Summary: GearJunkie’s October 13 field review explores the Snow Peak Alpha Breeze, a spacious camping tent designed with comfort and livability in mind. Its design emphasizes room to move, ventilation, and protection from changing weather. For campers who prefer a comfortable base camp over an ultralight backpacking shelter, the review examines how well the tent balances convenience, durability, and performance.
MSR Revo Explore Snowshoes Tested Across Snow, Ice and Steep Terrain
Summary: After more than 40 outings over two years, GearJunkie’s October 15 review found the MSR Revo Explore to be a versatile snowshoe for changing winter conditions. Its traction system, secure bindings, heel risers, and optional flotation tails make it suitable for packed trails, icy slopes, and deeper snow. The reviewer noted that oversized winter boots may fit tightly. For winter hikers and backcountry explorers, it offers a practical balance of traction, flotation, and walkability.
Bedrock Cairn EVO C Pro Sandals Review: Rugged Footwear for Wet Terrain
Summary: GearJunkie’s October 12 review puts the Bedrock Cairn EVO C Pro sandals through demanding outdoor use. Designed for traction and durability, the sandals aim to provide secure footing while allowing water to drain quickly. That makes them particularly interesting for warm-weather anglers, paddlers, and hikers who frequently move between dry trails and wet terrain. The review examines their comfort, grip, and suitability for extended outdoor adventures.
New Outdoor Gear Includes Cold-Weather Clothing and Snow Travel Equipment
Summary: GearJunkie’s October 16 emerging-gear roundup highlights new equipment for colder outdoor conditions, including merino wool socks, snow-focused footwear, insulated clothing, and updated technical outerwear. The collection reflects the seasonal shift toward warmth, moisture management, and dependable equipment. For hunters, campers, and winter adventurers, the roundup offers a look at products entering the market as temperatures begin to fall.
SEASONAL ALERTS & UPCOMING GATHERINGS
Puget Sound Mycological Society Wild Mushroom Show Returns October 24–25
Summary: One of the country’s largest mushroom exhibitions returns to Shoreline Community College in Washington on October 24 and 25. The show features up to 400 varieties of wild mushrooms, with specimens classified by edibility and other characteristics. Visitors can attend educational lectures, watch cooking demonstrations, examine mushrooms under microscopes, and bring complete specimens for expert identification. The event offers a valuable opportunity to learn how edible and poisonous mushrooms differ.
Northwest Mushroomers Wild Mushroom Show Returns October 25
Summary: Bellingham, Washington, will host the Northwest Mushroomers Association’s annual Wild Mushroom Show on October 25 at Fishermen’s Pavilion in Zuanich Point Park. The event features hundreds of mushroom specimens, educational exhibits, expert identification, and activities for visitors of different experience levels. For anyone interested in learning Pacific Northwest fungi, the show provides an opportunity to examine a broad range of species in one place.
Mount Pisgah Mushroom Festival Celebrates Oregon’s Fall Fungi October 25
Summary: The Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival returns to the Eugene, Oregon, area on October 25. The annual event traditionally features extensive mushroom displays, identification experts, educational presentations, guided nature activities, and local food and craft vendors. It offers a chance to explore the diversity of fungi found in Oregon’s forests while learning about their ecological importance.
North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Lottery Deadline Approaches October 31
Summary: Hunters interested in waterfowl opportunities at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge have until October 31 to submit lottery applications for the refuge’s permit hunts. Applications are now handled through Recreation.gov. The refuge also offers deer and goose hunting opportunities under its seasonal regulations. Hunters should review the current application requirements and hunting rules before entering.
Michigan’s Shiawassee Refuge Opens Another Deer Hunting Period October 30
Summary: Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge has another deer hunting period scheduled from October 30 through November 5. The refuge’s managed hunting program helps regulate deer populations while providing opportunities for hunters to participate in wildlife management. Additional hunting periods are scheduled later in November and December, with permit and lottery requirements depending on the hunt.
FROM THE HUNTER GATHERER SOCIETY
Hen of the Woods Identification Guide: How to Find, Identify and Harvest Maitake
Summary: Fall is an excellent time to learn about hen of the woods, also known as maitake. This distinctive edible mushroom grows in large clusters of overlapping fronds, often near hardwood trees. Our guide explains where to look, how to recognize its important identification characteristics, which lookalikes to consider, and how to harvest and prepare it responsibly. For mushroom foragers looking to expand their knowledge, hen of the woods is a fascinating species to study.
Meadow Mushroom Identification Guide: Finding and Recognizing Agaricus campestris
Summary: Meadow mushrooms are familiar-looking edible fungi that can appear in grassy fields, pastures, and other open habitats. However, their resemblance to several dangerous mushrooms makes careful identification essential. Our field guide covers habitat, cap and gill characteristics, spore color, lookalikes, and the features foragers should examine before considering a harvest. Learn why relying on a single characteristic is never enough when identifying wild mushrooms.
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