As 2026 moves forward, many in the hunting community are watching Congress and the administration following last year’s debates over federal land use and conservation funding. While those and a host of other issues remain critical on a national scale, federal lawmakers do not regulate bag limits, fair chase standards, technology use or season structures for resident game species, so we need to look at the state level. Regulatory decisions regarding state trust species including all non-migratory game species are formulated through a blend of state fish and game agency regulations and state legislative mandates (laws).
Most state legislatures meet annually, often for much shorter sessions than Congress, unless a special session is called. Some states only meet every two years. During these compressed sessions, lawmakers move quickly and important proposals can advance with limited attention. For hunters, staying engaged during these periods is essential. Decisions made at the state level directly affect how, when and where you hunt.
One area where laws and regulations can shift rapidly is emerging hunting technology, including drones, thermal optics and range-finding equipment. Without input from the hunting community, new mandates could unintentionally create challenges for hunters or result in citations for activities that were previously permitted.
Corner crossing is another evolving issue. In 2025, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of corner crossing in Iron Bar Holdings LLC v. Cape. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the ruling in place within the 10th Circuit, which includes Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma. Because the Supreme Court did not take up the case, the decision does not apply nationwide. States outside the 10th Circuit may address the issue independently through legislation or future court challenges.
Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to remain engaged. Monitor updates from your state legislature and fish and game agency and sign up for newsletters when available. ATA members can also utilize the association’s Action Alert system, which provides updates on issues affecting the archery industry and hunting community while giving members an easy-to-use platform to take action and contact their state and federal representatives. As anti-hunting sentiment grows in some regions, remaining informed, engaged and united is more important than ever.
