TAGZ Briefing: September 2025
September is one of the busiest months in Western wildlife news. Hunting seasons open, agencies post access updates, conservation notices, and late-summer field reports. At TAGZ we follow releases from the key Western states and national sources, then pull the most relevant items together for you. Below is our monthly sweep of the headlines, distilled and organized so you can stay informed without tracking every agency feed yourself.
Featured Story
Montana Mountain Goat
Montana urges goat hunters to sharpen their ID skills
(Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, September 17, 2025)
Drawing a mountain goat tag is a rare moment for most hunters, which is why Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is encouraging all tag holders to prioritize proper billy and nanny identification before heading into the field this fall.
Mountain goats reproduce slowly compared to other big game. Females often do not reach maturity until age two or three, and populations in several districts are already fragile. Removing even one reproductive nanny can create long term impacts on herd stability. Because of this, Montana is urging hunters to refresh their goat identification skills early and thoroughly.
FWP highlights several trusted educational resources, including the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance identification course and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game online program. These tools teach hunters to assess horn curvature, shoulder mass, body proportions, coat characteristics, and group behavior. Knowing these distinctions before pulling the trigger helps protect Montana goat herds and ensures quality opportunities remain for future hunters.
Quick Hits
Utah Completes 11,627 Boat Inspections Over Labor Day Weekend
Utah biologists and park officers inspected more than eleven thousand boats to slow the spread of quagga mussels. Dip tank decontaminations accounted for most treatments.
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Colorado Keep Colorado Wild Pass Generates 41 Million Dollars in Year Two
More than 1.5 million residents opted into the pass, supporting park maintenance, search and rescue teams, and avalanche forecasting efforts across the state.
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Texas Recognizes National Hunting and Fishing Day
TPWD reported over 41 million dollars in license revenue since mid August, reflecting strong participation heading into fall seasons.
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West Virginia Expands Class Q Access Roads for Disabled Hunters
WVDNR opened additional gated roads on national forest and WMA lands to improve access for hunters with Class Q permits.
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Idaho Closes Cottonwood Campground for Dock Upgrades
C. J. Strike Reservoir’s Cottonwood Campground will remain closed through October 31 for installation of upgraded floating docks.
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USFWS Finalizes Conservation Plan for Charles M. Russell Wetland District
The updated plan prioritizes habitat projects, invasive species control, prescribed fire, and potential for expanded hunting access.
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Opportunity Alerts
Washington Pink Salmon Run Remains Exceptional
Puget Sound is experiencing one of its strongest pink salmon returns in recent years, with more than seven million fish forecast for the season. Recreational fishing opportunities remain strong through late September.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hiring Through September 30
CPW is accepting applications for Park Ranger Trainees and District Wildlife Manager Trainees. Assessments and interviews continue through October and early November.
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Idaho North Idaho Bear Fair on September 27
The free event includes bear spray practice using inert canisters on a remote controlled charging bear, livestock protection demonstrations, camping safety, and complimentary bear spray while supplies last.
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Sources Reviewed This Month
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Fish and Game, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MeatEater.