The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is also making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules.
With this action, more than 92 million acres—over 95 percent—of National Wildlife Refuge System lands are available for hunting. The change is a milestone in expanding public access to America’s lands and waters and reinforces the administration’s commitment to outdoor recreation, conservation and rural economic growth.
An NRA-ILA blog puts the landmark changes into perspective, stating, “Unfortunately, public land means little to sportsmen if the public cannot meaningfully use it. These newly opened opportunities move federal policy in the right direction and amount to a no less than a historic victory for our hunting and shooting heritage in the United States.”
The final rule will deliver 1,488 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 32 states. The Service defines “opportunity” as the ability to hunt or fish a specific species at a specific location, which provides a clear measure of expanded access across the system. The changes also better align federal regulations with state fish and wildlife laws, reducing confusion for the public, improving consistency across field stations and reinforcing the role of states as primary managers of fish and wildlife resources.
“America’s hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities nationwide,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We are also promoting good government by reducing the regulatory burden and working with states to facilitate these outdoor activities.”
The final rule will increase access at 111 field stations, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. It also includes first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries, reflecting continued progress toward maximizing access where compatible with conservation goals.
“We are pleased to offer increased access for hunting and fishing and other outdoor recreation on national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other Service lands and waters,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “These new opportunities will also better align with state regulations, help promote healthy wildlife habitats and boost local recreation economies. This expansion will provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and women and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations and connect with wildlife. We are committed to responsibly managing these areas for the benefit of future generations while fulfilling our conservation mission.”
