New Legislation Could Help Hunters Access Public Lands

by
posted on February 3, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ahwire_ah2015_fs.jpg (2)

Congressman Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced legislation last Wednesday, Jan. 29, that would guarantee funding for improved hunter access to preexisting public lands. The "Making Public Lands Public Access Act"—which is supported by the Boone and Crockett Club and a number of other hunting organizations—directs the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to acquire rights of way and other land interests from willing seller landowners to open access for hunting and fishing where it is currently closed or impractical.

A 2004 report to the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations found that more than 35 million acres of BLM and Forest Service land have inadequate access. This lack of access has been a longstanding concern to hunters. The National Rifle Association said, "“Loss of access to private and public lands for hunting and recreational shooting is of significant concern. Access is one of the major reasons that hunters give as the answer to why they are no longer going afield.”

Bill Demmer, Boone and Crockett Club President said, "Sportsmen and women want the Forest Service and BLM to provide better access to our national forests and BLM lands for hunting and fishing. Congressman Daines is tackling this problem head on with this bill."

Latest

W H2026 07 Cape Buffalo IMG 0760
W H2026 07 Cape Buffalo IMG 0760

Cape Buffalo Hunt: The Measure of Memories

It takes too much time, effort and money to hunt Cape buffalo to rush a shot.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm

Sightmark has released the Strikon VMP 1-4x22mm SFP Fiber V2 Prismatic Riflescope, an updated version of its original variable magnification prismatic sight developed in direct response to shooter feedback.

10 Most Versatile Long-Range Hunting Cartridges

Here’s a look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

First Look: Auto-Ordnance "Land of the Free" 250th Anniversary 1911

Auto-Ordnance, in collaboration with the artisans at Koted Arms, has announced the release of the "Land of the Free" 1911, a striking custom stainless pistol honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Daniel Defense DD PCC 916

Whenever possible, take a new shooter and introduce them to America’s Rifle, the AR-15, because you never know where that first experience might lead. For Marty Daniel, it illuminated a path that would soon create Daniel Defense, one of the nation’s premier manufacturers of semi-automatic rifles. And for this range session, we’re diving into a carbine derived from Stoner’s AR-15 yet configured for pistol-caliber cartridges: the Daniel Defense DD PCC 916.

Screwworm Invasion Stalling at the Southern Border

The New World Screwworm (NWS) invasion, and the potentially devastating impact it could have on wildlife populations and the ranching industry has stalled, at least temporarily. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is confident enough in its defenses—coupled with the cooperation of officials in Mexico—that livestock from Mexico is scheduled to resume entry through the Douglas, Ariz., port on Aug. 24.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.