NRA Files Suit to Keep Public Lands Open

by
posted on March 8, 2022
** 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. **
NRA ILA Logo

The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has partnered with Safari Club International, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and filed motions to intervene in and dismiss a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 2.3 million acres of land at 106 National Wildlife Refuges.

"The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to increase opportunities for families to engage in traditional outdoor actives including hunting, fishing, hiking, and more," said Erica Tergeson, NRA-ILA's director of hunting policy. "Denying access to more than 2.3 million acres runs counter to the entire concept of public lands."

In 2020, the Trump Administration opened 2.3 million acres across 97 national wildlife refuges and nine national fish hatcheries. That expansion created 900 distinctly new hunting and fishing opportunities for America's outdoorsmen and women. It was the largest expansion in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service history.

"The NRA has always fought to ensure America's sportsmen and women have ample access to this country's great outdoors. On behalf of our more than five million members, we urge the courts to dismiss this blatant attempt to turn public lands private," Tergeson concluded.

The case is captioned as Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Latest

Manly With Buck
Manly With Buck

Member's Hunt: 54 Years and 52 Hours

Follow along with Richard Manly's Saskatchewan deer hunt, on this installment of our Member's Hunt series.

Ducks Over Deer: A Welcome Reprieve to Cold Mornings

Winchester’s latest waterfowl loads give hunters reason to believe in their shooting.

First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors

Daniel Defense changed the suppressor landscape with the 3D-printed DD Wave, and now the company applies that innovation to the next generation of sound suppression.

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.