The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a proposal to add “… 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife Refuge System” on Aug. 1. The change will improve access for sportsmen in Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. In addition, for the first time in its history, hunting would be allowed on the Green River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
“Hunting and fishing are traditional recreational activities deeply rooted in America’s heritage,” said USFWS director Martha Williams. “Today, nearly 80 percent of Service stations offer hunting and fishing access that helps boost local economies and connects people with nature. We are pleased to expand access and offer new opportunities that are compatible with National Wildlife Refuge System purposes and are committed to responsibly manage wildlife health and these areas for the benefit of future generations.”
Among the proposed changes is an expansion of waterfowl and archery deer hunting on the USFWS’ newly acquired Bayou Teche NWR. The news isn’t all good, however. Crab Orchard NWR, in Illinois, would lose 111 to hunting acres that would be converted for camping and other recreation. Even worse, this rule comes with a huge catch all across this new hunting habitat. Giving with one hand while the other takes away, this USFWS rule would simultaneously prohibit the use of traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle on all new hunting habitats. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has opposed such a ban for decades, due to how much more difficult and expensive it would make hunting.
Other refuges in the proposal include Canaan Valley NWR, Des Lacs NWR, Horicon NWR, J. Clark Salyer NWR, Lostwood NWR, Trinity River NWR, Turnbull NWR, Upper Souris NWR, Valentine NWR and Waccamaw NWR. Comments from the public on the proposed rule will be accepted until Sept. 3 and can me made here.
The USFWS’ 571 NWRs and 38 wetland management districts provide vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation, including hunting, fishing, boating, nature watching, photography and environmental education. More than 68-million Americans visit at least one annually.
Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities contributed more than $394 billion in economic expenditures in communities across the United States in 2022, with hunters and anglers accounting for over $144 billion in expenditures, according to the USFWS’ Natonal Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey also found that, in 2021, an estimated 14.4 million Americans over the age of 16 hunted.
Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation, when they are compatible with an individual refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is currently permitted on 400 wildlife refuges and 36 wetland management districts.
While hunters should welcome this expansion of hunting grounds, until the lead ban portion is removed, this is still not truly pro-hunter legislation. The comment period on the USFWS’ proposed rule runs only until Sept. 3, so interested parties should submit their comments soon. Comments can be made by clicking here.
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