Key facts
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed its largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing access.
- The proposal would open over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System (more than 92 million acres) to hunters and anglers.
- It identifies over 1,450 new opportunities across 32 states.
- Hunting and fishing will be opened for the first time at 14 refuges and hatcheries.
- Over 500 outdated or redundant regulations are being removed.
- The comment period for the proposed rule runs from May 27 to June 26.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has put forth a proposal that would significantly expand access for hunting and sport fishing across the National Wildlife Refuge System. This initiative, described as the most sweeping in the agency's history, aims to open over 95 percent of the system, equating to more than 92 million acres, to hunters and anglers.
The proposal identifies more than 1,450 new opportunities spanning 32 states, including opening 14 refuges and hatcheries where hunting and fishing will be permitted for the first time. Additionally, the FWS plans to eliminate over 500 outdated or redundant regulations that have historically complicated access for outdoor enthusiasts. This move is intended to streamline the process and make it clearer for individuals to understand where and how they can engage in these activities.
This expansion aligns with Secretary's Order 3447, which focuses on increasing hunting and fishing access, removing unnecessary barriers, and ensuring consistency across Department of the Interior lands and waters. The FWS stated that this approach returns decision-making authority to the states, which are considered best equipped to manage their specific landscapes, species, and communities.
The agency highlighted the economic benefits of this expansion, noting that nearly 40 million Americans fish and over 14 million hunt. The outdoor recreation industry generated over $394 billion in economic activity in 2022, with hunting and fishing alone contributing more than $144 billion. Rural communities near refuges are expected to see increased economic activity as a result of expanded access.
Furthermore, the FWS emphasized that excise taxes and licensing fees paid by hunters and anglers are crucial for funding habitat restoration, land acquisition, and wildlife research that benefits all species. The proposal is framed as a win for sustainable-use conservation, science-backed wildlife management, and the economic vitality of rural areas, while also strengthening the funding for public land stewardship.