U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Allowing Hunting and Fishing on 92 Million Acres of Refuges
The agency issued a rule that would open more than 95 percent of the National Wildlife Refuge System to hunting and sport fishing. The public comment period runs through June 26.
The HillU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule that would open more than 95 percent of the National Wildlife Refuge System, more than 92 million acres, to hunting and sport fishing. The proposal identifies over 1,450 new hunting and fishing opportunities across 32 states.
It would open or expand access at 14 refuges and hatcheries where hunting and fishing have not previously been allowed. The rule would also eliminate more than 500 outdated or redundant regulations. It implements Secretary's Order 3447, Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across Department of the Interior Lands and Waters.
The public comment period opened on May 27 and closes on June 26. Director Brian Nesvik leads the agency. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s most recent survey, 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 accounting for more than $144 billion of that total. The proposal aligns federal rules with state wildlife management frameworks.
Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International, is among those who have commented on the plan.
