By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
The Interior Department’s announcement that it plans to open up more federal land to hunting and fishing opportunities has outdoorsmen and women in several states encouraged, as this would open up some lands which have been closed, while expanding opportunity on many other lands.
Included in the proposal—there is a 30-day comment period now in effect—are opportunities on 76 National Park Service units.
According to the Interior Department news release, “The actions include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in agency history, alongside National Park Service actions to remove unnecessary hunting-related restrictions across National Park System units where hunting is authorized by law.
“Together, these actions reflect the Department’s commitment to expanding responsible access to America’s public lands while maintaining strong conservation stewardship and aligning federal management with state wildlife frameworks where appropriate.
“The actions include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in agency history, alongside National Park Service actions to remove unnecessary hunting-related restrictions across National Park System units where hunting is authorized by law.
Together, these actions reflect the Department’s commitment to expanding responsible access to America’s public lands while maintaining strong conservation stewardship and aligning federal management with state wildlife frameworks where appropriate.”
However, according to a report by Outdoor Life, some concerns are being raised about whether expanding public access might “disrupt the conservation value of the properties.” Outdoor Life quoted Steve Williams, former director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under President George W. Bush. His concerns appear to focus on whether the Interior Department will be able to manage the lands while facing $4 billion in budget cuts.
Current USFWS Director Brian Nesvik has as different perspective.
“Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted American traditions that support conservation, connect families to the outdoors and strengthen local economies,” Nesvik said. “We are proud to expand access while continuing to fulfill our conservation mission and responsibly manage these lands and waters for future generations.”
USFWS is proposing to open or expand more than 1,450 hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 111 stations in 32 states, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries, according to the news release.
Additionally, according to the Interior Department announcement, the National Park Service is “removing unnecessary hunting-related closures and restrictions in units where hunting is authorized by law, improving consistency, reducing duplicative requirements and eliminating barriers that exceed what is necessary for public safety, resource protection or legal compliance.”
“These updates focus on removing unnecessary park-specific restrictions that duplicate state wildlife regulations or repeat existing federal requirements, making it easier for visitors to understand applicable hunting rules while respecting the primary role of states in wildlife management,” the agency said.
According to the USFWS’ most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, “nearly 40 million Americans fish and more than 14 million hunt, contributing more than $144 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
“Hunting and fishing also provide important sources of protein for many people, which supports the Trump administration’s updated Dietary Guidelines that puts real food back at the center of preventing chronic disease and promoting lifelong wellness,” the agency said in a prepared statement.
“Secretary’s Order 3447 directed the Department to identify opportunities to expand hunting and fishing access, eliminate unnecessary restrictions and better align federal regulations with state wildlife management frameworks.”
USFWS will accept public comment on their proposed rule for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register.
