The U.S. Department of the Interior, in tandem with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have announced what looks to be the largest proposed expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities in the agency’s history.
The proposal would open or expand more than 1,450 hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 111 stations, including 107 National Wildlife Refuges and 4 National Fish Hatcheries, in 32 states. If the proposal ends up getting finalized, it would make more than 92 million acres, or over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System, available for hunting.
This marks a significant step in increasing public access to federal lands for the purpose of outdoor recreation, and includes first-time hunting or fishing access at 14 refuges and 3 hatcheries. It also involves simplifying regulations by making over 500 revisions or deletions to existing rules, aiming to reduce federal bureaucracy and better align with state fish and wildlife management practices.
“For too long, access to hunting and fishing on federal lands has been limited by unnecessary restrictions and disconnected federal rules,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are opening more land, aligning with state expertise, and putting decision-making back where it belongs. This is about commonsense access, supporting rural economies, and ensuring the next generation can experience the outdoors the same way so many of us did growing up.”
Given that hunting and fishing on National Wildlife Refuges are permitted only when deemed “compatible” with each refuge’s primary conservation mission, this new proposal builds on previous efforts to expand access while maintaining conservation priorities. Officials describe it as part of a broader initiative to support rural economies, boost conservation funding through hunter and angler contributions, and promote traditional outdoor heritage.
The proposal has been widely applauded by hunting and conservation organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Safari Club International, among others.
"SCI applauds Secretary Burgum and USFWS Director Nesvik for recognizing that hunters and anglers are among the nation's leading conservationists," said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. "We are especially grateful for the leadership of the White House in championing policies that drive the Make America Beautiful Again agenda—restoring access to our public lands, strengthening conservation outcomes, and reaffirming the vital role that sportsmen and women play in sustaining America's natural legacy. Ensuring that the National Wildlife Refuge System remains accessible is not only critical to preserving our outdoor heritage, but also strengthens wildlife conservation funding, supports rural communities, and connects future generations to the outdoors."
Following Tuesday’s announcement, the proposal is now open for a 30-day public comment period. Comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223.
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