New Opportunities at 107 National Wildlife Refuges and Four National Fish Hatcheries
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today announced the largest proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, opening or expanding more than 1,450 opportunities across 111 stations in 32 states.
The proposal would make more than 92 million acres, or over 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, available for hunting, marking a significant milestone in expanding public access to America’s lands and waters and reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to outdoor recreation, conservation and rural economic growth.
This effort advances President Donald J. Trump’s priorities to expand access to public lands and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, including Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” It also implements Secretary’s Order 3447, which directs the Department to remove barriers to hunting and fishing access and better align federal regulations with state wildlife management frameworks.
“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.”
The proposed rule would increase access at 111 field stations, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. It also includes first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries, reflecting continued progress toward maximizing access where compatible with conservation goals.
In total, the proposal would deliver more than 1,450 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities. An “opportunity” is defined as the ability to hunt or fish a specific species at a specific location, providing a clear measure of expanded access across the system.
The rule also reflects a broader effort to simplify and modernize federal regulations. The Service is proposing more than 500 revisions and deletions to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules.
By better aligning federal regulations with state fish and wildlife laws, the proposal reduces confusion for the public, improves consistency across field stations and reinforces the role of states as primary managers of fish and wildlife resources.
“Hunting and fishing are traditional recreational activities that bring families and communities together. Many national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other Service lands and waters offer hunting and fishing access that helps boost local economies and affords high-quality publicly available recreational opportunities to all Americans,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “We are pleased to continue to increase access for hunters and anglers while fulfilling our conservation mission, and we are committed to responsibly managing these areas for the benefit of future generations.”
Examples of proposed changes include:
- Opening hunting or fishing opportunities for the first time at multiple refuges and hatcheries.
- Expanding upland game, migratory bird and big game hunting across additional acres.
- Increasing access to sport fishing, including new opportunities at previously closed locations.
- Updating station-specific regulations to reflect current conditions and management practices.
The proposal also includes targeted regulatory updates to improve clarity and consistency across the Code of Federal Regulations, helping reduce confusion caused by overlapping or outdated federal requirements.
Hunters and anglers play a central role in conservation in the United States. According to the Service’s most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 39.9 million Americans fish and 14.4 million hunt, contributing more than $144 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
These activities support jobs, fund conservation efforts and sustain outdoor traditions that connect communities to the land and to each other. 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 National Wildlife Refuge System, established to conserve fish, wildlife and plant resources, is the world’s largest network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation. The system includes 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts, with more than 71 million visitors each year.
National wildlife refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of species while also offering high-quality recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography and environmental education.
The National Fish Hatchery System complements these efforts by raising and releasing millions of fish each year to support recreational fisheries, restore native species and fulfill tribal trust responsibilities. The system includes 71 hatcheries that collectively welcome more than one million visitors annually.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while balancing recreational access with conservation responsibilities. Hunting and fishing are permitted on refuges when determined to be compatible with each station’s purpose and mission under federal law.
The Service seeks public comments on the proposed rule for 30 days, beginning with publication in the Federal Register on May 27, 2026. The notice will be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223, and will include complete details on the proposed hunting and sport fishing rule and how to submit comments.
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