Waterfowling opportunities expand at refuges in California, Idaho, Washington, and Michigan
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented its 2025 Hunt-Fish Rule to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 16 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery. New opportunities take effect Sept. 2.
“We are pleased to offer these new hunting and fishing opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission,” saidBrian Nesvik, director of the USFWS. “Hunting and fishing significantly benefit the outdoors by helping manage wildlife populations, promote outdoor stewardship and contribute to local economies. These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations.”
Notably for waterfowl hunters, the Grasslands Wildlife Management Area in California will allow duck and goose hunting, while migratory bird hunting opportunities at Grays Lake NWR in Idaho, Shiawassee NWR in Michigan, and Willapa NWR in Washington.
Delta Waterfowl continues to strongly advocate for increased hunting access and opportunities through the USFWS’ annual Hunt-Fish Rule process.
“Delta staff and our members led the charge on supporting this year’s Hunt-Fish Rule, just like we have for many years,” said Cyrus Baird, vice president of government affairs for Delta Waterfowl. “More than 85% of all the public comments in the Federal Register were made by Delta members, highlighting the importance of quality access for waterfowl hunters.”
Waterfowl hunting access remains constrained in many areas of North America. Refuges provide impactful access for America’s sportsmen and women. Waterfowl hunters continue to be the largest financial supporters of the refuge system through the purchase of Federal Duck Stamps. Since 1934, sales from Federal Duck Stamps have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetlands habitat.
“We applaud the Department of the Interior and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for their commitment in providing new and expanded access and opportunity for sportsmen and women on National Wildlife Refuges across the United States,” Baird said. “We look forward to continuing working with USFWS to highlight places that are important to duck hunters.”
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.
For more information, please contact Cyrus Baird at [email protected].
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