The Department of the Interior today announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With this action, more than 92 million acres, or over 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, are 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.
In total, the final rule will deliver 1,488 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 32 states. 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.
"America's hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities nationwide. We are also promoting good government by reducing the regulatory burden and working with states to facilitate these outdoor activities," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Under President Trump's leadership, we are committed to building on and increasing access for hunters and anglers on our public lands and waters."
The final rule will 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.
"We are pleased to offer increased access for hunting and fishing and other outdoor recreation on national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other Service lands and waters. These new opportunities will also better align with state regulations, help promote healthy wildlife habitats and boost local recreation economies," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. "This expansion will provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and women and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations and connect with wildlife. We are committed to responsibly managing these areas for the benefit of future generations while fulfilling our conservation mission."
The rule also reflects a broader effort to simplify and modernize federal regulations. The Service is making more than 1,000 modifications 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 final rule reduces confusion for the public, improves consistency across field stations and reinforces the role of states as primary managers of fish and wildlife resources.
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.
Examples 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 final rule 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.
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 and welcomes 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 final rule will publish in the Federal Register in time for hunting season.
