The U.S. Department of the Interior announced sweeping actions Tuesday aimed at expanding hunting and fishing opportunities across federally managed lands and waters, calling the effort the largest proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing access in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The announcement advances President Donald Trump’s push to increase outdoor recreation opportunities, reduce federal regulations, and support rural communities that rely on hunting, fishing, and outdoor tourism.
According to the Department, the new actions include expanded access across National Wildlife Refuge System lands and the removal of what officials described as unnecessary hunting-related restrictions within certain National Park System units where hunting is already authorized by law.
“America’s public lands belong to the American people, and they should be able to access them without unnecessary bureaucracy standing in the way,” said Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior. “Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are expanding opportunities for hunters and anglers, reducing duplicative restrictions and making federal land management more practical, consistent and accessible.”
As part of the proposal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would open or expand more than 1,450 hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 111 stations in 32 states. The proposal affects 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries.
If finalized, more than 92 million acres — over 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands — would be available for hunting. The proposal also includes first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries.
Federal officials said the proposed rule would also streamline regulations by revising or deleting more than 500 outdated or duplicative provisions. The changes are intended to better align federal refuge requirements with state fish and wildlife laws and simplify compliance for sportsmen and women.
“Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted American traditions that support conservation, connect families to the outdoors and strengthen local economies,” said Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We are proud to expand access while continuing to fulfill our conservation mission and responsibly manage these lands and waters for future generations.”
Separately, the National Park Service announced it would remove certain hunting-related closures and restrictions in park units where hunting is legally permitted. Officials said the updates are designed to improve consistency between federal and state wildlife regulations and reduce confusion for visitors.
The agency said many of the changes eliminate park-specific rules that duplicate state laws or existing federal regulations.
“Americans should be able to access and enjoy their public lands without navigating unnecessary bureaucracy,” said Jessica Bowron, comptroller exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service director. “These changes improve clarity, reduce duplication and expand access where appropriate while ensuring the National Park Service continues to protect the extraordinary natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care.”
Interior officials emphasized that hunting and fishing activities would still remain subject to federal law, public safety standards, and conservation requirements. Hunting within National Park System units will continue only where authorized by law, and refuge access will remain tied to conservation compatibility determinations.
The Department also cited economic data from the Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, which found that nearly 40 million Americans fish and more than 14 million hunt, contributing more than $144 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Officials also linked hunting and fishing to food access and nutrition, saying the activities provide important sources of protein that align with the Trump administration’s updated Dietary Guidelines emphasizing “real food” in chronic disease prevention and long-term wellness.
The actions stem from Secretary’s Order 3447, which 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.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.