New Opportunities Announced at 17 National Wildlife Refuge and Fish Hatchery Units Across 11 States
The Department of the Interior has announced a significant expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities, opening up access to more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
This update, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than triples the number of new opportunities and quintuples the number of units opened or expanded compared to the previous administration.
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The expansion includes 42 new opportunities for hunters and anglers across 16 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and one unit of the National Fish Hatchery System. The newly accessible units are located in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the role of these activities in conservation and the economy. “Hunting and fishing are more than just traditional pastimes, as they are also vital to the conservation of our lands and waters, our outdoor recreation economy, and our American way of life,” said Burgum. “The Trump administration is committed to promoting good government by reducing regulatory burdens by working with states to make access to these outdoor activities a reality for every American family.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, led by Director Brian Nesvik, is working to align these new opportunities with state fish and wildlife regulations. “We are pleased to offer these new hunting and fishing opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission,” said Nesvik. “Hunting and fishing significantly benefit the outdoors by helping manage wildlife populations, promote outdoor stewardship and contribute to local economies.”
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Notable additions include the inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and the formal opening of hunting at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area. The North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery will also offer sport fishing for the first time.
The department’s actions align with broader government-wide initiatives, including President Trump’s Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” and Secretary’s Order 3356. These directives aim to simplify regulations and promote economic growth. The updated regulations also seek to reduce confusion for the public by aligning federal and state requirements.
The economic impact of outdoor activities is substantial. A 2022 survey by the Service found that outdoor recreation contributed over $394 billion in economic expenditures, with hunters and anglers accounting for more than $144 billion. In 2021, an estimated 39.9 million Americans fished and 14.4 million hunted.
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The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. There are 71 national fish hatcheries in the National Fish Hatchery System, which annually distribute 73 million fish and aquatic wildlife to support state and tribal fisheries.
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