New rule opens or expands opportunities at 17 federal sites across 11 states for the 2025–2026 season.
The Department of the Interior announced the expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres in the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will open or expand access at 16 wildlife refuges and one fish hatchery in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
The update includes first-time hunting at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge, expanded hunting at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, and new sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery. All activities follow state fish and wildlife regulations and began with the 2025–2026 hunting season this week.
The rule also simplifies station-specific regulations to improve clarity and reduce complexity, intending to better align federal and state requirements.
“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 Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
According to the Service’s latest survey, outdoor recreation generated more than $394 billion in economic activity in 2022, with hunting and fishing contributing over $144 billion.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Burgum as he increases access for hunting and fishing on public lands.
- For Interior Department officials as they assess the benefits of hunting and fishing on conservation efforts.
Sources: Department of the Interior
