The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced the expansion of hunting opportunities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. The agency is proposing to open or expand opportunities for hunting and sport fishing at 16 National Wildlife Refuge System stations and one National Fish Hatchery System station. According to the USFWS, the expansion aims to promote recreational access to public lands, support rural economies, and generate revenue for local communities. The agency is committed to ensuring that all hunting and fishing opportunities align with state fish and wildlife regulations. The proposed changes include the opening of new areas for hunting and fishing at refuges in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. The USFWS will continue to work with state partners to maintain consistency in areas such as the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle, and will incorporate these considerations into future updates. The proposal also includes the end of an experimental five-day early teal hunt at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, at the request of the State of Minnesota and the White Earth Nation. This decision is aimed at ensuring safety for wild rice harvesting and aligning with state regulations. “Hunting and fishing are traditional recreational activities deeply rooted in America’s heritage,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Paul Souza. “National wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other Service lands offer hunting and fishing access that helps boost local economies and gives Americans an opportunity to unplug. We are pleased to expand access and offer new opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission and are committed to responsibly managing these areas for the benefit of future generations.”

The USFWS will publish the proposal for public comment in the Federal Register and it will be available at http://www.regulations.gov. The Service intends to finalize the proposed changes in time for the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting seasons. ### Key Benefits of Hunting and Fishing

• Economic benefits: Hunting and fishing contribute more than $394 billion in economic expenditures in communities across the United States. • Job creation: Hunting and fishing create jobs and stimulate local economies. • Access to nature: National wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries provide access to world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education. ### National Wildlife Refuges

• Network of refuges: The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. • Access to nature: More than 69 million Americans visit refuges every year, providing vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation. • Recreational opportunities: National wildlife refuges offer a range of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, boating, nature watching, photography and environmental education. ### National Fish Hatcheries

• Public education: Hatcheries offer opportunities for viewing the operations and learning about fish, as well as activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, sightseeing, nature study, birdwatching and photography. • Job creation: Hatcheries create jobs and stimulate local economies. • Access to nature: More than one million people visit hatcheries every year, providing access to world-class recreation and opportunities for nature education.

Consistency with State Regulations

The USFWS is committed to ensuring that all hunting and fishing opportunities align with state fish and wildlife regulations. The agency will continue to work with state partners to maintain consistency in areas such as the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle. “Hunting and fishing are traditional recreational activities deeply rooted in America’s heritage,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Paul Souza. “National wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other Service lands offer hunting and fishing access that helps boost local economies and gives Americans an opportunity to unplug. We are pleased to expand access and offer new opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission and are committed to responsibly managing these areas for the benefit of future generations.”

Acknowledging State Input

The proposal also includes the end of an experimental five-day early teal hunt at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, at the request of the State of Minnesota and the White Earth Nation. This decision is aimed at ensuring safety for wild rice harvesting and aligning with state regulations.

Benefits of Hunting and Fishing for Local Communities

• Economic benefits: Hunting and fishing contribute more than $394 billion in economic expenditures in communities across the United States. • Job creation: Hunting and fishing create jobs and stimulate local economies. • Access to nature: National wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries provide access to world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education.

Recreational Opportunities for Future Generations

The USFWS is committed to ensuring that all hunting and fishing opportunities are compatible with its conservation mission and are managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

Key Statistics

• 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts make up the National Wildlife Refuge System. • More than 69 million Americans visit refuges every year. • 71 national fish hatcheries visited by more than one million people each year in the National Fish Hatchery System.

Public Comment and Finalization

The USFWS will publish the proposal for public comment in the Federal Register and it will be available at http://www.regulations.gov. The Service intends to finalize the proposed changes in time for the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting seasons.

Conclusion

The USFWS is committed to expanding recreational access to public lands, supporting rural economies, and generating revenue for local communities through the opening of new hunting opportunities at National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. The agency is committed to ensuring that all hunting and fishing opportunities align with state fish and wildlife regulations and are managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.