The Trump administration once again delivered for America’s hunters and anglers. The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a final rule that opens 42 new hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres of public land within the National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System and National Fish Hatchery (NFH) System. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), this action triples the number of opportunities and quintuples the number of units opened or expanded compared to the previous administration, underscoring President Trump’s pledge to strengthen outdoor recreation and conservation.
“Hunting and fishing are more than traditions—they are essential to conservation, outdoor recreation, and our American way of life,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “The Trump administration is committed to cutting red tape and working with states to make these opportunities a reality for every American family.”
Expanded Access Across the Country
The USFWS will open or expand opportunities at 16 NWR units and one NFH unit across Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Highlights include:
First-time hunting at Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR
Formal opening of hunting at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area in California
First sport fishing at North Attleboro NFH in Massachusetts
The final rule also simplifies and clarifies existing regulations, reducing burdens on the public and aligning with President Trump’s Executive Order 14192—“Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.”
Conservation and Economic Impact
USFWS Director Brian Nesvik emphasized the benefits: “Hunting and fishing help manage wildlife, foster stewardship, and support local economies. These new opportunities allow families to pass on our outdoor heritage to future generations.”
The move builds on Trump’s July 3 executive order creating the Make America Beautiful Again Commission, which prioritizes expanding public land access and advancing voluntary, on-the-ground conservation.
John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, applauded the rule: “From day one, the Trump administration has backed America’s hunters and anglers. Expanding access while cutting red tape ensures that those who are our nation’s greatest conservationists can continue their vital role.”
Outdoor Recreation by the Numbers
Hunting, fishing, and related activities generated more than $394 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022. Hunters and anglers alone contributed $144 billion, according to the USFWS National Survey. In 2021, nearly 40 million Americans fished and 14.4 million hunted—clear proof of the enduring importance of these traditions.
The final rule (Federal Register Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031) takes effect for the 2025–2026 hunting seasons starting September 2, 2025.
