Trump Administration Expands Hunting and Fishing Access on Federal Lands

Interior Department Announces Major Public Land Access Initiative

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has unveiled a significant expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities across the nation, opening over 87,000 acres of public land managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The announcement, strategically timed to coincide with the beginning of hunting season, represents more than double the acreage that was made available during the previous administration.

The expansion encompasses 42 wildlife refuges and hatcheries across multiple states, creating new recreational possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts while supporting local economies dependent on outdoor tourism.

Economic Benefits and Conservation Strategy

Secretary Burgum, who previously served as the Republican governor of North Dakota and has been a consistent supporter of Second Amendment rights, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the expansion.

"By opening more areas to hunting and outdoor recreation, we're helping drive tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue for local communities, all while promoting responsible stewardship of our natural resources," Burgum stated in the announcement.

This initiative aligns with recent economic data highlighting the substantial impact of outdoor recreation on the American economy. According to the FWS's latest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, outdoor activities contributed more than $394 billion in economic expenditures throughout the United States in 2022, with hunters and anglers accounting for over $144 billion of that total.

The survey revealed impressive participation numbers:

• 39.9 million Americans over 16 participated in fishing
• 14.4 million engaged in hunting
• 46.2 million people participated in target shooting

Geographic Scope of the Expansion

States Benefiting from New Access

The proposal will create new hunting and fishing opportunities in FWS facilities located across eleven states:

• Alabama
• California
• Idaho
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• North Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

Ammunition Policy Shift

In a notable policy reversal from the previous administration, which had begun implementing restrictions on traditional ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands, Secretary Burgum's announcement indicated the department would instead work to align federal regulations with state laws.

"We continue to work closely with our state partners to maintain consistency in areas such as the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle, and we will incorporate these considerations into future updates," the statement noted.

Industry Response

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association representing the firearms industry in the United States, expressed strong support for the expansion.

"This announcement by Secretary Burgum is an incredible win for America's outdoorsmen and women," said Mark Oliva, NSSF's director of public affairs. "NSSF has long advocated that public lands should be open to public hunting and recreational shooting wherever possible, and the Trump administration continues to deliver for those who cherish the outdoors."

Source: whitehouse.gov

Conservation Funding Through the Firearms Industry

The Pittman-Robertson Model

A key element in American conservation efforts is the "user pays, public benefit" model established through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which for eight decades has directed an excise tax on firearms and ammunition toward wildlife conservation efforts.

"The firearm and ammunition industry is proud to be the leading revenue generator for wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in America," Oliva explained. "To date, over $29 billion has been paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers through the Pittman-Robertson excise tax, which directly funds conservation in every state."

He further noted that "Last year, over $886 million of the $1.2 billion apportioned to the states for wildlife restoration was sourced from the taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers for abundant wildlife for all to enjoy."

These funds support multiple conservation initiatives, including:

• Wildlife habitat preservation
• Improved access to public lands
• Construction and enhancement of public recreational shooting ranges
• Hunter education programs

"The announcement of 42 new hunting opportunities across 87,000 acres will benefit generations of Americans and allow our hunting and outdoors heritage to grow," Oliva concluded.

Next Steps in the Process

The proposed expansions will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. The FWS aims to finalize these changes in time for implementation during the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting seasons, providing sportsmen and women adequate time to plan their outdoor activities on these newly accessible federal lands.