Department of the Interior Approves Historic Hunting and Fishing Expansion

Written by HLRBO| 11/1/2021

If you’re planning a fall, winter, or even spring hunt, you’re in luck. The Department of the Interior has recently approved a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 2.1 million acres, marking the largest expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities on record. What’s more, the expansion will go into effect in time for the upcoming 2021-2022 hunting seasons. Under the historic expansion, seven National Wildlife Reserves (NWR) that were closed to hunting and sport fishing will open for the first time. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 81 additional NWRs nationwide, as well as at one unit of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFH). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also made changes to station-specific regulations that will reduce the burden of regulations on the public. This move will make it easier for hunters and anglers to use Service lands and waters for fishing and hunting. The expansion is part of the Biden Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to conserve, connect, and restore 30% of U.S. lands and water by 2030.

“Today’s announcement furthers a rich tradition of providing quality outdoor recreation experiences to the American people on our public lands,” said Service Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams. “By expanding these opportunities, we are enhancing the lives of millions of Americans while stimulating the national economy to which hunting and fishing contribute significantly.” The Fish and Wildlife Service manages hunting and fishing programs across the country to ensure sustainable wildlife populations. In all, this new expansion will open or expand 910 hunting or fishing opportunities in the United States — an opportunity is defined as one species on one field station. It brings the total number of units in the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System that is open for public hunting to 434 and the number where fishing is allowed to 378.

According to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities contributed more than $156 billion in economic activity in communities across the nation in 2016 (the report is published every five years). What’s more, over 40% of the U.S. population pursues wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing. The National Wildlife Refuge System is an unmatched network of 567 NWRs and 38 wetland management districts. There is a NWR within an hour’s drive of most major U.S. cities, and more than 61 million people visit the Refuge System every year for world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting, and paddling, to nature watching, and even environmental education. A complete list of all refuges and hatcheries is available here.