Earlier this month, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Margaret Everson announced that 38 federal wildlife refuges will be staffed and remain open for 30 calendar days to the public for recreation, which includes hunting and fishing opportunities.
Not only does this decision allow certain federal employees to be paid during the shutdown who otherwise would not, it has also allowed numerous disabled and veteran hunts that were scheduled in January to proceed.
Acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and Principal Deputy Director Everson have recognized the importance of national wildlife refuges to support America’s time-honored traditions for hunting and fishing. National wildlife refuges serve as important wintering grounds for migratory birds and waterfowl therefore providing quality hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women. By ensuring the operation of these 38 refuges during this time of lapsed government funds, the Department of the Interior has demonstrated their commitment to ensuring hunting and fishing opportunities on our nation’s public lands.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
