Why it Matters: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides important hunting and fishing opportunities across the country. Despite the importance that FWS lands, particularly through the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS), play for sportsmen and women, there are often inconsistencies between state and federal regulations, as well as antiquated hunting and fishing regulations generally, that hinder sportsmen’s access. This effort marks an important step to further increase opportunities for sportsmen and women.
Highlights:
- Last week, FWS announced the expansion of 42 new hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres across the NWRS and NFHS.
- This effort by FWS is representative of a commitment to sportsmen and women and marks an important step to bolster our nation’s sporting traditions.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks FWS for their commitment to improving access for hunting and fishing across our public lands.
On August 27, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the expansion of new hunting and fishing opportunities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System, a decision that is welcome news for CSF.
The final rule announced last week opens or expands hunting and fishing across 16 different units within the National Wildlife Refuge System and one unit of the National Fish Hatchery System. Specifically, these expanded opportunities will occur within the following states: Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Notably, the rule includes the opening of hunting at the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge System, Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, and brand-new sport fishing opportunities at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation thanks FWS for their commitment to sportsmen and women by expanding access to public lands that serve as critical recreational areas for America’s sportsmen and women.
