Department of Interior Opens 42 New Public Land Hunting & Fishing Opportunities

iSportsman Staff

Just in time for fall seasons, the Department of the Interior (DOI) has delivered big public land hunting and fishing news for hunters and anglers, announcing 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). The move more than triples the number of opportunities and quintuples the number of units opened or expanded compared to the previous administration—cementing a major commitment to outdoor recreation, access, and conservation.

“Hunting and fishing are more than just traditional pastimes, as they are also vital to the conservation of our lands and waters, our outdoor recreation economy and our American way of life,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The Trump administration is committed to promoting good government by reducing regulatory burdens by working with states to make access to these outdoor activities a reality for every American family.”

The 2025–2026 Final Rule, which took effect September 2, opens or expands opportunities at 16 refuges and one national fish hatchery across 11 states including Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas and Washington. Among the highlights are inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, as well as the first-ever sportfishing opportunities at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery.

In addition to expanding access, the rule streamlines regulations to better align with state fish and game laws, reducing confusion and making it easier for sportsmen and women to enjoy these public lands.

“Hunting and fishing significantly benefit the outdoors by helping manage wildlife populations, promote outdoor stewardship, and contribute to local economies,” said Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations.”

Today, hunting is already allowed on more than 430 refuge units and fishing on over 370, making the NWRS one of the nation’s largest providers of public outdoor recreation. The expansion comes at a time when demand for access is on the rise, and groups like the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) applauded the move, calling it a win for hunters, anglers and future generations.

“TRCP thanks Secretary Burgum for prioritizing expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at the Department of the Interior,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the TRCP. “These new opportunities will help Americans get outside to enjoy the great outdoors just in time for the fall hunting and fishing seasons.”

According to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, hunting and fishing contributed more than $144 billion to the economy in 2022, with all outdoor recreation topping $394 billion. These new opportunities will help ensure that those dollars continue to fuel habitat restoration, wildlife management and local economic development.