WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The Department of the Interior this week announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Interior Department said more than 92 million acres, or over 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, are now open to hunting.
The final rule delivers 1,488 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across 32 states, including Texas.
An “opportunity” is defined as the ability to hunt or fish a specific species at a specific location.
For hunters in Central Texas, a documented station included in the expansion is the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Proposed changes at this refuge include expansions for migratory bird and upland game hunting, in addition to opening and expanding big game hunting.
“America’s hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities nationwide. We are also promoting good government by reducing the regulatory burden and working with states to facilitate these outdoor activities,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
What the rule changes
The Interior Department said the expansion increases access at 111 field stations, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries.
It also marks the first time hunting or sport fishing will be permitted at 14 refuges and three hatcheries.
The changes include:
First-time hunting or fishing opportunities at multiple refuges and hatcheriesExpanded upland game, migratory bird and big game hunting across additional acresNew sport fishing access, including at locations previously closedUpdated station-specific regulations to reflect current conditions and management practices
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik said the new opportunities will “better align with state regulations, help promote healthy wildlife habitats and boost local recreation economies,” and will help families “pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations.”
Regulatory modernization
The Interior Department said the rule is part of a broader effort to simplify federal regulations.
The Service is making more than 1,000 modifications to existing provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with the rules.
By better aligning federal regulations with state fish and wildlife laws, the Interior Department said the final rule reduces confusion, improves consistency across field stations and reinforces the role of states as primary managers of fish and wildlife resources.
Conservation and economic impact
The Interior Department said hunters and anglers play a central role in conservation in the United States.
According to the Service’s most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 39.9 million Americans fish and 14.4 million hunt, contributing more than $144 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation, includes 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts and welcomes 71 million visitors each year.
The National Fish Hatchery System includes 71 hatcheries that collectively welcome more than one million visitors annually.
The Interior Department said the final rule will publish in the Federal Register in time for hunting season.
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