Interior Secretary Doug Burgum poised to open over 95% of conservation lands to hunting, fishing

The Interior Department's proposed rules would extend hunting access to more than 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System, expanding public use on the world's largest network dedicated to wildlife conservation. The plan would open or expand hunting on about 92 million acres, with roughly 10.8 million acres currently open in the contiguous United States. It would create or enlarge more than 1,450 hunting and sport-fishing opportunities across 32 states, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. Some National Park Service areas would also increase hunting access, such as Lake Mead, Big Cypress, and Big Horn Canyon. Critics warn the expansion could crowd resources and disturb sensitive habitat, a concern amplified by a staffing crisis that has reduced Fish and Wildlife Service personnel by nearly 1,800 between 2024 and 2025. The proposal cites potential economic benefits, estimating a $1.1 million annual boost for nearby communities, while hunters and anglers contribute over $144 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Park Service rules will be updated to align policy with safety and conservation requirements, with oversight considerations highlighted by conservation groups.