Push for more hunting and fishing on public lands includes wildlife refuges in the Mountain West

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes opening more than 95% of national refuge lands to hunting after expansions ordered to remove barriers to hunting and fishing on public lands. Supporters argue hunting and fishing fund conservation through licenses and taxes, with new openings at Grays Lake NWR in Idaho, Sevilleta NWR in New Mexico, and Rocky Flats NWR in Colorado, among others in Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana. Critics warn that staff cuts could hinder recreation; the National Park Service will remove hunting and fishing regulations in most recreation areas. Public comments are due by June 26.