Hunting and Fishing Access Expanded on Refuges and Fish Hatcheries in 11 States
The U.S. Department of the Interior just expanded public hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres in 11 states. The changes apply to areas in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.
According to the official release, the move adds or expands access at 16 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery.
Among the updates, the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge will offer its first-ever hunting access. Massachusetts' North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery will also open for sport fishing for the first time.
This marks one of the largest expansions in recent years. The Department of the Interior says the goal is to make public lands more available for outdoor recreation, especially as interest in hunting and fishing continues to climb.
Outdoor activities aren't just fun. They're also a serious economic engine. In 2022 alone, hunting, fishing, and related recreation generated over $394 billion in consumer spending. Hunters and anglers made up $144 billion of that total.
But it's not just about buying gear or booking trips. Hunters and anglers directly fund conservation in a way few other user groups do. Through excise taxes collected under the Pittman-Robertson Act, they've contributed more than $16 billion to wildlife conservation since the program's inception in 1937. That money supports everything from habitat restoration and wildlife research to hunter education and public land access.
Every time someone buys a box of ammo, a new rifle, or fishing tackle, a portion of that purchase goes back into preserving wild places and the species that live there. Expanding access ensures those dollars continue flowing into the system.
Opening more areas to the public directly supports rural communities. It also gives more Americans a chance to connect with nature while contributing to local economies and conservation efforts.
The new opportunities follow state fish and wildlife regulations. The Interior Department says it'll continue working with states to ensure consistent management, especially on controversial topics like lead ammunition and tackle use.
While those updates aren't coming yet, they're expected to be part of future federal planning efforts.
This move builds on the Department's 2019 effort that expanded access on over 1.4 million acres across the country. That push opened opportunities on 77 national wildlife refuges and 15 national fish hatcheries.
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