Department of Interior announces major expansions for hunters, anglers

In late May, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced it will be issuing a proposed rule that would result in the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in agency history.

The proposal opens or expands more than 1,450 hunting and sport fishing opportunities, which will result in 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge Systems to be available for hunting.

Furthermore, the DOI announced it will work with the National Park Service to remove bureaucratic red tape that discourages sportsmen and women from utilizing our nation’s most treasured natural resources.

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“American hunters are some of the greatest stewards of our wildlife and national heritage,” said John Commerford, executive director of NRA-ILA. “For years, hunting opportunities have dwindled because of overregulation and demonization of this inherently American tradition. Millions of NRA members and hunters nationwide appreciate that we finally have an administration that recognizes hunting as a vital tool for conservation that should be cherished and encouraged rather than hindered at every step.”

This action is a result of Secretarial Order 3447, which was issued by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum earlier this year. This order directed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to identify and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and allow access to hunting and fishing wherever practical.

The NRA-ILA applauds President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their continued effort to expand opportunities for sportsmen across the nation.

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