3 National Wildlife Refuges Propose Expanded Hunting Opportunities
On the heels of a similar proposal last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to pair increased hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges with a reduction in the use of lead tackle and ammo.
Sport Hawk | 6.22.2023
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) looks to to increase recreational access to public lands with the announcement of 48 new hunting opportunities spanning approximately 3,000 acres across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Three national wildlife refuges managed by USFW are proposing expanded hunting opportunities. These public lands include Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama, Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota.
Additionally, the effort includes a rule to phase out lead ammunition and tackle at eight national wildlife refuges. The USFW says that the decision is based on scientific evidence demonstrating the negative impacts of lead on both human health and wildlife. The newly proposed hunting and fishing opportunities also ban the use of lead ammunition or tackle.
The Service welcomes public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days, starting from the publication in the Federal Register on June 23, 2023. Those interested can find more information and submit comments here, using Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0038.
Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, contributing more than $156 billion in 2016, according to the Service’s most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. More than 101 million Americans participate in wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing.
Read more about the proposal:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Press Release
“U.S. Fish and Wildlife Promotes Public Access to Hunting and Fishing”
Related proposal from 2022:
Outdoor Life
“USFWS Wants to Open 19 More Wildlife Refuges to Hunting and Fishing. Lead Ammo and Tackle Would Be Banned There”
Photo | Ryan Hagerty/USFWS