The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced 53 new hunting and fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This expansion includes twelve national wildlife refuges in Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Notable additions include first-ever hunting on Green River National Wildlife Refuge and expanded fishing on Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. To view the complete list of new opportunities, click here.
Martha Williams, Service Director, highlighted the significance of these activities, citing their roots in American heritage, and the economic benefits to local communities. Nearly 80% of Service stations currently offer hunting and fishing access, boosting local economies and connecting people with nature. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of increasing public land and water access through locally led and voluntary conservation efforts.
Public land access is an essential component for the hunting community, especially as private lands continue to fragment, and access to those private lands is harder to come by due to a multitude of factors.
The National Wildlife Refuge System comprises 571 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. It offers vital habitats for thousands of species and various recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, and nature watching. With over 68 million annual visitors, these refuges significantly contribute to local economies. In 2022, outdoor activities like hunting and fishing generated over $394 billion in economic expenditures, with hunters and anglers contributing over $144 billion.
This expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities reflects a commitment to conservation and responsible wildlife management, ensuring these lands are preserved for future generations.
That’s really great news for all of us Hunters, Anglers, Fishers and Trappers. But even more so, for all the wildlife whose habitat conditions are drastically improved as a direct result of outdoorsman and women’s contributions paid. These funds paid in, allow agencies such as the USFWS, state and local DNRs and conservation agencies to maintain these lands as best as they can. It’s all cyclical — the more hunters, anglers, fishers and trappers we have getting educated, then getting out there and falling in love with the land and the great benefits it holds, the more the land and those amazing resources will directly benefit and recover from past poor decisions.
Great win — thanks for sharing and let’s keep up the great momentum, as we all get out there and fulfill our tag!