President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to expand hunting and fishing access on public lands, revise rules for hunter education and encourage wider use of wild game donation programs.
The order establishes a general presumption that federally managed land should be open to hunting unless local resource conditions justify a closure. National parks remain excluded, while most national monuments would continue under existing rules unless separately addressed.
Agencies face new access deadlines
The Interior Department is directed to allow hunting of species not protected under the Endangered Species Act at Castle Mountains National Monument in California and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho within 90 days.
Within 180 days, the departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce and War must propose changes to policies or regulations that restrict hunting, fishing, shooting and related recreation on lands under their control. The review is also expected to address roads, trails, easements and other infrastructure used to reach public land.
The order calls for expanded use of qualified volunteers to manage wildlife populations and invasive species. It also directs agencies to permit traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle where allowed by law.
The Agriculture Department has 60 days to review high-demand Forest Service river-access lotteries. The order says those systems should prioritize U.S. citizens and people who previously applied without success while prohibiting automated computer entries.
Interior officials must also propose changes to the process for authorizing seasonal migratory bird hunting within 90 days. Within a year, the department is instructed to encourage state wildlife agencies to expand Sunday hunting on state and federal land.
Schools, veterans and food programs included
The Labor and Education departments must clarify within 90 days that federal education money may be used for archery and hunter-education programs in schools. Interior officials are also directed to identify incentives for states to expand hunting opportunities for young people and veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is instructed to prioritize grants for hunting and fishing activities through its Adaptive Sports Grant Program. The order does not set a new appropriation, and its provisions remain subject to available funding and existing law.
Other sections direct federal agencies to coordinate with states on habitat connectivity, invasive species, disease, predator management and prescribed burns. The administration said those efforts are intended to increase game populations while maintaining conservation goals.
The Agriculture Department must issue guidance supporting state venison-donation programs, including through the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Interior officials are also directed to encourage use of Pittman-Robertson funds to manage overabundant wildlife, particularly whitetail deer, and support processing donated meat for schools and food banks.
The order frames the changes as a response to inconsistent access rules and declining hunting opportunities. Most provisions require agencies to develop guidance, regulations or recommendations, meaning the directive will not immediately change every public-land rule or hunting season.
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