Expanded Federal Hunting Access
Trump Signs Executive Orders to Expand Hunting and Fishing on Federal Lands
Anonymous
Key Points
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The orders direct the secretaries of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, War and Veterans Affairs, along with NOAA and the Coast Guard, to work with states and private companies under a new “presumption of accessibility” for hunting and fishing opportunities, with particular emphasis on veterans and young people.
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The hunting order gives federal officials 180 days to authorize traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle, establishing a specific implementation deadline for reversing Biden-era restrictions.
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The administration’s new Endangered Species Act interpretation would treat only the intentional killing or injuring of protected animals as illegal, excluding accidental harm from the law’s reach—a change that prompted criticism from wildlife-protection groups.
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At the Rose Garden dinner, Trump singled out Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, NRA CEO Doug Hamlin and former NASCAR driver Richard Childress among the outdoor-industry figures attending, highlighting the political and industry support surrounding the orders.
President Trump signed two executive orders to expand hunting and fishing on federal lands and waters, directing his administration to open new areas for these recreational activities within 90 days. AgWeb reported that the orders aim to increase access to public lands while restoring the use of traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle that were restricted under Biden. The administration frames the measures as efforts to boost wildlife populations, improve outdoor recreation, and support veterans and young people.
The hunting order specifically directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to open California's Castle Mountains National Monument and Idaho's Craters of the Moon National Monument to managed hunting. The Hill reported that the orders roll back restrictions on these activities, building on an August decision that opened more than 92 million acres across 32 states. However, wildlife-protection groups have criticized the rollback of environmental safeguards and changes to how the Endangered Species Act is enforced.
Lead Ammunition Ban Reversal Gets Fast-Track Timeline
The hunting order requires federal officials to authorize traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle within 180 days, establishing a hard deadline for reversing Biden-era restrictions. News Observer reported that the orders loosen federal regulations to expand hunting on federal lands while reducing fishing restrictions. This reversal represents a major shift in how the federal government approaches these outdoor activities.
New Interpretation Narrows Endangered Species Protections
The administration introduced a new interpretation of the Endangered Species Act that treats only intentional killing or injuring of protected animals as illegal. Under this narrower reading, accidental harm from hunting or fishing would not violate the law. Wildlife-protection groups have strongly opposed this change, arguing it strips away critical safeguards for vulnerable species.
Fishing Orders Focus on Ocean Access and Data Collection
The fishing order establishes a national policy to elevate marine recreational fishing and calls for broader access, expanded seasons and quotas on federal waters. Fishing Tackle Retailer reported that the executive order on saltwater recreational fishing aims to improve how catch data is collected. The order also explores creating artificial reefs from decommissioned offshore structures to support fish populations.
Industry Leaders and Veterans Get Priority Attention
Trump directs the secretaries of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, War and Veterans Affairs to work with states and private companies under a new "presumption of accessibility" for hunting and fishing. The orders give special emphasis to veterans and young people gaining access to outdoor recreation. At a Rose Garden dinner, Trump highlighted outdoor-industry figures including Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and NRA CEO Doug Hamlin, showing strong political and industry backing for the orders.
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