Hunting and Fishing Access in the Great American Outdoors

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP held an oversight hearing on January 14, 2026, focused on hunting and fishing access on the nation's public lands and waters. Key procurement-related discussions included the expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges, supported by the Trump administration's final 2025-2026 hunt and fish rule, which opened 42 new opportunities across 87,000 acres. The committee emphasized the importance of funding and reauthorizing the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, which has provided $475 million from FY21 to FY25 for infrastructure repairs critical to hunting and fishing access. Witnesses highlighted the need for continued investment in habitat management, infrastructure modernization, and collaboration with state and private partners to enhance public access and conservation outcomes. The hearing also addressed challenges such as chronic underfunding of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the impact of predator species on game populations, and the economic significance of outdoor recreation. Several members underscored the importance of maintaining public lands and opposed proposals to sell off refuge lands. The committee expressed bipartisan support for policies that improve access, habitat quality, and sustainable wildlife management, with a focus on leveraging federal funds and partnerships to support conservation and outdoor recreation economies.