Federal Register #FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223

Final rule expanding hunting and sport fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under the Department of the Interior, is issuing a final rule to expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities on federal lands. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - Department of the Interior - Scope of Expansion: - 111 field stations affected - 107 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) - 4 units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS) - First-time openings for hunting or sport fishing at 14 National Wildlife Refuges and 3 National Fish Hatcheries - Over 1,450 new public access opportunities created - Regulatory Updates: - Station-specific regulations updated for clarity and consistency - Plain-language standards applied - Reduced regulatory burden - Notable Requirements: - Designated hunting and fishing areas - Restrictions on hunting methods - Supervision requirements for youth hunters - Compliance with sanctuary provisions and compatibility determinations for wildlife conservation - No procurement of products or services; no OEMs or vendors involved - Focus is on regulatory changes to increase public recreational access

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is opening or expanding hunting and sport fishing opportunities on 111 field stations, including 107 National Wildlife Refuges and 4 National Fish Hatcheries. This includes first-time openings on 14 refuges and 3 hatcheries, adding over 1,450 new opportunities to increase public access. The rule also updates station-specific regulations to improve clarity, reduce regulatory burden, and ensure consistency across the Refuge System. The final rule is effective August 31, 2026, and aims to balance public access with wildlife conservation and regulatory compliance.

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