Washington D.C. (August 17, 2026)- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies commends the Department of the Interior’s (Department) announcement of a final rule expanding hunting and sport-fishing opportunities across national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. The Association welcomes this expanded access and appreciates efforts to better align federal and state wildlife regulations.
“Hunting and fishing are vital conservation tools that connect people to nature while sustaining wildlife, habitats, and local economies,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Association President. “As primary managers of these resources, state fish and wildlife agencies are essential partners in delivering responsible, science-based opportunities tailored to local communities.”
According to the Department, the action will add 1,488 new hunting and sport-fishing opportunities at 111 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) field stations across 32 states, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. The Department describes the rule as the largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities in the Service’s history, bringing the total area of National Wildlife Refuge System lands available for hunting to more than 92 million acres, or over 95 percent of the system.
Through this rule, the Service will expand access at existing sites and update station-specific regulations to improve clarity and better align federal requirements with applicable state fish and wildlife regulations. These updates are anticipated to support coordinated, compatible access, promote healthy habitats, benefit local recreation economies, and connect people with wildlife.
This rule builds on prior efforts to expand compatible hunting and fishing opportunities, including the 2025–2026 Station Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations. According to the Department, the rule implements Secretary’s Order 3447 to remove barriers to hunting and fishing access and better align federal regulations with state wildlife management frameworks.
“We appreciate this latest expansion of opportunities, and also the directive from USFWS Director Brian Nesvik to ensure consistency between federal and state hunting and fishing seasons and regulation,” added Johansen. “Lack of access, opportunity and regulatory complexity have been identified as barriers for those looking to participate in hunting and fishing. This rule and efforts to work collaboratively with states will help to facilitate increased participation by both seasoned and novice hunters and anglers.”
The Association looks forward to reviewing the final rule upon its publication in the Federal Register, which the Department anticipates will occur before this year’s hunting season.
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES
