USFWS Proposes Historic Expansion of Hunting Access on National Wildlife Refuges 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed what may be the most significant expansion of hunting access in the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening or expanding hunting and fishing opportunities at 111 federal stations across 32 states. 

The proposal would create more than 1,450 new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities and contribute to making more than 92 million acres, approximately 95% of National Wildlife Refuge System lands, available for hunting. While those numbers alone are impressive, the real story is the continued development of how hunting is viewed on America’s wildlife refuges. 

For decades, hunting on National Wildlife Refuge lands was generally treated as an exception. Refuge managers were required to evaluate and authorize hunting opportunities on a refuge-by-refuge basis, resulting in in inconsistent access across the country. Under the proposed rule, USFWS continues a broader shift toward recognizing hunting and fishing as a priority for public uses and expanding access wherever those activities are compatible with conservation objectives. The Archery Trade Association strongly supports this measure, which recognizes the role hunters play in conservation funding, wildlife management and connecting more Americans to the outdoors.  

The proposal affects 107 National Wildlife Refuges and four National Fish Hatcheries, including first-time hunting opportunities at several locations and expanded access to many others. It also aims to simplify regulations and align federal refuge rules more closely with state wildlife management frameworks, while improving consistency across jurisdictions. 

Bowhunters stand to benefit significantly from the expanded access in many ways across multiple states and numerous locations. Many of the new opportunities involve big game species such as white-tailed deer, elk, black bear and turkey; species commonly pursued with archery equipment. Bowhunters also benefit from expanded access, longer seasons and new hunting opportunities at refuges opening to hunting for the first time.  

Examples identified within station-specific descriptions include expanded archery deer and turkey opportunities at refuges in Kentucky, Indiana and Maine, new big game archery opportunities in Idaho, and inaugural archery deer hunting access at a newly established refuge in Maryland. Other stations would provide new or expanded opportunities for archery hunters pursuing upland game and big game species under state-authorized regulations. 

Most importantly, the proposal reflects a broader recognition that hunting is not only well-suited for wildlife conservation but is an essential component of it. By expanding access, reducing regulatory barriers and increasing consistency with state management frameworks, USFWS is signaling a future where hunting opportunities on refuge lands are increasingly viewed as the rule rather than the exception. 

If finalized, the proposal would represent one of the largest expansions of practical hunting access in the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including archery opportunities. 

Hunters interested in learning more can review the full proposal and supporting documents at Regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223.