U.S. Expands Hunting and Fishing in National Parks Under New Order
The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a new order to expand hunting and fishing access across national parks and protected lands. Secretary Doug Burgum directed managers to remove regulatory barriers, potentially extending seasons and allowing new activities. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration push to reduce restrictions on public land use.
Hunting is currently permitted on roughly 51 million acres managed by the National Park Service, with fishing allowed at 213 sites. The latest order targets 55 specific locations, where activities like using tree stands, training hunting dogs, and retrieving kills by vehicle could soon be allowed. Some parks may even permit alligator hunting or cleaning kills in bathrooms.
Hunting advocates, including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Ducks Unlimited, have welcomed the changes. They argue the order will benefit hunters and anglers by increasing opportunities and access. Conservative policymakers also support the move as part of broader efforts to promote the sport. Critics, however, question the necessity of the order. Elaine Leslie, former head of the NPS’s biological resources department, warned it could undermine science-based management and harm visitors and natural resources. Dan Wenk, a former Yellowstone National Park superintendent, echoed concerns about potential risks to safety and park integrity. Elizabeth Peace, an Interior Department spokesperson, described the order as a 'commonsense approach.' She added that necessary closures and limits would remain in place where required.
The order opens the door for expanded hunting and fishing across millions of acres of public land. If implemented, it will introduce new activities while removing certain restrictions. Park managers will now review how to apply these changes while balancing conservation and visitor safety.
