Feds Open 111 Refuges to Hunting, Fishing Bonanza Nationwide
Published Date: 9/1/2026
Rule
Summary
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or Service), open or expand hunting opportunities on 111 field stations, including 107 units of the National Wildlife Refuges System (Refuge System or NWRS) and 4 units of the National Fish Hatchery System (Hatchery System or NFHS). This includes opening hunting or sport fishing opportunities for the first time on 14 National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) and 3 National Fish Hatcheries (NFH). These actions will open or expand more than 1,450 opportunities for hunting and fishing across the NWRS and NFHS in order to increase access for the American public. In accordance with Secretary's Order (S.O.) 3447 and Director's Order (D.O.) 233, we also make changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to improve the clarity and accuracy of regulations, reduce the regulatory burden on the public, ensure consistency across FWS lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain-language standards.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More hunting and fishing access
If you hunt or fish, the Service is opening or expanding opportunities at 111 field stations (107 National Wildlife Refuges and 4 National Fish Hatcheries), including first-time openings on 14 refuges and 3 hatcheries, creating more than 1,450 hunting and fishing opportunities. These changes are part of the 2026-2027 station-specific regulations effective August 31, 2026.
Rescinding planned lead-free requirements
The rule rescinds lead-ammunition and/or tackle requirements at nine National Wildlife Refuges that had been promulgated in 2022 and 2023 and scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026. More broadly, the rule reverses or removes multiple lead-free restrictions to increase alignment with State regulations.
Voluntary lead-free incentive program expanded
The Service continues and expanded a voluntary Lead-Free Voluntary Incentive Program (LFVIP) that began in 2024; 13 stations participated in the 2025-2026 season and participation increased 58% between the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons. Survey results cited show 77% of respondents reported using only lead-free ammunition on refuges during 2025-2026, up from 46% the prior year.
One game‑camera limit kept in Arkansas refuges
The Service retained a limit of one game camera on most National Wildlife Refuges in Arkansas after the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission requested reconsideration. The Service stated the one-camera rule reduced issues like abandonment, theft, privacy, and hunter conflicts.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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