President Orders More Hunting on Federal Lands Now
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
This order makes it easier for hunters to access federal lands and enjoy America’s great outdoors again. It cuts red tape, opens new hunting spots like Castle Mountains National Monument, and supports hunter education to keep wildlife healthy. Hunters, landowners, and outdoor lovers will see these changes roll out quickly, with some actions starting within 90 days and boosting conservation efforts nationwide.
Analyzed Economic Effects
15 provisions identified: 15 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Lands Presumed Open to Hunting
Within 180 days of September 17, 2026, several Cabinet secretaries must propose policy or regulatory changes to generally allow hunting, fishing, shooting, and other recreational land access on Federal lands (except national parks and the monuments excepted in section 2(a)), applying a presumption of accessibility unless a specific closure is justified.
Hunting Opened in Two National Monuments
Within 90 days of September 17, 2026, the Secretary of the Interior must allow hunting of species not covered by 16 U.S.C. 1533 in Castle Mountains National Monument and in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Access Infrastructure Allowed and Prioritized
Within 180 days of September 17, 2026, agencies shall propose allowing construction, repair, and maintenance of infrastructure that provides access to Federal land for outdoor recreation and wildlife management.
Assistive Technology Allowed on Access Trails
The order authorizes the use of assistive technology on access trails and hunting locations to improve access for users with mobility or other disabilities.
Federal Funding Allowed for Archery and Hunter Education
Within 90 days of September 17, 2026, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education must issue guidance clarifying that Federal education funding may be permissible for archery and hunter education programs in schools.
Incentives to Grow Hunting Among Youth and Veterans
Within 180 days of September 17, 2026, the Secretary of the Interior must identify additional opportunities and incentives, using existing Federal funding and authorities, to help States cultivate the hunting tradition among American youth and veterans.
VA to Prioritize Grants for Adaptive Hunting and Fishing
The Department of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent permitted by law, prioritize grants in its Adaptive Sports Grant Program to support outdoor hunting and fishing opportunities.
Active Measures to Grow Game Populations
Agencies shall coordinate with State agencies to promote growth of game species populations through actions such as voluntary removal of movement barriers, invasive species reduction, predator and competing species management, prescribed fire and vegetation management, water development, grazing and other habitat-management tools, and voluntary agreements with private landowners.
Wild Game Donation Expanded to Food Programs
The Secretary of Agriculture shall issue guidance supporting State-based wild game venison donation programs (including via the Emergency Food Assistance Program), and the Secretary of the Interior shall encourage States to use Pittman-Robertson funds to manage hyperabundant wildlife (especially whitetail deer) and facilitate donation and processing of wild game meat for schools and food banks.
Easements, Exchanges, and Cooperative Access Tools
Within 180 days of September 17, 2026, agencies shall prioritize practical access opportunities to difficult-to-access Federal lands using tools such as voluntary access easements, land exchanges, and cooperative agreements with States and local governments, respecting private property rights.
Volunteer Wildlife Management Encouraged
Agencies are instructed to encourage using qualified volunteers to manage wildlife populations and invasive species, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 104909.
Traditional Lead Ammunition and Tackle Permitted
The order directs agencies to permit the use of traditional lead ammunition and tackle on relevant Federal lands and waters.
Forest Service River Lotteries Reformed
Within 60 days of September 17, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture must review high-demand Forest Service river access lotteries and initiate reforms to prioritize United States citizens (including prior unsuccessful applicants) and to prohibit automatic computer entries.
Streamlined Migratory Game Bird Authorizations
Within 90 days of September 17, 2026, the Department of the Interior must propose regulations to improve the administrative process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting while continuing to engage the Flyway Councils.
States Encouraged to Expand Sunday Hunting
Within 365 days of September 17, 2026, the Secretary of the Interior shall encourage State fish and wildlife agencies to promote and expand Sunday hunting opportunities on State and Federal lands.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19336, Restoring Reciprocity in Government Procurement
The U.S. government is fighting back against Canada’s 'Buy Canadian' rules that block American companies from Canadian government contracts. Starting now, U.S. agencies will look for Canadian-made products in federal buying and try to replace them with American alternatives. This move affects billions in government spending and aims to level the playing field for U.S. businesses.
Next: 2026-19417, Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation
This order boosts saltwater fishing and recreation by cutting red tape and supporting coastal communities, anglers, and charter businesses. It calls for better data and teamwork between federal agencies and states to keep fishing fun and thriving. Changes start rolling out within 180 days, aiming to grow jobs and the outdoor economy without hurting access or the environment.