Biden administration moves to expand hunting and fishing on federal lands
A new push to expand hunting and fishing access on federal lands has gained momentum under the Biden administration. Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently presented a directive aimed at removing long-standing barriers on wildlife refuges. The plan follows an earlier order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ease restrictions across public lands.
On January 7, Secretary Burgum signed an executive order instructing the Interior Department to identify and lift unnecessary regulatory hurdles. This move set the stage for broader changes in how hunting and fishing are managed on federal properties.
Nesvik later appeared before Congress to outline the next steps. He announced a goal to open all national wildlife refuges and hatcheries to hunting and fishing within two years—unless conflicts with conservation or safety arise. The proposal marks a shift from previous policies that limited access in many protected areas.
Burgum, who took office as Interior Secretary on February 1, 2025, previously served as North Dakota’s governor from 2016 to 2024. His background in state-level natural resource management has influenced this federal initiative. No evidence, however, supports claims that he issued a separate, undisclosed order on the same topic earlier this year.
The directive could significantly increase recreational opportunities on over 560 wildlife refuges nationwide. Officials have begun reviewing local regulations to determine where changes can be made. The two-year timeline depends on resolving potential conflicts with wildlife protection and public safety.
