June 4, 2026
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for the proposed opening and expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). Last week, the Service issued the proposed rule for 2026-2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations, which would open or expand more than 1,450 hunting and fishing opportunities across the NWRS and NFHS, increasing the total acres available for hunting in the NWRS to over 92 million.
“We thank Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for fulfilling their commitment to America’s sportsmen and women,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “Increased access and opportunities for harvest are necessary to both fulfill the primary purposes of the NWRS and sustain its successful legacy of conservation for future generations.”
Under the proposed rule, hunters and anglers would see expanded access across a broad range of NWRS units and NFHS hatcheries, with new or improved opportunities available at 111 stations in 32 states. The proposal would also bring additional consistency to regulations, helping ensure that federal access rules better reflect state fish and wildlife management frameworks. If finalized, hunting access would be available on more than 95% of NWRS lands, with several refuge and hatchery units offering hunting or sport fishing opportunities for the first time.
“Hunters and anglers are our nation’s most important conservation partners, and their access to public lands and waters must be supported by clear, consistent, and workable regulations,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “We commend Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for their leadership to ensure that federal rules are better aligned with state fish and wildlife laws, providing greater certainty for the public, improving implementation in the field, and reinforcing the cooperative management relationship between state and federal agencies.”
State fish and wildlife agencies hold primary authority and expertise for managing fish and wildlife populations across all types of lands and waters, including federal. Through close coordination with the Service, state agencies help ensure that public access opportunities are compatible with wildlife conservation, habitat needs, and safe, responsible outdoor recreation. The Association looks forward to continuing to work with its members the Service ensure that final regulations support science-based management, enhance public access, and maintain strong alignment with state regulations.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.