Directive to open federal lands to hunting and fishing

By V. Paul Reynolds

The Federal Department of the Interior, which oversees all federally managed public lands, is about to allow hunting on 92 million acres of the National Wildlife Refuge System for the first time. The proposal, which flows from a directive from the Trump administration, is pending a period of public comment online until June 26. This proposal represents the largest sport fishing and hunting expansion program in the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the only federal properties in Maine affected by this proposal are lands that are part of the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Orland and the Green lake National Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth. All told, between the two hatcheries, about 150 acres will be newly opened to hunting and fishing.

This proposal also lifts hunting restrictions on National Park Park Service properties where hunting is legal.

Here are some key points in the proposal:

More than 1,450 new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities would be created across 111 federal facilities in 32 states. 

The proposal covers 107 National Wildlife Refuges and 4 National Fish Hatcheries. 

If finalized, over 92 million acres — more than 95% of all National Wildlife Refuge System lands—would be open to hunting. 

Fourteen refuges and three hatcheries would offer hunting or fishing opportunities for the first time. 

The broader policy change is perhaps even more significant. The proposal from Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directs Interior agencies to treat hunting and fishing as the default use of federal lands and waters under Interior management unless there is a specific legal, safety, or conservation reason to restrict them. Previously, many areas were effectively considered closed unless specifically opened. 

Supporters — including many hunting and fishing organizations — argue that:

Hunters and anglers fund conservation through licenses and excise taxes. 

More access will help recruit new sportsmen and women. 

Rural communities could benefit economically. 

Critics worry that:

Some refuges were created primarily as wildlife sanctuaries. 

Increased access could disturb sensitive habitats or species if not carefully managed. 

Local refuge managers may lose flexibility. 

Surprisingly, none of Maine’s national wildlife refuges appear to be among the 14 refuges being opened to hunting for the first time. Most of the attention is focused on refuges in other states. 

Maine’s federal refuges include:

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge 

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge 

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge 

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge 

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge 

Several of these already allow limited hunting opportunities, particularly Moosehorn and Aroostook, so the new Interior policy may not produce dramatic changes in Maine compared with states that have large amounts of federal refuge land currently closed to hunting. 

What may matter more in the long run is Secretary Burgum’s new “open unless closed” philosophy. Under that approach, refuge managers would generally be expected to allow hunting and fishing unless there’s a conservation, safety, or legal reason to restrict it. Supporters believe that could gradually expand access over time, including in Maine.

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide, co-host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network.