The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is rolling out a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts, opening up 42 new hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres of public land. This expansion, announced by the Department of the Interior, is one of the biggest in recent years, covering 16 National Wildlife Refuges and one National Fish Hatchery. It’s a move that’s set to make waves for the 2025-2026 season, starting September 2, 2025, and it’s all about giving folks more access to the wild spaces they love.
The new opportunities span 11 states—Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. For the first time, hunters can set their sights on Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and Grasslands Wildlife Management Area in California, while anglers get a fresh chance to cast lines at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery in Massachusetts. These spots, part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, are managed to balance outdoor recreation with conservation, ensuring wildlife thrives alongside human enjoyment.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum called the expansion a win for tradition and local communities. He emphasized that opening these lands isn’t just about getting out in nature—it’s about boosting rural economies. Hunting and fishing pumped over $144 billion into communities in 2022, part of a broader $394 billion from outdoor activities, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. That’s money spent on gear, travel, and local businesses, creating jobs and supporting families in areas near refuges and hatcheries.
The push comes with a nod to simplifying things for hunters and anglers. The Service is working to align its rules with state regulations, making it easier to navigate the sometimes tricky web of federal and state requirements. They’re also tweaking existing regulations to be clearer and less burdensome, following a presidential mandate for plain-language standards. This effort ties into President Trump’s Executive Order 14192, signed January 31, 2025, aimed at cutting red tape to promote economic growth and make outdoor access smoother for everyone.
Brian Nesvik, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, highlighted the deeper value of these opportunities. He pointed out that hunting and fishing aren’t just hobbies—they help manage wildlife populations and foster a sense of stewardship. Passing down these traditions to the next generation is a big part of why these refuges and hatcheries matter. With over 69 million people visiting refuges each year and more than a million stopping by the 71 national fish hatcheries, these lands are a cornerstone of American outdoor life.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, with its 573 refuges and 38 wetland management districts, offers something unique: a chance to connect with nature within an hour’s drive of most major cities. These lands are home to thousands of species, from deer and waterfowl to fish and rare plants, all protected while still welcoming hunters, anglers, and other visitors. The hatcheries, meanwhile, do more than just provide fishing spots. They’ve released 73 million fish to support recreational fisheries and tribal waters, boosting both conservation and local economies.
This expansion builds on the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, which greenlights hunting and fishing on refuges when it fits with their conservation goals. Right now, over 430 refuges allow hunting, and more than 370 permit fishing, alongside activities like wildlife photography and nature study. The Service ensures these activities don’t harm wildlife populations, striking a balance between use and protection.
For those eager to explore the new spots, the full list of refuges and hatcheries is available in the Federal Register, published August 28, 2025, under Docket Number FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031 at regulations.gov. The Service worked closely with states to make sure these changes mesh with local rules, including considerations like lead-free ammunition requirements in some areas to protect wildlife and human health.
This expansion is more than just new places to hunt or fish—it’s a chance to keep traditions alive, support local communities, and enjoy the wild beauty of America’s public lands. Whether it’s a quiet morning casting a line or a day tracking game through a refuge, these new opportunities are set to make 2025 a year to remember for outdoor lovers.
