Safari Club International (SCI) today applauds the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the White House for announcing expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across America's public lands and waters, an important step forward in advancing the national commitment to Make America Beautiful Again through conservation, access, and responsible stewardship.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal would open or expand more than 1,450 opportunities across 111 National Wildlife Refuges or National Fish Hatcheries in 32 states.
"SCI applauds Secretary Burgum and USFWS Director Nesvik for recognizing that hunters and anglers are among the nation's leading conservationists," said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. "We are especially grateful for the leadership of the White House in championing policies that drive the Make America Beautiful Again agenda—restoring access to our public lands, strengthening conservation outcomes, and reaffirming the vital role that sportsmen and women play in sustaining America's natural legacy. Ensuring that the National Wildlife Refuge System remains accessible is not only critical to preserving our outdoor heritage, but also strengthens wildlife conservation funding, supports rural communities, and connects future generations to the outdoors."
The USFWS proposal includes new and expanded access opportunities including the first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at 14 refuges and three hatcheries. With this historic rule, over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System is available for hunting.
Hunters and anglers play a vital role in conservation through excise tax revenues, license fees, habitat restoration, and direct wildlife management support. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation generated more than $394 billion in economic activity in 2022, including more than $144 billion directly tied to hunters and anglers.
"Policies that expand access while upholding science-based wildlife management are essential to the future of conservation," said Jeff Meyerl, President of SCI. "SCI commends the Department and the White House for their strong, ongoing leadership in advancing Make America Beautiful Again—ensuring that America's public lands remain accessible, productive, and conserved for generations to come."
SCI has long advocated for increased public access, state-led wildlife management, and policies that protect the rights of hunters and anglers while advancing sustainable-use conservation principles.
Read SCI's 2026 priorities for the Department of the Interior and Congress: https://safariclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SCI_2026_Priorities-Report_outlines.pdf