Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors today announced its support for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed rule to expand hunting and fishing opportunities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. The proposal would open or expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 111 federal sites in 32 states, representing the largest proposed expansion of public access in the agency's history.
The proposal would make more than 92 million acres of National Wildlife Refuge System lands available for hunting and fishing opportunities, helping address one of the most significant barriers facing conservation organizations and R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) initiatives nationwide: access. "Our pre- and post-hunt surveys indicate that lack of access is the main reason for youth and adolescents not going hunting," commented Scott Petrie, CEO of Outdoor Mentors.
For Outdoor Mentors, whose mission is to connect youth and families with hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities, access to quality public lands is essential for introducing new participants to the outdoors and ensuring they remain engaged for years to come.
"We can provide mentorship, education, equipment, and encouragement, but without places to hunt and fish, it becomes difficult to turn interest into lifelong participation," stated Scott. "This proposal represents a meaningful investment in the future of America's outdoor traditions and the next generation of conservationists."
Expanding access to public lands directly supports wildlife conservation by encouraging participation in activities that fund conservation. Increased access also creates opportunities for families, veterans, and underserved populations to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of time spent outdoors.
Outdoor Mentors encourages sportsmen and women with a passion for ensuring the future of our outdoor heritage to review the proposed rule and submit comments supporting increased public access through the public comment process. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting comments through June 26, 2026.
"As we work to address declining participation in hunting and fishing and ensure the future of conservation funding, expanding access must remain a priority," added Scott. "Public lands belong to all Americans, and thoughtful expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities helps ensure these traditions remain available to future generations."
About Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors: Founded in 2002, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing mentored hunting and fishing opportunities to youth who would otherwise lack access to the outdoors. Through a structured, safety-focused model, trained volunteer mentors guide young people from diverse backgrounds through hands-on experiences that build confidence, responsibility, and life skills.
Many of the youth served lack access to land, equipment, outdoor knowledge, or a family hunting and fishing tradition. By removing these barriers, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors fosters lifelong connections to wildlife and conservation — while helping recruit the next generation of hunters and anglers, the primary funders of wildlife management in North America.
At a time when youth are increasingly disconnected from nature, the organization's programs help counteract Nature Deficit Disorder by promoting time outdoors, physical activity, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors aims to deliver mentored hunting and fishing opportunities in at least 40 states and Canada within the next four years. For more information, visit outdoormentors.org.