Trump Expands Federal Land Access for Hunters and Fishermen

On Thursday, President Trump signed a new executive order that increases the federal land available for hunters and fishermen while rolling back several regulations that have restricted hunting practices over the years.

The White House mentioned that this order eliminates previous regulatory measures aimed at limiting the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle.

Furthermore, it instructs key secretaries—Interior, Agriculture, War, and Commerce—to facilitate access to checkerboard and landlocked parcels through voluntary easements, land exchanges, and cooperative arrangements that honor private property rights.

Additionally, the order calls for the Secretary of the Interior to simplify regulations surrounding the authorization of seasonal migratory game bird hunting and to encourage states to enhance Sunday hunting on both state and federal lands.

The White House emphasized that:

Hunting access has become increasingly difficult due to years of overregulation by prior administrations. Opportunities for hunting in the U.S. have diminished as a result of federal regulatory overreach, unclear policies, and stringent restrictions. Reinforcing and expanding America’s hunting heritage is essential for the benefit of citizens.

According to The Hill, this move follows a previous order made in August that opened up over 92 million acres of federal land across 32 states.

Humane World for Animals, previously known as the Humane Society of the United States, expressed concerns regarding Trump’s pro-hunting initiatives, noting:

The order raises significant questions about the management of wildlife on public lands owned by all Americans, particularly regarding whether decisions will continue to focus on science-based conservation and the health of wildlife and their habitats.