Federal Wildlife Refuges Expand Hunting Access Across 32 States

Hunting season is just round the corner and thanks to the U.S. Department of the Interior, you have more places available to hunt and fish in Central Texas!

Historic Expansion of Outdoor Recreation Lands

The U.S. Department of the Interior has unveiled an unprecedented expansion of hunting and recreational fishing access across the National Wildlife Refuge System. Under the newly finalized federal rule, over 95% of these protected public lands, upwards of 92 million acres, are accessible for hunters and fishermen. A total of 1,488 distinct new opportunities spanning 32 states are now available.

Broader Access Across Refuges and Hatcheries

This policy adjustment broadens public utility across 111 field sites, including 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries. 14 refuges and three hatcheries now allow hunting or fishing for the first time in their history. In Central Texas, access is expanded at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, where managers are broadening scope for migratory birds, upland game, and big game hunting.

Regulatory Streamlining and State Alignment

Beyond expanding physical boundaries, the Fish and Wildlife Service is implementing more than 1,000 regulatory modifications to simplify federal mandates. By coordinating federal oversight with local state regulations, there will be less confusion about what is and what is not allowed.

Conservation Funding

According to federal data, roughly 40 million Americans fish and more than 14 million hunt, generating an annual economic impact exceeding $144 billion. The refuge system draws 71 million visitors every year across its 573 refuges and 38 wetland districts. The updated regulations are scheduled for publication in the Federal Register ahead of the fall season.