Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage

What it does

• •Directs the Secretary of the Interior within 90 days to allow hunting of non-endangered species at Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument.
• •Orders Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture, War, and Commerce to propose within 180 days policy modifications to expand hunting, fishing, and recreational access on federally managed lands, including allowing hunting as default unless specific closures are justified, permitting infrastructure for access, and authorizing use of lead ammunition.
• •Directs Secretary of Agriculture within 60 days to reform Forest Service river access lotteries to prioritize U.S. citizens and prohibit automatic computer entries.
• •Instructs Secretaries of Labor and Education within 90 days to clarify that federal education funding may support archery and hunter education programs in schools, and directs Interior Department to identify opportunities to expand hunting among youth and veterans.

Why it matters

• •The order implements a stated policy shift from regulatory restrictions to presumed public access for hunting and recreation on federal lands, directing agencies to allow hunting unless justified by specific local conditions.
• •Addresses stated barriers to hunting heritage including limited access to federal lands, confusing policies, and restrictions on hunter recruitment and education programs.
• •Establishes mechanisms to increase game populations through habitat management, invasive species removal, and coordination with state agencies, and directs support for wild game donation programs to food assistance efforts.

Who is affected

• •Hunters, anglers, landowners, and recreational users seeking access to federally managed lands.
• •Federal agencies including the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, War, Commerce, Labor, Education, and Veterans Affairs responsible for implementing the order.
• •State fish and wildlife agencies and educational institutions affected by expanded hunting opportunities and funding guidance.

What happens next

The order establishes sequential implementation deadlines ranging from 60 to 365 days, requiring affected federal agencies to propose policy modifications, issue guidance, and coordinate with states, with costs to be borne by the Department of the Interior.