Order directs agencies to widen hunting access on federal lands

The order directs federal agencies to expand hunting, fishing, and other recreation access on many federally managed lands. It does not itself finalize most policy changes: several agencies must propose changes within 180 days, and national parks and most national monuments are excluded from that direction.

• Within 90 days: Interior is directed to allow hunting of species not listed under the Endangered Species Act in Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Labor and Education must clarify when federal education funds may support school archery and hunter education programs.
• Within 180 days: Agencies must propose access policy changes, including generally allowing hunting unless local conditions justify a closure. The proposals may address access infrastructure, hard-to-reach lands and waters, assistive technology, and traditional lead ammunition and tackle. Agriculture must also begin reforming certain Forest Service river-access lotteries.
• Other deadlines: Interior must propose changes to the process for authorizing seasonal migratory game bird hunting within 90 days and encourage more Sunday hunting within 365 days.
• Wildlife and food: Federal agencies are directed to coordinate with states on habitat and game-population management. Agriculture must support state venison donation programs, and Interior must encourage use of wildlife funds for managing abundant wildlife and facilitating meat donations to schools and food banks.