Comment from Smith, Kelly

Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I write to support the largest ever expansion of hunting and fishing access on National Wildlife Refuges—with 1,450+ new opportunities across 111 federal sites. I applaud this historic expansion and the fact that, with this rule, over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be available for hunting. As a proud hunter, I commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its strong support for hunting and fishing, and its recognition of the indispensable role that hunters and anglers play in American conservation: protecting habitat, managing wildlife populations, and providing the majority of funding that sustains conservation programs nationwide. Hunters and anglers play a vital role in conservation through excise tax revenues, license fees, habitat restoration, and direct wildlife management support. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation generated more than $394 billion in economic activity in 2022, including more than $144 billion directly tied to hunters and anglers. I also support these new opportunities because they will help families put food on the table, pass down traditions, and engage in science-based wildlife management. Thank you for proposing this expansion and for your support of hunting and fishing in the United States.