Comment from In Defense of Animals

Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I am writing on behalf of In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection nonprofit organization with 250,000 supporters, to strongly oppose the proposal to open or expand hunting, fishing, and trapping on the vast majority of National Wildlife Refuges. These lands were established as true sanctuaries — places where wild animals can live free from harm, recover from human pressures, and exist in safety. Expanding activities that result in the killing of wild animals undermines the very purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the public trust it represents. Wild animals and the lands they depend on are not resources to be exploited for recreation or profit. They are living beings with inherent value, and they belong to all Americans — not to a select group of trophy hunters, trappers, or commercial interests. Prioritizing lethal use over protection compromises biological integrity and erodes the foundational mission of these protected areas. If refuge management simply mirrors less protective state regulations, these lands lose their meaning as true refuges. Instead, federal protections should set a higher standard — one that prioritizes coexistence, ecological health, and the well-being of wild animals. This proposal would effectively hand over decision-making to outside interests, placing wildlife at greater risk while diminishing public access to peaceful, non-consumptive enjoyment of these lands. In Defense of Animals urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw this proposal and reaffirm its commitment to managing National Wildlife Refuges as genuine sanctuaries — places where wild animals are protected, respected, and allowed to live free from human harm. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Lisa Levinson Campaigns Director In Defense of Animals Animal Protection Nonprofit Organization 501(C)3