National Wildlife Refuge System: 2026-2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes support the proposed expansion of hunting opportunities but demand that the regulations explicitly recognize and integrate their paramount Treaty-reserved rights to hunt on unoccupied lands. They request that the Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledge their legal authority to hunt across the National Wildlife Refuge System and prioritize tribal harvest over recreational take.

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) expresses strong support for the proposed expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges and fish hatcheries. They argue that regulated hunting and fishing are effective tools for connecting the public to conservation and wildlife management, while providing specific recommendations for various stations to ensure compatibility with conservation goals.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the proposed expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities across the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System. They advocate for closer coordination with state agencies to ensure consistency with state management frameworks and support the rescinding of federal non-lead ammunition requirements that conflict with state laws.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department expresses its support for the proposed changes to hunting and fishing regulations at the Bamforth, Cokeville Meadows, and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuges. The Department emphasizes its commitment to expanding public hunting and fishing opportunities and looks forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) supports the proposed rule, praising the expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities across the Western region. They specifically advocate for aligning National Wildlife Refuge regulations with state fish and wildlife agency regulations to reduce confusion and improve clarity for hunters and anglers.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks supports opening the Karl E. Mundt NWR to archery deer hunting and advocates for aligning hunting and fishing regulations with state standards. The department argues that these actions will provide high-quality hunting opportunities for the public without negatively impacting deer populations or biological health.

Safari Club International (SCI) expresses strong support for the proposed rule to expand and open new hunting and fishing opportunities across the National Wildlife Refuge System. They argue that the proposal aligns with federal mandates to prioritize wildlife-dependent recreational uses and advocate for the rescission of lead-related ammunition and tackle restrictions.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division supports the proposed rule to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries. They argue that these activities are essential tools for wildlife management, provide significant recreational and economic benefits, and should be implemented in close coordination with state agencies.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission supports the proposed expansion of hunting opportunities and the addition of lands at Cache River and Felsenthal NWRs. They advocate for aligning NWR deer hunting regulations with the state's updated, simplified rules and request a reconsideration of the restriction on the number of game cameras allowed.

The Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is writing to support the proposed amendments to expand hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities on National Wildlife Refuge properties in Montana. Specifically, they express appreciation for opening Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge to hunting and aligning other refuge hunting structures with statewide regulations.