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.

A large group of private individuals from Maine, supported by Maine Audubon, strongly oppose the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to rescind the lead ammunition phase-out provision. They argue that lead ammunition poses a significant risk to wildlife health, specifically bald and golden eagles, and that the existing regulation is more beneficial and scientifically sound.

A group of 5,484 individuals is requesting that the National Park Service provide public comment opportunities and transparency regarding changes to hunting and trapping rules. They argue that the standards for managing national parks should be higher than other public lands and should include public input.

Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Footloose Montana, PEER, and The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks oppose the proposed rule because it reverses previous measures to phase out toxic lead ammunition and expands hunting opportunities. They argue that the proposal ignores established science regarding lead poisoning in wildlife and humans, violates the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and is an arbitrary and capricious use of agency authority.

Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund opposes the proposed expansion of hunting opportunities on the National Wildlife Refuge System. They argue that trophy hunting of native carnivores causes ecological damage, endangers offspring, and that the use of traps, snares, and lead ammunition poses severe risks to animal welfare, human health, and wildlife populations.

Earthjustice, representing several conservation organizations including the Sierra Club and Maine Audubon, opposes the proposed rule to rescind lead-free ammunition and tackle requirements. They argue that the proposal contradicts the Service's own scientific findings regarding the harmful impacts of lead on wildlife and human health, and violates the core conservation mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Center for Biological Diversity opposes the proposed rule because it reverses previous decisions to phase out lead ammunition and fishing tackle on several national wildlife refuges. The organization argues that lead remains highly toxic to wildlife and that the Service has failed to provide a reasoned scientific explanation for allowing its continued use.

The Yankton Sioux Treaty Committee opposes the proposed deer hunting program at Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, arguing that it is incompatible with the Refuge's primary purpose of providing sanctuary for bald eagles. They contend that the proposal lacks adequate environmental review, fails to account for the timing of eagle arrival, ignores the lack of a cultural resources survey, and bypasses meaningful government-to-government consultation with the Tribe.

The Rewilding Institute opposes the proposed expansion of hunting and fishing on National Wildlife Refuges, arguing that it conflicts with the primary mission of wildlife conservation and the Public Trust Doctrine. They contend that the proposal lacks sufficient scientific evidence, fails to conduct adequate NEPA analyses, and prioritizes a minority interest over the broader public's preference for wildlife viewing and ecosystem preservation.

The Yankton Sioux Tribe (Ihanktonwan Nation) expresses support for the proposed expansion of archery-only deer hunting at the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, provided there is no significant impact to the area. They request an ongoing consultation process with the Fish and Wildlife Service and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to address future concerns and ensure their cultural and spiritual connections to the land are respected.