Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage

Summary: This executive order, signed September 17, 2026, aims to expand hunting, fishing, and recreational access on federal lands. Key provisions: Expanding access: Within 90 days, allows hunting of non-endangered species at Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Within 180 days, directs the Secretaries of War, Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce to expand hunting/fishing access generally (allowing hunting unless specifically restricted), permit infrastructure for recreational access, prioritize easements and land exchanges to improve access, encourage volunteer wildlife management, allow assistive technology on trails, and permit traditional lead ammunition/tackle. Within 60 days, reforms Forest Service river access lotteries to prioritize U.S. citizens and prior unsuccessful applicants, banning automated lottery entries. Within 90 days, proposes improvements to migratory game bird hunting authorization, continuing engagement with Flyway Councils. Within 365 days, encourages states to expand Sunday hunting opportunities. Growing new hunters: Within 90 days, clarifies that federal education funding can support archery and hunter education programs in schools. Within 180 days, directs Interior to identify incentives for youth and veteran hunting programs. Directs the VA to prioritize hunting/fishing opportunities within its Adaptive Sports Grant Program. Wildlife management: Directs coordination between federal agencies and states on habitat connectivity, invasive species reduction, predator management, prescribed fire/vegetation management, and voluntary landowner agreements to boost game populations. Wild game donation: Directs USDA guidance supporting venison donation programs (including via the Emergency Food Assistance Program) and encourages use of Pittman-Robertson funds to manage overabundant wildlife (e.g., whitetail deer) for donation to schools and food banks. Standard provisions: Preserves existing agency authorities, must be implemented within legal/budgetary limits, creates no enforceable private rights, and assigns publication costs to the Department of the Interior.