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Hunting, fishing access expanded at refuges 

WLJ
Aug. 29, 2025 1 minute read
Hunting, fishing access expanded at refuges 

At Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina.

Allie Stewart, USFWS.

The Department of the Interior announced 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres in the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is opening or expanding opportunities at 16 refuges and one hatchery in California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas and Washington.

All activities will align with state regulations. USFWS is also updating rules for clarity and compliance. The final rule was published on Aug. 28 and takes effect for the 2025-26 hunting seasons starting Sept. 2.  

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