The Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday updated the hunting and fishing rules that govern sporting opportunities on national wildlife refuges, including a few more limits on the use of lead-free ammunition in certain areas.
In the latest round of an annual exercise, the federal agency announced it was “opening and expanding the opportunities for hunting and fishing” across 12 refuges nationwide. Currently, hunting within specified limits is permitted on 401 wildlife refuges and 36 wetland management districts.
Fishing is currently permitted on 343 wildlife refuges and 35 wetland management districts.
“Hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System connect people with nature,” FWS Director Martha Williams said in a statement. “We are pleased to expand access and offer new opportunities on national wildlife refuges that are compatible with the refuge’s purpose.”
