Finding a place to hunt – access – continues to be a primary concern of many upland hunters, as well as an obstacle for potential newbies. If you’re in that category, you’ll be happy to know U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe announced the agency will expand hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, including new or expanded upland hunting opportunities at 15 refuges in 12 states.
Open to upland hunting for the first time:
Pennsylvania – Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Wyoming – Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Additionally, the Service expands hunting and sport fishing on the following refuges:
California – Colusa National Wildlife Refuge
Florida – St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Idaho – Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Illinois – Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge; Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge
Indiana – Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
Iowa – Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge; Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge; Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge
Maine – Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Missouri – Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
Texas – Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Vermont – Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
“For more than a century, hunters and anglers have been the backbone of conservation in this country and a driving force behind the expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “By providing more hunting and fishing opportunities on refuges, we are supporting a great recreational heritage passed down from generation to generation, creating economic growth in local communities and helping to ensure that conservation stays strong in America.”
To read the entire release and see a list of new and expanded outdoor opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges, click here.
-Anthony Hauck is Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor. Email Anthony at AHauck@pheasantsforever.org and follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauckPF.