Secretary Burgum’s Order includes plans to generate new hunting and fishing opportunities across Department of the Interior-managed lands
Today, Secretary Doug Burgum issued a Secretarial Order to expand hunting and fishing access on lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior (DOI). As part of the Order, Secretary Burgum affirmed the Department’s policy that public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies. Designating DOI managed lands as “open unless closed” will remove regulatory barriers and increase alignment with states, tribes, and territories, who have the primary authority for wildlife management.
“PF & QF and America's hunters thank Secretary Burgum for improved access to public lands through this Secretarial Order,” said Ariel Wiegard, Vice President of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Our organization's mission is to create and maintain access to high quality upland habitat, and deeming national wildlife refuges and other Interior acres 'open unless closed' is a crucial step to secure the future of our hunting heritage. Our team members look forward to working with our Interior and state agency partners to ensure ample access and opportunity for upland enthusiasts across the country.”
Secretarial Order 3447 applies to properties managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as well as other DOI agencies. The order requires all DOI bureaus and offices to review any outdated or unnecessary restrictions on properties, and to provide sufficient documentation behind a ruling to keep a property closed or restricted. Generating more opportunities for outdoor enthusiastsis a main priority, while recognizing the need to continue responsible resource stewardship.
The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), which is managed by the USFWS, is foundational to America’s hunting and conservation legacy. Many refuges were established with strong support from hunters, who contribute to wildlife conservation through license purchases, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes, and advocacy. Hunting remains an essential part of the NWRS today, and expanding these opportunities on refuges honors the System’s history, advances its mission, and ensures future generations can continue our shared outdoor traditions.