Trump Executive Order Expands Hunting Access on Federal Lands

The executive order establishes an "open until closed" policy for public lands, effectively shifting the burden of proof to federal agencies to justify any closures to hunters. By facilitating cooperative agreements with private landowners, the administration aims to unlock previously inaccessible tracts of land. Beyond site access, the mandate encourages states to repeal Sunday hunting restrictions, which the NSSF identifies as an antiquated obstacle to participation and mentorship.

Central to the policy is the protection of traditional ammunition. The NSSF argues that bans on lead-based rounds lack scientific rigor and threaten to price hunters out of the sport. This protection comes as the industry highlights its role as the primary engine for wildlife conservation. Since 1937, manufacturers have contributed over $29 billion in inflation-adjusted excise taxes through the Pittman-Robertson Act, including $804 million of the $1.3 billion distributed to states earlier this year. The order further empowers volunteers to manage invasive species and opens designated monuments to hunting, signaling a pivot toward prioritizing sportsmen over preservationist interests.