Hunting Executive Order Directs Federal Access Reviews and Habitat Work

A new executive order directs federal agencies to pursue expanded hunting access, habitat management and hunter education. The Sportsmen’s Alliance reported the action September 18; the White House's published text of Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage is dated September 17. The directives set work for agencies to complete, rather than replacing every existing hunting restriction at once.

The order directs the Interior Department to allow hunting of species not subject to the cited Endangered Species Act listing provision at Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve within 90 days. Hunters should wait for site-specific implementation and check the applicable regulations before planning a hunt in either area.

A broader 180-day directive calls for proposed policy or regulatory changes involving hunting, fishing, shooting and access infrastructure. That review generally excludes national parks and national monuments other than the two named sites. It includes voluntary access easements, land exchanges, assistive technology and provisions concerning traditional lead ammunition and tackle. These are directions for agency action consistent with applicable law, not a blanket cancellation of current restrictions.

Other provisions call for proposed improvements to the migratory game bird season authorization process, while retaining Flyway Council involvement, and guidance on federal education funding for school archery and hunter education. The order also directs coordination with states on habitat connectivity, invasive species, disease and other factors affecting game populations.

Wild game donation is part of the directive as well, including guidance supporting state venison programs. For hunters, the immediate distinction is between an announced federal direction and an implemented opportunity: current seasons, access notices and equipment rules remain the documents to check before heading out. The full order is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/reinvigorating-americas-hunting-heritage/.