September 21, 2026

President Donald Trump signed the “Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage” executive order on September 17, directing federal agencies to expand recreational access, review restrictions, and support hunting participation. Announced during a White House Rose Garden celebration, the initiative drew support from hunting organizations and objections from animal-protection advocates. NSSF announcement

The order establishes a “presumption of accessibility” for federally managed lands. Within 180 days, agencies must propose changes addressing hunting, fishing, shooting, access infrastructure, and other recreational opportunities, consistent with applicable law. The broader review generally excludes national parks and national monuments, with specific exceptions for two named monuments. Executive order

For California, the most direct provision concerns Castle Mountains National Monument. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is directed to allow hunting there within 90 days, alongside Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The directive excludes species protected under the referenced Endangered Species Act provisions. It establishes an implementation deadline; visitors should not interpret the announcement as immediate authorization to hunt. Executive order

The order also directs agencies to propose policies permitting traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle, and instructs Interior to encourage expanded Sunday hunting opportunities within one year. It does not itself reopen closed OHV routes or authorize unrestricted motorized travel. Its access provisions require subsequent agency implementation. Executive order

California hunters should pay particular attention to ammunition requirements. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that certified nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California, including public and private lands. Hunters should continue following that requirement rather than assuming the federal announcement changes state hunting rules. California nonlead ammunition requirements

Beyond regulatory changes, the administration’s initiative addresses practical barriers to outdoor participation. The White House identifies voluntary access easements, land exchanges, and cooperative agreements as tools for reaching landlocked federal parcels while respecting private property. It also calls for assistive technology at hunting locations and access trails, youth and veteran participation, and support for wild-game donations to schools and food banks. These provisions connect recreational access with education, accessibility, wildlife management, and community food programs. White House fact sheet

The order follows a separate expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The frequently cited 92-million-acre figure describes the total refuge acreage available for hunting following that initiative—not 92 million acres newly opened. The Fish and Wildlife Service’s May proposal identified more than 1,450 new or expanded opportunities across 111 stations in 32 states. An “opportunity” means permission to hunt or fish a particular species at a particular location, so expanded opportunities can occur on land already open for other hunting activities. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement

Claims about changes at individual California refuges require separate verification against each location’s current regulations. The September executive order does not list Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, Sutter, or Kern refuges as specific openings. Readers should not assume that the national announcement establishes new seasons, species permissions, or access conditions at those locations. Executive order

Trump also signed “Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation.” That order directs improvements in recreational fishing data, reviews of fisheries management guidelines, and greater consideration of recreational fishing in federal decisions. Its published text does not contain a provision rescinding a 10-mile-per-hour boating speed limit, so that claim should not be attributed to this order. Saltwater recreation executive order

Reaction reflects differing views about access and wildlife management. NSSF welcomed the hunting initiative, emphasizing participation, ammunition affordability, and conservation funding generated through firearm and ammunition excise taxes. Humane World for Animals criticized the potential for increased lead exposure and expanded predator killing, including possible effects on wolves, bears, and mountain lions. These are the organizations’ stated positions; the effects will depend on implementation. NSSF response, Humane World response

For CORVA members following federal access policy, the next developments to watch are agency proposals, monument hunting announcements, and location-specific access decisions. Those actions will determine how the executive order translates into opportunities on the ground. . Executive order