If your weekend plans involve a rod, a reel, or camo gear, the Department of the Interior (DOI) just handed you a massive win. Pheasants Forever reported the DOI just announced 1,450 new hunting and fishing opportunities across 32 states, unlocking access to a staggering 92 million acres of public land—an area roughly the size of Montana.
This marks the largest expansion of outdoor access in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The New Rule: “Open Unless Closed”
For years, navigating federal land restrictions felt like reading a map upside down. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum officially flipped the script by shifting the policy to “open unless closed,” cutting through the red tape that previously locked sportsmen out of prime federal spots.
“This is about commonsense access, supporting rural economies, and ensuring the next generation can experience the outdoors.” — Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior
Why It Matters
- More Elbow Room: 92 million acres means fewer crowded riverbanks and more pristine backcountry to explore.
- Conservation-Approved: The USFWS is carefully managing these new spots across wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to ensure wildlife populations stay sustainable.
- A Win for Rural Towns: Local bait shops, diners, and motels are gearing up for a major economic boost from influxes of outdoor tourists.
Wildlife groups are already calling the move a historic victory for conservation and sportsmen alike. Bottom line? America’s backyard just got a whole lot bigger. Dust off the tackle box and get out there.