Trump administration orders hunting and trapping restrictions lifted on 76 federal lands
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 4
Trump administration orders hunting and trapping restrictions lifted on 76 federal lands
4 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 4
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's order takes effect Monday, removing rules at recreation areas, seashores and wildlife refuges, including trail-shooting, game-cleaning and dog-tag requirements in Colorado, Texas and Missouri.
An April 21 memo says closures not required by law must be kept to the minimum needed for public safety or resource protection, while the department says legally necessary safeguards will remain.
Critics say the changes were made without sufficient study or consultation and could harm habitats and wildlife, but major parks including Yellowstone, the Everglades and the Grand Canyon remain closed to hunting by statute.
As hunting rules vanish on federal lands, how will officials ensure the safety of hikers and campers?
Will states face new costs managing wildlife as federal hunting regulations are rolled back?
Without key restrictions, what science is guiding the long-term health of wildlife on these 76 federal properties?