Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has issued Secretarial Order 3447, which establishes a department-wide policy that public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless there is a specific, documented, and legally supported exception. The order directs agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs to identify and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to allow access for hunting and fishing wherever practical.
The new “open-unless-closed” policy aims to align federal policies with those of state, tribal, and territorial wildlife agencies. The goal is to reduce access barriers, eliminate duplicative permits, and address misaligned methods of take. This is intended to provide additional opportunities and greater clarity for hunters and anglers using federally owned lands.
“For years, hunters and anglers have had to deal with outdated and confusing regulations when choosing to hunt on federal lands,” said John Commerford, executive director of NRA-ILA. “This decision will streamline much needed changes to existing policy and demonstrates a true commitment to sportsmen and women by the Trump administration.”
NRA-ILA supports Burgum’s effort to expand opportunities for sportsmen and women by removing policies that prohibit the use of firearms for lawful hunting on federal lands. The organization plans to continue working with the Interior Department on expanding opportunities for hunters and anglers while reducing burdensome regulations.
Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) is a grassroots group focused on protecting firearm rights in Ohio. According to its official website, BFA advocates for individuals’ rights to own firearms for self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. The association provides updates on legislation affecting gun rights in Ohio as well as information about training events (source). BFA also delivers alerts regarding laws related to firearms (source).
The press release also notes that Jim Samuel has joined Buckeye Firearms Association as its new legislative affairs director.
Those interested in supporting gun rights are encouraged by BFA to become members in order to back their advocacy efforts.
