Brayden Myer
President Trump brought the CEOs of key national gun and hunting rights organizations to the Rose Garden on September 17th as he signed the Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage executive order. The order directs the removal of federal regulatory overreach to make federal lands more accessible to hunters and permit wildlife management to ensure our nation’s hunting heritage is protected and lives on.
One CEO in attendance, Doug Hamlin of the National Rifle Association, praised the order, saying it “reflects a commitment to our American way of life and the need to get young people off their devices and into the great outdoors to join the hunt. President Trump understands that sportsmen are the backbone of conservation and has consistently delivered policies that expand opportunity rather than restrict it. The NRA commends President Trump’s leadership…”
Another CEO in attendance, Keith Mark of Hunter Nation, also recognized the importance of the order, calling it “a historic day for America’s hunters.”
“This isn’t just another government policy,” stated Mark. “This is about ensuring the gates to our public lands are open. It’s about ending frivolous regulations that have no basis in science. It’s about protecting our traditions and ensuring that a young hunter will have the same, if not better, opportunities than we did. It’s about freedom.”
Mark thanked Hunter Nation members for their support for helping make this possible and and urged them to continue advocating for its implementation. “The work isn’t over,” Mark said. “We must now ensure this order is implemented fully and defended from those who seek to undermine our heritage.”
The Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage executive order directs cabinet members to propose modifications to policies and regulations prohibiting or restricting access to lands. These modifications will allow the expansion of hunting, fishing, shooting, and other recreational activities, except within national parks.
The executive order also makes it easier to access federal lands through the construction, repair, and maintenance of infrastructure.
Specifically named are the Castle Mountains National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve to expand hunting on these lands of non-endangered species.
Along with land access, this executive order contains other key provisions, including permitting traditional lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands where they previously weren’t.
United States citizens will be prioritized in being selected in river access lotteries. River access lotteries are used as a random-drawing system to give people permits or access to a river when there are more applicants than available spots.
Some states carry hunting restrictions on Sunday. This order “encourage[s] State fish and wildlife agencies to promote and expand Sunday hunting opportunities on State and Federal lands.”
This order also directs the Secretary of Interior to find more federal funding opportunities for youth hunter education and archery in schools.
The secretaries of War, the Interior, and Agriculture will work to promote the growth of game species by working with State agencies.
This executive order represents the latest in Trump’s agenda to reduce regulatory burden and return more control of the United States back to its citizens.
