The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recently finalized a rule to open additional hunting and fishing opportunities across the country. In New York, four national wildlife refuges are adding hunting and/or fishing opportunities.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Genesee and Orleans counties will expand hunting season dates for migratory birds, upland game, and big game hunting. They will also expand gallinule, rail, snipe, and woodcock hunting to new acres. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls will be open to gallinule, rabbit, and squirrel hunting on acres already open to other hunting; expand sportfishing to new acres; expand turkey hunting season dates. Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge on Long Island will be open to wild turkey hunting on acres already open to other hunting, as well as expand season dates for white-tailed deer hunting. Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Islip will be open to big game hunting (white-tailed deer) for the first time.
“With the adoption of new regulations to expand hunting and fishing on national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries, citizens throughout the Northeast will have greater access to enjoy the traditions and heritage associated with the pursuit of small game, big game, and sport fish,” said Gordon R. Batcheller, executive secretary of the Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Working in concert with state fish and wildlife agencies to identify appropriate opportunities, the Service is meeting our shared challenge of ensuring that the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System are key resources for hunters and anglers from all walks of life.”
Since the creation of the very first national wildlife refuge by President Theodore Roosevelt, refuges have been places where wildlife is managed to ensure healthy populations for future generations of Americans to enjoy. Responsible hunting has always been a part of that management equation. Refuge managers complete rigorous environmental studies to ensure each hunting opportunity is consistent with their conservation goals. Hunting and fishing are not allowed on all refuges, but the Service makes every effort to permit them where possible and compatible.
The final rule will publish in the Federal Register and will be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-0013.
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