On July 11, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published its 2012-2013 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations. The proposed rule affects hunting and fishing regulations at 19 wildlife refuges throughout the country. At 16 refuges, FWS would increase hunting opportunities by opening new species and areas to hunters.
Hunting would be allowed for the first time at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, opened in 2001. Only two refuges would reduce open hunting activities: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Hawaii and Santee NWR in South Carolina. A press release from FWS details other proposed changes.
Hunting is allowed on refuges in accordance with The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, provided it is compatible with refuge purpose and mission.
The public comment period for this proposed rule will end on August 10. Comments can be submitted online, or by mail to:
Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R9-NWRS-2012-0022;
Division of Policy and Directives Management
US Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM
Arlington, VA 22203
Sources: NWRS (July 11, 2012), Federal Register (July 11, 2012)