Trump Administration Eases Hunting Rules in 55 National Parks

The Trump administration is pressing to ease hunting restrictions across 55 national park sites, igniting safety and wildlife concerns.

President Donald Trump’s administration directed agencies in January to remove “unnecessary regulatory or administrative barriers” to hunting and fishing on National Park Service lands. This order affects 55 national park sites in the lower 48 states, marking a significant structural shift in federal land management policies.

The new rules allow activities previously restricted, such as tree stands that damage trees, training hunting dogs, and hunting along trails. Specific changes include extending hunting seasons and permitting cleaning kills in restrooms at certain parks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argues that expanded hunting supports conservation and rural economies, while critics like Dan Wenk, former Yellowstone superintendent, question the rationale and cost in terms of visitor safety and resource management. Hunting participation is declining nationally, prompting advocates to promote access as a solution. However, the order’s lack of public input and scientific grounding has drawn scrutiny.

Montana, with its vast public lands and hunting traditions, could feel the ripple effects of less restrictive policies. If similar directives extend to federal lands in the state, business stakeholders might weigh the balance between increased hunting access, conservation priorities, and tourism safety. The tension between rural economic interests and environmental stewardship remains a critical consideration in Montana’s outdoor economy.

Trump administration lifts restrictions on hunting in national parks, refuges, wilderness areas
By Todd Richmond, AP News