IWF Welcomes Executive Order Supporting America’s Hunting Heritage

IWF welcomes the new Executive Order on “Reinvigorating America’s Hunting Heritage”, signed September 17, which emphasizes access to public lands, hunter engagement, wildlife connectivity, and opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

The order directs federal agencies to explore ways to expand access to federal lands and waters, improve access infrastructure, support hunter recruitment and education, and promote healthy, connected wildlife populations. It also recognizes the importance of working with state wildlife agencies and private landowners as part of wildlife management and conservation.

For Idaho, these priorities are especially important. Our public lands provide opportunities to hunt, fish, hike, camp, boat and experience the outdoors, while healthy and connected habitats support the wildlife that make those experiences possible. The order also specifically directs the Department of the Interior to allow hunting of non-ESA listed species at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve within 90 days. We’ll know more in the coming months about the specifics for increased opportunities in Idaho, including hunting opportunities at Craters, as the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and federal agencies have an opportunity to weigh in and work through implementation.

IWF will continue to follow the process and keep Idaho’s hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation community informed as more details become available.