National Park Service Aligns Hunting Requirements with State Regulations, Removes Unnecessary Barriers

Date: May 26, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service today announced actions to remove unnecessary hunting-related closures and restrictions across units of the National Park System, improving clarity for visitors by removing duplicative state and federal requirements, and expanding access where appropriate in alignment with Secretary's Order 3447.

These updates support the Department of the Interior's broader effort to expand recreational access, remove unnecessary barriers and ensure greater consistency across Department-managed lands and waters.

The changes affect park-specific hunting requirements that were identified for removal because they duplicated state wildlife regulations, repeated existing federal requirements or imposed restrictions beyond what was necessary to comply with law or for public safety or resource protection.

By removing outdated or duplicative requirements, the National Park Service is making it easier for hunters to understand applicable rules while respecting the primary role of states in wildlife management.

"Americans should be able to access and enjoy their public lands without navigating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy," said Jessica Bowron, comptroller, exercising the delegated authority of the director of the National Park Service. "These changes remove duplicative requirements and expand access where appropriate, while ensuring the National Park Service continues to meet its responsibility to protect the extraordinary natural and cultural resources entrusted to our care."

In total, 36 parks removed or partially removed a closure or restriction that resulted in 114 total removals. Examples of changes include aligning certain hunting seasons and requirements with state regulations, removing unnecessary administrative requirements, and lifting closures and restrictions that exceeded what was necessary to achieve management objectives.

In some parks, these updates will immediately expand hunting opportunities. In others, they will simplify compliance by eliminating redundant federal provisions that restated existing state law or federal regulations.

These actions reflect the Department's commitment to ensuring closures and restrictions are limited to those necessary for public safety, resource protection or legal compliance.

The National Park Service manages hunting in accordance with applicable federal law, including the Organic Act, park enabling legislation and other governing authorities. Hunting remains prohibited in National Park System units where it is not authorized by law, while being permitted in others where consistent with the purpose of the unit and applicable management requirements.

The National Park Service will continue reviewing park-specific requirements to identify opportunities to improve consistency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and support responsible outdoor recreation where authorized.

The National Park System includes more than 430 units preserving America's most significant natural, cultural and historic resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations.

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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.