USFWS Hunt-Fish Rule to Create More Duck Hunting Opportunities Final
Nearly 1,500 new hunting and fishing opportunities to open across 32 states
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the final 2026 Hunt-Fish Rule, which opens or expands waterfowl hunting on 41 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
“Secretary Burgum and USFWS Director Nesvik listened to the voices of duck hunters,” said John Devney, chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl. “They have been leading the charge on expanded public land hunting access, and American hunters and anglers are benefiting from their leadership.”
The rule will include first-ever hunting or sport fishing opportunities at four National Wildlife Refuge and National Fish Hatchery sites. Those include:
• Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Maine
• Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Montana
• Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery in Michigan
• Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi
Additionally, USFWS is making more than 500 revisions and deletions to existing regulations to reduce complexity and align more closely with state fish and wildlife laws.
The Hunt-Fish Rule has been a key priority for Delta’s Policy Team for nearly a decade because it can create substantial increases in hunting opportunities for migratory bird hunters. Delta has worked closely with its volunteers, members and other duck hunters to annually submit a list of priority refuges for increased access. The 2026 rule includes eight of those refuges.
“Delta has been leading the charge on expanded hunting access on public lands,” said Cyrus Baird, Delta’s vice president of government affairs. “Our members and volunteers provided hundreds of comments in support of these opportunities, and we’re grateful the Service has listened.”
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register prior to the beginning of hunting season. You can read more about Delta’s work on the Hunt Fish Rule here and read Delta’s public comment here.