The Trump administration is implementing a significant reduction in hunting restrictions across national parks and wildlife refuges, as directed by Doug Burgum, the US Secretary of the Interior. This order, issued in January, mandates that regulations limiting hunting and fishing should be justified and removed if deemed unnecessary. The policy intends to enhance public access to hunting and fishing on federally managed lands, which proponents argue will boost rural economies and public health. However, it raises concerns regarding visitor safety and the potential negative impact on wildlife management. Notably, the changes apply to 55 sites within the National Park Service's jurisdiction, allowing practices such as using vehicles for retrieving game and extending hunting seasons in certain areas. Critics, including former park officials, argue that the changes undermine established safety protocols and wildlife conservation efforts. The hunting community, facing a decline in participation—only 4.2% of the US population identified as hunters over age 16 in 2024—views this as a necessary step to revitalize the sport. The policy has sparked debate over the balance between outdoor recreation and the preservation of public resources.