Trump is lifting restrictions on hunting in national parks and other areas

Key Points:

• A new order affects 55 National Park Service sites in the lower 48 states, lifting restrictions on hunting activities such as tree stands, dog training, vehicle use for retrieval, and hunting along trails, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.
• The order extends hunting seasons and expands allowed activities, including extended seasons at Cape Cod National Seashore, cleaning kills in bathrooms at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, and alligator hunting at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.
• The order aims to address declining hunting participation, which stood at about 4.2% of the U.S. population over age 16 in 2024, by promoting access and opportunities to sustain hunting traditions and related state wildlife agency revenues.
• Critics, including former National Park Service officials, argue the changes undermine established regulations developed with stakeholder input, potentially compromising visitor safety and resource protection without adequate public discussion.
• Hunting advocacy groups have praised the order for balancing wildlife management with outdoor traditions, while opponents express concern over the impact on visitor experience and the environment, emphasizing the need for science-based management.