Rules, Regulations, and Improved Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually publishes Station-specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations, an update in the Federal Register to Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Review and formal approval of the station-specific regulations are required before the Fish and Wildlife Service may open or expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities. The regulations ensure safe and compatible opportunities for hunters and anglers. The annual regulations open and expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities and revise existing regulations.

Before a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge or national fish hatchery is added to the list of stations opening or expanding hunting and fishing opportunities in 50 CFR parts 32 and 71, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops a hunting and fishing plan for the station. The Service incorporates the proposed hunting and fishing activities into the station’s comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and/or other step-down management plans per guidance in 602 Fish and Wildlife Service Manual 1, 3 and 4. The Service prepares the CCP and step-down plan in compliance with:

• Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA in 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508.
• Department of Interior NEPA regulations 43 CFR Part 46.
• Section 7 Section 7
  Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
  
  Learn more about Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including a Section 7 consultation.

Search below to find supporting documents pertaining to individual stations, including Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) documents, Environmental Assessment (EA) documents, Categorical Exclusion (CatEx) documents, Compatibility Determination (CD) documents, and/or hunt/fish plans or amendments. Supporting documents vary depending on the station.