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Trump is lifting restrictions on hunting in national parks, refuges and wilderness areas
The order affects 55 park sites and has already led managers to lift limits on tree stands, dog training and animal retrieval, the NPCA said.
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed managers to ease hunting restrictions at 55 sites in the lower 48 states, removing what he termed "unnecessary regulatory or administrative barriers."
Burgum initiated the policy as hunting participation declined to about 4.2 percent of the U.S. population, leaving state wildlife agencies with reduced revenue from license sales and excise taxes.
Managers have already lifted prohibitions on using vehicles to retrieve animals, training dogs, and installing stands that damage trees, according to a National Parks Conservation Association review.
Former Yellowstone National Park superintendent Dan Wenk criticized the move, stating "Process never seems to stand in the way of many things with this administration." He argued it undermines stakeholder-based management.
While groups like Ducks Unlimited applaud the move, former biological resources head Elaine Leslie warned that expanded hunting could degrade visitor safety and public resources at park sites.
The U.S. government urges national park administrators to massively soften restrictions on hunting. Some places may be shot near hiking trails in the future. Critics warn of severe consequences.