NWTF Celebrates Another Policy Win as House Passes the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
The National Wild Turkey Federation recognizes the importance of protecting access to hunting and fishing opportunities on federal lands and waters and believes that decisions affecting hunters and anglers should be grounded in sound science, not blanket restrictions.
On March 18, the House passed H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. This act generally prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from restricting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal lands and waters open to hunting or fishing, while allowing limited exceptions when wildlife declines are shown by field data and state law or policy supports action.
NWTF has long opposed blanket bans because they create access barriers for hunters and anglers and can place unnecessary financial burdens on participants. Non-lead ammunition is significantly more expensive than lead ammunition, and those added costs can discourage hunting participation and limit access to the outdoors.
The NWTF supports voluntary programs that help hunters transition to non-lead ammunition, but does not support sweeping bans absent adequate scientific proof of species population impacts. The NWTF also supports temporary, targeted restrictions tied to specific species recovery needs, with any such restrictions lifted once recovery goals are achieved.
“NWTF believes hunters and anglers deserve policies that protect access, respect state wildlife management, and rely on clear scientific evidence before imposing restrictions,” said Matt Lindler, NWTF’s director of government affairs. “Blanket bans on lead ammunition and tackle put another financial burden on sportsmen and women without proving they will deliver meaningful wildlife benefits. We support voluntary, targeted, and science-based solutions that preserve opportunity, protect our hunting heritage, and lift restrictions once species recovery goals have been met.”
The passage of the “Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act” is a tangible policy win that advances the NWTF’s longstanding work to keep America’s sporting traditions accessible and affordable. The NWTF will continue to champion laws and policies that break down barriers to hunting and defend the firearms, ammunition and tools necessary to enjoy the outdoors, working with members and partners to push back against anti-hunting and anti-firearm policies that threaten access and the sporting lifestyle. As H.R. 556 moves to the Senate, NWTF stands ready to support its passage and to work with senators to ensure hunters’ and anglers’ access remains protected.