Despite a decline in hunters - and an increase in national park visitors - new Secretarial Order aims to open more parks and public lands to hunting.
Statement by Kristen Brengel, Vice President of Government Affairs
“This Secretarial Order is a solution in search of a problem. Our national parks continue to welcome visitors in record-setting numbers to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, wildlife-viewing and countless other activities. Not to mention that, from Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Mojave National Preserve, more than 60 of our national park sites currently offer hunting opportunities within park boundaries and countless sites offer fishing.
“As Secretary Zinke’s press release states, a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey found 2.2 million fewer hunters in America now than in 2011. On the other hand, our national parks have seen a 13% increase in visitors over the past two years, and welcomed a record-setting 331 million people in 2016. Supply and demand tells us, there are already plenty of opportunities for sportsmen and women on millions of acres of public lands. Instead, Secretary Zinke should consider adding more national parks and monuments to the system to meet the public’s increased demand.”
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About National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
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