Trump Administration Expands Hunting Access, Permits Lead Use on Public Lands

WASHINGTON—Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund (formerly Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund) issued a statement criticizing a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order directs federal agencies to expand hunting on public lands and permit the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle, raising concerns about wildlife management and conservation.

Executive Order Directs Expanded Hunting and Lead Use

The Sept. 17 executive order mandates that federal agencies broaden hunting access on public lands, allow the use of lead ammunition and tackle, and increase “targeted management of predators”—a term for the practice of killing wild carnivores to purportedly increase game species populations like deer and elk. While the order doesn’t directly repeal the 1991 requirement for nontoxic shot in waterfowl hunting, it leaves open the possibility of affecting existing restrictions on toxic lead.

Concerns Over Wildlife Protection and Lead Contamination

Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund, stated that the administration is prioritizing the interests of a minority of hunters and fishers, potentially exposing entire ecosystems to lead toxicity. She questioned why lead, banned in paint for homes and businesses due to its risks, would be sanctioned in sensitive ecosystems, especially when safer alternatives exist.

Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, added that the order, following recent actions against the Endangered Species Act, could lead to increased hunting of animals like wolves, bears, and mountain lions, and further spread of toxic lead within their habitats. She emphasized that public lands belong to all Americans and should be used to protect wildlife and sustain healthy ecosystems, not to create more hunting targets.

Legislation Restricting Lead Regulations

Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), which would restrict the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition or fishing tackle on federal lands and waters. Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund opposed this legislation, arguing it would hinder wildlife managers’ ability to address lead exposure in wildlife.