President Trump on Thursday rolled back Biden-era restrictions on hunting and fishing at a White House Rose Garden dinner that was attended by more than 100 hunters and outdoor industry executives.
Mr. Trump signed an order rescinding the previous administration’s ban on the use of traditional lead ammunition and tackle. President Biden banned the use of lead ammunition and tackle in 2023, saying it harmed wildlife and the environment.
The president also signed an order opening up public lands and waterways for more hunting and fishing opportunities, including allowing recreational fishing. He also announced efforts to promote hunting among America’s youth.
“We believe that public lands belong to the American people and to the public and hunters, fishers and outdoorsman should be able to access them,” Mr. Trump said.
The president said he wasn’t taking these steps were the “right thing to do,” praising hunters as “great American patriots.” He said Mr. Biden’s restrictions on hunting were “absurd.”
Executives from Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, the National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Yamaha Marine Group, Dallas Safari Club, Outdoor Sportsman Group, Sportsmen Alliance, USA Shooting Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Sportsman Boats, and Contender Boats were invited.
The American outdoor recreation sector contributes more than $1.3 trillion in gross economic output and $696.7 billion in value to the U.S. economy, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. That accounts for roughly 2.4% of the total national Gross Domestic Product and supports nearly 5.2 million jobs.
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