Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting

Hunters, anglers, and recreational shooters can explore America’s public lands and waters and relive age-old traditions or create new memories with family and friends. Whether you're a first-time fly-fisher, experienced rifle hunter, or looking for some target practice, public lands and waters in your naturehood and across the country offer unparalleled recreational experiences.

Hunt, fish and engage in shooting sports activities on public lands and waters

Hunting and fishing have been enjoyed in the US for centuries. Creating a memorable hunting and fishing experience on public lands and waters starts with a few tips and guidelines. Whether fishing, hunting, or recreational shooting, be sure to follow state and federal laws and regulations including season dates, locations, permits and licensing.

Fishing Information 

• Getting Licensed – State Fishing License information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Fishing on National Park Service lands and waters

Hunting and Recreational Shooting Information

• Getting Licensed – State Hunting License information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Where to Hunt on National Wildlife Refuges
• Recreational Shooting on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands
• Hunting on National Park Service lands

Mara Koenig (US Fish and Wildlife Service)

National Hunting and Fishing Day, the fourth Saturday of September each year, provides opportunities for people from all walks of life to learn more about outdoor skills and conservation through hands-on hunting, shooting, fishing, or archery activities and more. National, state, and local organizations host these public events in various locations — from national wildlife refuges to national fish hatcheries to shooting ranges or suburban frog ponds. 

Explore Related Trips

• Experience Hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands
• Go Fish at a National Wildlife Refuge

Bring Home a Story

• Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge Deer Hunt Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
• Lake Sidney Lanier Project Hunting Permits Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia
• Enoree Rifle Ranges Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, South Carolina
• Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunt Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona
• Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunt Permits Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland
• Gateway National Recreation Area Fishing Access Permit Gateway National Recreation Area, New York
• Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Pecos National Historical Park Fishing Reservations Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico
• Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Permits Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland