HUNTING -- The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in North Idaho and the Willapa Refuge in Western Washington are among 20 federal refuges that could see hunting opportunities expanded under a proposal released today by Interior Sally Jewell.

In addition, six refuges in four states would be opened to hunting for the first time.

While waterfowl hunting already is allowed at the Kootenai Refuge near Bonners Ferrry, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department plans to also allow limited upland bird hunting.

“Sportsmen and women were a major driving force behind the creation and expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System more than a century ago and continue to be some of its strongest supporters, especially through their volunteer work and financial contributions,” Jewell said in a statement released today. “Keeping our hunting and angling heritage strong by providing more opportunities on our refuges will not only help raise up a new generation of conservationists, but also support local businesses and create jobs in local communities.”

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service can permit hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation where they are compatible with the refuge’s purpose and mission.

Controlled elk hunts debuted in 2010 at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge south of Cheney geared primarily to reducing the habitat damage being caused by the growing herd. The refuge also hosts a limited number of youth hunters in designated blinds for Washington's special two-day youth waterfowl hunting season in September.

Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on more than 329 national wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on more than 271 wildlife refuges. Find specifics for each refuge here.

“After careful consideration and review from the Service, this proposal represents one of the largest expansions of hunting and fishing opportunities on wildlife refuges in recent years,” said Dan Ashe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director.

Read on for details on the 26 refuges involved in the proposal.

PROPOSED TO OPEN for hunting for the first time:

New York

• Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge: Open to big game hunting.

Oregon

• Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.
• Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.
• Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird hunting.

Pennsylvania

• Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting.

Wyoming

• Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Open to migratory bird, upland game and big game hunting.

PROPOSED TO EXPAND HUNTING and FISHING:

California

• Colusa National Wildlife Refuge:  Expand migratory bird and upland game hunting.

Florida

• Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: Add big game hunting. The refuge is already open to migratory bird hunting.
• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Idaho

• Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge: Expand upland game hunting. The refuge is already open to migratory bird hunting and big game hunting.

Illinois

• Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
• Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Indiana

• Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Iowa

• Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
• Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
• Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing.

Maine

• Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Missouri

• Mingo National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

New Mexico

• San Andres National Wildlife Refuge: Expand big game hunting.

Oregon

• Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.
• Julia Butler Hanson Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer, OR and WA: Expand migratory bird hunting. The refuge is already open to big game hunting.
• Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting and sport fishing. The refuge is already open to upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Texas

• Aransas National Wildlife Refuge: Add migratory bird hunting. The refuge is already open to big game hunting.
• Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: Expand hunting for migratory birds, upland game and big game.

Vermont

• Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.

Washington

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is already open to upland game hunting.

Comments must be received within 30 days by Oct. 24. 

Comments will be posted online on regulations.gov.