US President Donald Trump on 17 September 2026 signed two executive orders aimed at expanding hunting and fishing access on federal land and easing restrictions on recreational boating, announcing the measures at a White House dinner with hunters, anglers, and outdoor industry leaders in the Rose Garden. The orders build on earlier actions in August that opened 92 million acres of federal land across 32 states to outdoor enthusiasts.

What the First Order Does

The first executive order, according to Trump, opens up millions of acres of additional federal land for hunting and fishing. Crucially, it also protects the use of lead ammunition — a point Trump acknowledged he had needed explained to him before signing. 'So the order protects the use of affordable traditional lead ammunition. That sounds good to me,' he said. No separate acreage figure was provided for this new order beyond what was opened in August.

What the Second Order Covers

The second order targets coastal and saltwater recreation, removing federal regulations affecting saltwater anglers, boaters, charter captains, and coastal communities. Trump criticised a Biden administration proposal to impose a 10 miles per hour boating speed limit, saying his administration was eliminating those restrictions immediately. The order also reportedly expands fishing seasons and quotas, though Trump did not identify specific fisheries or revised quota figures. He added that his administration had approved all state permits for the 2026 red snapper season ahead of schedule.

Gun Rights and Political Framing

Trump linked both announcements to his broader support for gun owners and the Second Amendment, accusing former President Joe Biden of waging a 'war on gun owners.' He cited actions his administration had taken to reverse restrictions on firearms dealers and restore veterans' gun rights. The outdoor-recreation measures were thus framed not merely as conservation policy but as part of a wider rights-restoration agenda.

Key Figures and Legislative Outlook

At the dinner, Trump recognised Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsman's Foundation, who is set to retire in December after 25 years in the role. Trump also said work was ongoing on a follow-up to the Great American Outdoors Act — legislation he signed during his first term — and expected to sign a successor bill 'in the near future,' though he offered no legislative timetable. He noted his administration would continue working with farmers and ranchers to strengthen habitat and conservation efforts.

Details Still Unclear

The full texts of both orders were not publicly released at the time of the announcement, leaving the precise scope, implementation timelines, and specific fisheries or acreage affected unconfirmed. Environmental groups and conservation advocates are expected to scrutinise the lead-ammunition provision in particular, given longstanding concerns about its impact on wildlife and water quality. How the orders interact with existing federal wildlife management frameworks remains to be seen.