Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) cast her vote in favor of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, backing legislation aimed at limiting federal authority over ammunition and fishing tackle regulations on public lands and waters. The bill would prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from enacting bans on the use of lead ammunition or tackle unless those actions are grounded in scientific evidence and aligned with existing state laws.
“Conservation decisions should be science-based, not driven by left-wing activism groups disguised as conservation groups. That’s why I voted for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act which respects state authority and scientific principles,” Fedorchak said. “Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted traditions in North Dakota. Across our state, sportsmen and women carry these traditions forward and serve as strong stewards of our natural resources. This bill helps support those traditions for future generations.”
Supporters of the legislation argue it is a direct response to growing concerns that federal agencies could impose broad restrictions through administrative rulemaking or through legal settlements with advocacy organizations. Those concerns intensified following actions taken in 2023, when the Biden administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented restrictions on the use of lead ammunition and tackle in several national wildlife refuges. At the same time, lawsuits filed by environmental and conservation groups have continued to push federal agencies to evaluate and potentially expand restrictions on lead use across additional federal lands.
Lawmakers backing the measure warn that sweeping bans could create financial burdens for hunters and anglers, noting that traditional lead ammunition and tackle remain the most widely used, accessible, and cost-effective options currently available. They also emphasize that wildlife management has historically been handled at the state level, where agencies are often more closely connected to local ecosystems and stakeholder needs.
The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act is intended to preserve affordability and access for outdoor recreation while reinforcing the role of states in managing wildlife populations and maintaining conservation efforts tied to hunting and fishing traditions. Proponents say the bill reflects a broader effort to balance environmental considerations with economic realities and longstanding outdoor heritage across rural America.
