The Center for Biological Diversity filed suit over the 2020 expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.2 million acres within the refuge system . The litigious group alleges hunting on refuges threatens endangered species due to hunters trampling critical habitat , through lead poisoning due to spent ammunition and fishing tackle , and because grizzly bears could be mistakenly shot by hunters believing them to be black bears or in self-defense . Any settlement of the case could have ramifications for millions of acres of refuge lands , if not the entire system . The lawsuit seemed a long shot given the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act , landmark legislation drafted and pushed through Congress by the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance , which ensured that hunting , fishing and trapping would occur on any refuge where it is compatible . We ’ re working diligently with our legal team and national partners to ensure sportsmen do no lose access , opportunity or the use of traditional methods and means .