On July 14, 2026, a bill introduced by Utah Republican Representative John Curtis, aimed at expanding hunting access on federal lands, has drawn criticism from Indigenous groups who see it as a setback for the LandBack movement. The bill, titled the 'Hunting Heritage Act,' proposes to open more than 2 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands to hunting, overriding some tribal co-management agreements.
According to verified reports from the Salt Lake Tribune and the Associated Press, the legislation would prioritize hunting over other land uses, including cultural and conservation practices by Native American tribes. The Navajo Nation and the Ute Indian Tribe have opposed the bill, arguing it ignores their treaty rights and efforts to reclaim ancestral lands through the LandBack initiative.
Representative Curtis's office stated that the bill aims to protect 'traditional hunting heritage' and increase public access, but critics note that it could undermine recent federal policies that support tribal co-management of public lands. The bill has passed the House Natural Resources Committee and awaits a full House vote, with a similar version introduced in the Senate by Utah Senator Mike Lee.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns, warning that expanded hunting could disrupt wildlife corridors and conservation efforts. The Biden administration has not taken a formal position but has signaled support for tribal sovereignty in land management.
