More than $1.2 billion is being apportioned to state fish and wildlife agencies this year by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), making hunters and shooters among the top wildlife conservationists in the country.
The amount destined for use in wildlife conservation comes to more than $842 million, which comes from the federal excise taxes paid by manufacturers last year on ammunition, firearms and archery equipment.
The excise tax is set at 11 percent of the wholesale price for long guns and ammunition and 10 percent of the wholesale price for handguns, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The excise tax, paid by manufacturers and importers, applies to all firearms and ammunition imported or sold domestically to the commercial market and federal law enforcement sales, whether the purpose is for recreational shooting, hunting or personal defense.
It’s the revenue generated by the Pittman-Robertson Fund, established by Congress in 1937. Since its inception, P-R funding has raised more than $31 billion distributed to the states through annual apportionments.
“State wildlife agencies are critical partners who are on the front lines of wildlife management and conservation. They provide expertise and leadership in our shared conservation efforts,” said FWS Director Brian Nesvik. “Through this partnership, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding helps states to improve access to wildlife and wild places through one of the most effective conservation tools in the world.”
According to the NSSF, “purchasers of firearms and ammunition, hunters and the firearm and ammunition industry are the greatest source of wildlife conservation funding.”
This year’s top recipients are Texas, which receives $38,857,809, Alaska with $35,595,455,and Pennsylvania, which is getting $30,594,626.To see the full list, click here.
“The firearm industry is tremendously proud of the contributions we make to conserving our wildlife and the habitats wildlife need to thrive for generations to come,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi in a prepared statement. “Our industry is at the forefront of wildlife conservation. Each time a recreational shooter or hunter purchases a firearm or ammunition, they are helping to support wildlife conservation through the excise taxes paid by our industry on the sale of those products. The American model of conservation funding is the gold standard throughout the world for sustainable conservation and wildlife management.”
