Lifetime funding for conservation generated by excise taxes on guns, ammunition and archery equipment now tops $17 billion.
“The entire firearm and ammunition industry celebrates this milestone that demonstrates our commitment to wildlife conservation for all Americans,” said National Shooting Sports Foundation President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “The firearm and ammunition industry knows the conservation of wildlife and the habitats in which they thrive are invaluable. They are critical to future generations taking part in hunting and the recreational shooting sports traditions and learning about their vital importance. This manufacturing industry, which produces firearms and ammunition for law-abiding citizens, also produces the funding upon which our wildlife depends and is vital for future generations to enjoy.”
Originally passed into law in 1937 and supported by hunters, the Pittman-Robertson Act places an 11 percent tax on guns, ammunition and archery equipment with those dollars specifically earmarked to conserve public land, improve public access, restore wildlife species and support hunter education and target shooting facilities
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced an allotment of $989,531,728 to state agencies earlier this year.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation maintains that Hunting Is Conservation because hunting generates funding for conservation via Pittman-Robertson excise taxes, hunting licenses and fees, and donations to hunter-based conservation groups like RMEF.
When adjusted for inflation, the $17 billion amount equates to more than $27.38 billion.
(Photo source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources)