Hunters have provided the lion’s share of funding for conservation for the past 80 years and continue to do so. Anglers are doing their part, too.
The U.S. Department of Interior announced $1.1 billion for state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration ($780,031,696) and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts ($349,442,840).
“For nearly eight decades, the nation’s hunters and anglers have generated billions of dollars to protect wildlife and habitat simply by purchasing items that help them engage in the outdoor activities they enjoy, ”said Secretary Ryan Zinke, head of the U.S. Department of Interior. “Their support has helped state wildlife agencies protect our country’s environmental legacy for future generations of hunters, fishers, recreationalists and conservationists.”
The funds, which are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. They are derived from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition and sport fishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel.
State-by-state listings of the final Fiscal year 2017 apportionments of Wildlife Restoration Program fund can be found here and the Sport Fish Restoration Program fund here.