History of the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF)
For over 80 years, sportsmen and women have played a crucial role in funding conservation efforts in the United States through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). The American System is a “user pays – public benefits” structure, unique from the rest of the world, in which those that consumptively use public resources pay for the privilege, and in some cases the right, to do so. This funding system has allowed the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation to become recognized as the most successful conservation framework in history.
How Sportsmen and Women Supported ASCF in 2025
GENERATED by PITTMAN-ROBERTSON FUND FROM HUNTING & RECREATIONAL SHOOTING-RELATED TAXES
GENERATED FROM
FISHING LICENSES
GENERATED FROM
HUNTING LICENSES
GENERATED FROM DINGELL-JOHNSON/WALLOP-BREAUX FUND, FROM FISHING & BOATING-RELATED TAXES
Totaling over $3.57 Billion for Conservation.
2026 Total Hunting License Holders
2026 Total Fishing License Holders
GIVEN to state agencies since 1939
Most state fish and wildlife agencies receive more than 60% of their funding through this distinct conservation system.
*Please note that there is a two-year lag for license data, so costs and number of license holders for 2026 represent license sales that occurred in 2024.
