Almost $1.1 billion in federal funds will go to state fish and wildlife agencies this year, thanks to tax revenues collected on firearms and ammunition, hunting and fishing equipment and licenses, and motor boat fuel. States will receive between $1 million and $50 million to fund conservation and recreation projects.
These funds are the foundation of the unique American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays-public benefits” program. Money is derived from excise taxes levied on motorboat fuel and hunting and fishing equipment and is then distributed back to the states to pay for projects and programs important to our sportsmen’s heritage.
This user-pays funding strategy has produced numerous public benefits including: abundant fish and wildlife populations, access to public lands and clean waters, improved fish and wildlife habitat, improved soil and water conservation, recreational shooting ranges, and boating access facilities.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
