On May 22, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Vice-Chair Congressman Austin Scott (GA) introduced a bipartisan bill to modernize the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, the program that allocates funds to states across the country for wildlife conservation funding projects. Original cosponsors included fellow CSC leaders Congressmen Jeff Duncan (SC), Gene Green (TX), and Marc Veasey (TX).
“Modernizing this fund is an important step in advancing our nation’s hunting heritage and furthering state-based conservation efforts,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane. “This legislation will allow states to educate the public about the ‘user pays – public benefits’ American System of Conservation Funding.”
This legislation would expand financial and technical assistance to states for promotion and marketing of hunting education programs. Specifically, states will have enhanced opportunities to use funds for hunter recruitment and retention programs, hunter education programs, and providing education to the non-hunting public about the role of hunters and recreational shooters in wildlife conservation.
“The sportsmen and women of America are the heart of wildlife conservation, and updating our nation’s system of conservation funding will ensure our recreational areas are open and available for folks to enjoy for generations to come,” said Rep. Scott.
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?
