Why It Matters: Recreational shooters are an important part of America’s sporting community and play a critical role in conservation funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act. President Trump’s recognition of National Shooting Sports Month offers an opportunity to acknowledge both America’s shooting traditions and the conservation benefits generated by those who participate in them.
Highlights:
- On August 10, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Message recognizing National Shooting Sports Month and America’s traditions of recreational shooting and hunting.
- The President’s message emphasized firearm safety, personal responsibility, conservation, and efforts to expand recreational shooting opportunities on federal lands.
- Approximately 80% of Pittman-Robertson funding is generated by recreational target shooters, providing substantial support for wildlife conservation and shooting access across the country.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump recognized National Shooting Sports Month, celebrating America’s traditions of recreational shooting and hunting and the millions of Americans who participate in these activities. The President also highlighted firearm safety, personal responsibility, conservation, and efforts to expand access to recreational shooting on federal lands.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) appreciates the President’s recognition of recreational shooting as an important part of America’s sporting traditions. Beyond providing opportunities for millions of Americans to participate in the shooting sports, recreational shooters make significant contributions to wildlife conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
CSF continues to work with the Trump Administration to implement the EXPLORE Act, which requires the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to have a minimum of one shooting range in each of their respective districts. Public lands provide critical opportunities for target shooters, and this law seeks to improve opportunities for sportsmen and women. Earlier this year, CSF’s Taylor Schmitz represented the sporting community before the House Natural Resources Committee during a hearing marking the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the EXPLORE Act, a top priority of CSF.
Federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment are deposited into the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund and returned to state fish and wildlife agencies to support wildlife conservation, hunter education, shooting ranges, and access. Approximately 80% of Pittman-Robertson funding is attributable to recreational target shooters, demonstrating the important role the shooting sports community plays in the American System of Conservation Funding.
CSF has long worked to protect and expand opportunities for recreational shooting alongside hunting, fishing, and trapping. As National Shooting Sports Month continues, CSF recognizes recreational shooters not only for carrying forward America’s sporting traditions, but also for the substantial role they play in funding conservation for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and the public.