Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN Hunting

The Pittman-Robertson Act’s Support to Wildlife

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The Pittman-Robertson Act’s Support to Wildlife

It may be hard to believe today, but in the 1930s the sighting of even one whitetail deer was a notable event. Expansion of the U.S. population into game habitat areas and unregulated hunting led many populations of game species to plummet. Today, however, the nationwide deer population is nearly 32 million strong. Similar increases have taken place among many species, including ducks, wild turkeys, and other game birds and furbearers.  These wildlife successes, enjoyed by all Americans, are the direct result of decades of hard work and funding provided by the nation’s hunters and shooters.

 

 

 

 

The multitude of conservation programs that helped restore game populations are largely funded by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937,commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, which derives its revenues from sportsmen through excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and hunting equipment. In 1950, following the amazing successes of Pittman-Robertson,Congress passed the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, commonly known as Dingell-Johnson  or Wallop-Breaux. Under this program, revenue generated from excise taxes on fishing equipment goes toward restoring and improving America’s fishery resources.  Since its establishment, Pittman-Robertson has collected nearly $7.2 billion to fund conservation efforts across the country.1 

Pittman-Robertson imposes an 11% excise tax on long guns, ammunition and archery equipment, and a 10% excise tax on handguns. Revenue is deposited in a special trust fund under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be used for state wildlife restoration projects. One-half of the tax revenue collected on handguns and archery equipment may be used by state fish and wildlife agencies for hunter safety training and range development. Since its establishment, Pittman-Robertson has collected nearly $7.2 billion to fund conservation efforts across the country.1 

Sportsmen are the primary supporters of efforts to protect game species. Conservation efforts, fueled by Pittman-Robertson funds, such as the acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat,  research, public access  facilities, and hunter education programs, along with state wildlife agencies that carefully regulate hunting, have helped restore and now conserve America’s abundant wildlife populations.  

1 See the FY2016 fund apportionment at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/WR/WRFinalApportionment2016.pdf

 

IN THIS ARTICLE
Pittman-Robertson Act
TRENDING NOW
Update: New Mexico Governor’s Unconstitutional Carry Ban Temporarily Halted, NRA Files Suit

News  

Monday, September 18, 2023

Update: New Mexico Governor’s Unconstitutional Carry Ban Temporarily Halted, NRA Files Suit

On September 8, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Grisham (D) surprised her political opponents and allies when the politician purported to suspend the U.S. and New Mexico constitutions and state statute using a “public health emergency ...

When the rubber hits the road: Anti-police activist does U-turn after being carjacked

News  

Monday, September 18, 2023

When the rubber hits the road: Anti-police activist does U-turn after being carjacked

Three years ago, the “defund the police” movement got its start in Minneapolis, MN. A number of leftist politicians wasted no time in jumping on the bandwagon, along with a bunch of Hollywood celebrities – all of whom thought it was a ...

California: Legislature Passes Carry Restrictions & Over a Dozen More Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

Saturday, September 16, 2023

California: Legislature Passes Carry Restrictions & Over a Dozen More Anti-Gun Bills Headed to the Governor

On Thursday night, the California Legislature adjourned after having passed a whole slew of anti-gun bills this session.

California Tax is About Curtailing Exercise of a Constitutional Right

News  

Monday, September 18, 2023

California Tax is About Curtailing Exercise of a Constitutional Right

On September 7, the California Legislature passed AB-28. The bill would place an 11 percent excise tax on the sales price of all firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition. As of press time, the legislation remains ...

Changes Coming Soon for New York State Gun Owners

News  

Monday, August 21, 2023

Changes Coming Soon for New York State Gun Owners

There are some significant changes due to take effect early next month in the Empire State.

Massachusetts: Update on Proposed Sweeping Gun Control

Monday, July 17, 2023

Massachusetts: Update on Proposed Sweeping Gun Control

Late last month, Massachusetts politicians put forth HD 4420, “an act modernizing firearm laws.” This massive piece of legislation re-writes gun laws in the Commonwealth and imposes unprecedented gun-control.

New Mexico: State and Local Lawmakers Take Action Against Governor’s Gun Ban Orders

Monday, September 18, 2023

New Mexico: State and Local Lawmakers Take Action Against Governor’s Gun Ban Orders

Last week, NRA filed a state lawsuit against Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s illegal and unconstitutional gun carry ban in Albuquerque & Bernalillo County, and on all state property across New Mexico.

Your Help Urgently Needed! Comment Period Open on Biden’s Illegal Background Check Rulemaking

News  

Monday, September 11, 2023

Your Help Urgently Needed! Comment Period Open on Biden’s Illegal Background Check Rulemaking

Your help is urgently needed, as the official comment period on ATF’s rulemaking, “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms," began on Friday, September 8. Comments on the rule will be ...

Grassroots Spotlight: NRA Activism Trainings in Florida

Take Action  

News  

Monday, September 18, 2023

Grassroots Spotlight: NRA Activism Trainings in Florida

The Sunshine State loves the Second! Earlier this month, your NRA-ILA Florida Grassroots Team hosted various events across the state to continue NRA’s important work in maximizing grassroots education and outreach.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Lujan Grisham’s Unconstitutional Order Banning Public Carry

Thursday, September 14, 2023

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Lujan Grisham’s Unconstitutional Order Banning Public Carry

Today, NRA led a coalition of parties in a legal challenge against New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen’s unconstitutional orders banning the carrying of firearms in Bernalillo County ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.