WASHINGTON – On March 6, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will distribute $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the hunting and fishing industry to state wildlife agencies throughout the nation. The funds support critical fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects that benefit all Americans.
The Service apportions the $1.1 billion annually to all 50 states and U.S. territories through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration programs. Revenues come from taxes generated by the sale of firearms, ammunition, archery and fishing equipment and electric boat motors, as well as from taxes on the purchase of motorboat fuel.
“These funds are the cornerstone of state-based efforts that are critical to the preservation of America’s wildlife and natural resources,” said Director Dan Ashe as the USFWS distributed the funds last year. “But they are also the fuel for a massive financial engine that benefits outdoor recreationists, hunters, boaters and anglers, equipment manufacturers and retailers, and local and regional economies. Their value cannot be overstated in providing opportunities for the next generation of Americans to get outdoors, experience our wild places and learn the importance of conserving our natural heritage.”
It is thanks to this $1.1 billion financial investment (we can never repeat that massive number enough) made by you, me and all of America’s sportsmen and women and the hunting, shooting, fishing and boating industries that state agencies can deliver science-based conservation on the ground in every corner of the nation.
Each year as I read about our $1.1 billion investment in America’s wildlife and conservation, I reach out to PETA and the other anti-hunters and ask:
This is what we do…what do you do?
Crickets… I have never gotten a response.
Not sure about other states, but in WI, all deer hunting license revenue goes into a large “wildlife pot” where things like how frogs reproduce and how many turtles cross this specific road, why the bats are disappearing and things like that. Heck I would not be surprised if deer hunting money is funding part of the wolf recovery program. That would really suck. Hopefully that is not true.
Just wish deer hunting license revenue was spent on deer hunting activities only and/or to fight groups like PETA.
But not complaining about the $24 license fee for a firearms license and another $24 for an archery license. Very cheap for some of the greatest entertainment and renewable food a person can get their hands on.
That is awesome!
That’s …$1.1,000,000,000 folks. (Nine zeroes…or, “lots” of George Washingtons, in other words). Mathematical wizardry brought to you courtesy of Dean Weimer.