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    cycle of success graphic

    Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Funding

    If you’ve ever purchased a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment, or hunting license, you’ve contributed to the most successful effort to conserve wildlife in the world.

    USFW Wildlife Restoration Information

    Wildlife Restoration program

    Passed by Congress in 1937, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act established excise taxes on hunting and shooting equipment as well as ammunition to fund grant programs that support wildlife conservation efforts by state fish and wildlife agencies.

    A Cycle of Success

    The Wildlife Restoration Program created through the Pittman-Robertson Act operates under a model often referred to as the cycle of success. This innovative system begins with manufacturers paying federal excise taxes on specific outdoor-related products, including firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

    These tax revenues are collected by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and allocated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as grants to state fish and wildlife agencies. States use these funds to support essential wildlife conservation initiatives, expand hunter education programs, improve public shooting ranges, and much more.

    Grant funding is distributed to states based on a formula that considers both the state’s land area and the number of licensed hunters.

    Thanks to this collaborative funding model, hunters, target shooters, and wildlife enthusiasts gain expanded access to natural resources and outdoor experiences. Their participation drives continued demand for taxable products, effectively sustaining and renewing the cycle of success.

    Where does the money come from?

    Funds are derived from an 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment as well as a 10% tax on handguns.

    How does the Game Commission use these funds?

    • Conserve and manage wildlife for the benefit of the public.
    • Restore, rehabilitate, and maintain land and waters areas to support healthy wildlife habitats.
    • Expand the state game lands system to land that is already suitable or has the potential to be developed for wildlife habitat or public access for hunting and other outdoor recreation.
    • Construct, operate, or maintain firearm and archery ranges for public use.
    • Enhance programs for hunter education, hunter development, and firearm and archery safety.
    • Improve outreach and communication with hunters, recreational shooters, and the public to raise awareness of available hunting and shooting opportunities.
    • Conduct scientific research to address challenges in wildlife and habitat management and ensure informed, effective conservation practices.

    From the past to the present, America’s hunters have stood at the forefront of wildlife conservation. Every time you purchase firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, or a hunting license, you’re playing a vital role in conservation.

    The Wildlife Restoration Program stands as one of the most enduring conservation efforts in U.S. history. This program represents a visionary collaboration between federal and state agencies, private industry, and the passionate individuals who cherish wildlife and the outdoors.

    Together, we are preserving the natural heritage for current and future generations.