Bill Would Recruit Hunters, Support Wildlife Funding

Recently reintroduced by Idaho Senator Jim Risch, the Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act would help to ensure hunting remains a keystone to America’s wildlife heritage.

The bill would allow state agencies to use federal aid money to recruit new hunters, working to reverse the decline in hunting participation. According to this survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the number of hunters has declined from 14.1 million hunters in 1991 to 11.5 million by 2016. Numbers are projected to continue falling without efforts from the Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act.

Originally passed in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act includes an 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition and other equipment that is distributed to state wildlife agencies for wildlife and habitat conservation work. Since funds began distribution in 1939, $18.8 billion has been allocated to state wildlife agencies, all money coming from hunters and recreational shooters. These funds have been imperative in supporting the efforts of state wildlife agencies and the recovery of many of America’s wildlife species. Habitat improvement projects made possible through Pittman-Robertson funds have benefitted Idaho game species such as elk, mule deer, whitetail deer and pronghorn, to name a few.

The Idaho Wildlife Federation is thankful for Senator Risch’s leadership and fully supports the passage of the Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act. Recruiting new hunters would generate more revenue for wildlife conservation efforts in Idaho, keep hunters at the helm of wildlife funding, and grow the conservation community.

Passage of the Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act would ensure that America’s hunters remain the leading funders of wildlife conservation through excise taxes on firearms and other equipment, while at the same time strengthening the community of sportswomen and sportsmen across the country, and in Idaho.

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