Wildlife Restoration Program

Did you know that your hunting and target-shooting purchases have supported wildlife conservation for over half a century?

At the turn of the century, America seemed destined to lose much of its wildlife. The destruction of habitat, industrialization, and the overexploitation of certain animals caused a significant decline in many species. In response to this threat, hunters, the sport hunting industry, and other conservationists supported legislation to form the Wildlife Restoration Program in 1937, often referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act. Today, we can thank you - America's hunters, target shooters, and archery enthusiasts for restoring much of our well-loved wildlife to healthy numbers.

In 1937, Congress established the Wildlife Restoration Program with money received from taxes on the sale of sporting guns and ammunition. In the 1970s, the tax receipts from the sale of handguns and archery equipment were added to the Program fund. As a result, OVER 4 BILLION DOLLARS have been generated for wildlife conservation.

More than 45 MILLION ACRES of land are maintained for wildlife across the country thanks to the Wildlife Restoration Program.

750,000 Americans are trained every year in safe firearm practices, archery, and responsible behavior with funding from the Program.

Hundreds of public shooting ranges have been built with Program dollars.

Your contribution enables essential research to be conducted by more than 25,000 professional wildlife biologists.

Here's how it works:

You pay a 10 to 11% tax whenever you purchase a sporting firearm, ammunition, handgun, or archery equipment. The money is placed in the Wildlife Restoration Fund, and every year is parceled out to the states to pay for up to 75% of the costs for wildlife restoration, habitat acquisition, hunter education, research, and shooting range development. State hunting license fees contribute to the remaining 25% of the costs.

And you're still giving.

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or click on the address to send an E-mail message. Last Revision: February 09, 1998