Wildlife Restoration
(Pittman-Robertson)
|
|
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
|
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (Pittman-Robertson) |
| THE FEDERAL AID IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT |
The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly know as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was approved by Congress on September 2, 1937, and begin functioning July 1, 1938.
The purpose of this Act was to provide funding for the selection, restoration, rehabilitation and improvment of wildlife habitat, wildlife management research, and the distribution of information produced by the projects. Funds are derived from an 11 percent Federal excise tax on sporting arms,
ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10 percent tax on handguns. These funds
are collected from the manufacturers by the Department of the Treasury and are
apportioned each year to the States and Territorial areas (except Puerto Rico)
by the Department of the Interior on the basis of formulas set forth in the
Act. Funds for hunter education and target ranges are derived from one-half
of the tax on handguns and archery equipment.
Each state's apportionment is determined by a formula which considers the total area of the state and the number of licensed hunters in the state. The program is a cost-reimbursement program, where the state covers the full amount of an approved project then applies for reimbursement through Federal Aid for up to 75 percent of the project expenses. The state must provide at least 25 percent of the project costs from a non-federal source.
The Act was amended October 23, 1970, to include funding for hunter training programs and the development, operation and maintenance of public target ranges.
| PROGRAMS |
| CONTACT CONSULTANTS |
For any further information about the Wildlife Restoration Act
Contact: The Division of Federal Assistance
FederalAid@fws.gov
For any further information about Hunter Education and the Act
Contact: The Division of Federal Assistance
FederalAid@fws.gov
Logo credit: Wildlife Restoration
Last revised: August 27, 2004.