Not so long ago, many of our wildlife populations were close to extinction. Over‑zealous, early settlers nearly wiped out some species and left only pitiful remnants of other species. It may be hard to believe, but in the 1930s it was a rare event to see even one white-tailed deer in Mississippi. Taking of the land for human purposes and over‑hunting without regulation caused severe declines in many species of game.
Soon hunters and sportsmen voiced their concerns to Congress which led to the Pittman‑Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly called the Pittman‑Robertson Act. It was created to provide funding for the restoration, rehabilitation, and improvement of wildlife habitat, the distribution of educational information, and wildlife management research. An amendment was made in 1970 to allow for funding for the development and management of public target ranges as well as hunter training programs.
This tax generated tens of millions of dollars and these funds were mandated to go back into state and local organizations and governments. As the money kept building, a repeal bill was drawn up to relieve sportsmen of the financial burden. But, due to results seen nationwide, hunters insisted on keeping the tax in place.
The Pittman‑Robertson Act is funded through a federal excise tax on sporting arms, archery equipment, and ammunition and a tax on handguns. Collected from the manufacturers by the Department of the Treasury, these funds are apportioned each year to the states and territories (except for Puerto Rico) by the Department of the Interior based on formulas set forth in the act. Grant funding is available only to qualified state agencies with funds for target ranges and hunter education coming from one-half of the tax on handguns and archery equipment.
To be eligible for federal funds, a state must agree to the provisions of the act and have in place laws governing the conservation of wildlife. In addition, states must have laws prohibiting the diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any purpose other than the administration of the state's fish and wildlife department. All projects aided under the act must be agreed upon by the Secretary of the Interior and the fish and wildlife departments of the state where the project is located.
Although funded wholly by firearm users and archery enthusiasts, the Pittman‑Robertson Act also benefits those who never hunt but enjoy such recreational hobbies as bird‑watching, painting, sketching, and nature photography as well as other outdoor pursuits. Almost all lands purchased with money from this act are managed for wildlife production as well as other public uses such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
As you can see, the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act is a vital part of the wildlife management program. As a hunter or angler, your purchase of fishing tackle, firearm ammunition, motorboat fuel, archery equipment, and licenses help to fund wildlife restoration and sport fishing providing countless outdoor activities.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.
