Conservation Funding: A Benefit for All

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Infographic showing the Indiana DNR “Cycle of Success,” illustrating how users purchasing equipment, licenses, and fuel generate excise tax and license fees that fund wildlife restoration projects and public benefits through grants and state programs. — Indiana DNR’s Cycle of Success — When outdoor enthusiasts buy hunting, fishing, and recreational equipment, excise taxes and license fees are collected. These funds are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as grants to state agencies for conservation projects, ensuring everyone benefits from thriving wildlife and natural habitats.

All wildlife need great habitat to thrive. The purchase of licenses and equipment for hunting and trapping directly supports keeping the habitat and the wildlife species flourishing.

Each license sale contributes even more to conservation with a matched contribution from a federal fund. The federal fund was established by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act in 1937. Under the act, manufacturers and importers pay an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service distributes the money from the excise tax back to each state and territory using a formula that is based on the land area and the area’s number of licensed hunters and trappers.

The combination of license dollars and federal funds are designated solely for conservation, restoration of wild birds and mammals, habitat management, hunter education, and hunting and recreational shooting opportunities.

Whether you’re a hunter, trapper, recreational shooter, angler, birder, wildlife viewer, or an outdoor enthusiast of any type, you benefit from the cycle of conservation funding. To all of you who contribute to this important work, thank you.