North American Conservation Is Largely Funded by Hunters

How Hunters Fund Conservation in North America 

1. Pittman-Robertson Act (1937)

• Officially the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, it was passed in 1937 in the U.S.
• It places an excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment.
• The money is distributed to state wildlife agencies for:
  • Habitat restoration
  • Wildlife research and monitoring
  • Hunter education and safety programs
  • Land acquisition for conservation

2. Billions Raised for Wildlife

• Since the act was passed, hunters and shooting sports participants have contributed over $15 billion to conservation efforts.
• The funding supports both game and non-game species, meaning even animals not hunted benefit from this system.

3. Hunting Licenses and Tags

• Hunters pay for licenses, stamps, and tags — often on a seasonal basis.
• These fees go directly to state fish and wildlife departments to fund management, habitat protection, and enforcement.

4. Hunters Support Wildlife Populations

• Through regulated hunting, hunters help manage healthy animal populations, preventing overpopulation, starvation, and disease.
• Game management strategies often lead to better overall ecosystem health.

5. Volunteering and Stewardship

• Many hunters also volunteer with organizations that improve habitat, conduct wildlife surveys, or teach outdoor education.
• Groups like Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation have restored millions of acres of habitat.

Why It Matters

This user-pays, user-benefits system is considered one of the most successful conservation models in the world. It's often cited as a reason why species like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and elk — once in decline — have rebounded to healthy populations.