Flushes & Noteworthy Points

Pending Legislation Threatens "World-leading and Highly Successful Wildlife Conservation Model"

A recently introduced piece of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives would, as its overriding effect, cut off wildlife conservation programs at their knees.

U.S. Congressman Andrew Clyde R GA) and 53 original cosponsors introduced the RETURN Repealing Excise Tax on Unalienable Rights Now”) our Constitutional Rights Act to eliminate the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.

Specifically, this bill H.R. 8167) would eliminate the tax that funds conservation and wildlife programs through the Pittman-Robertson Act P-R), which has been called the most vital source of funding for state wildlife agencies and associated conservation projects in all 50 states.”

Kristen A. Schmitt, writing at gohunt.com, explained the function of P-R, saying the act apportions excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment as well as boat fuel in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Last year, a record 1.5 billion was raised, which was used to support state and local recreational outdoor opportunities and wildlife and habitat conservation efforts.”

At idahowildlife.org, Garret Visser added, The PittmanRobertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 has served as the essential foundation of our country’s world-leading and highly successful wildlife conservation model, responsible for the recovery of many wildlife species over the past 85 years. P-R funds are generated via a 10-11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment, gathered from the manufacturer and put into the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, which are then distributed to state wildlife agencies. This tax was self-imposed by sportsmen, a widely supported program then and now.

“For 85 years, P-R has been the backbone of the management that ensures that wildlife that are pursued by hunters flourish.