The NSSF released some incredible news today, concerning wildlife restoration and management in the United States. Pittman-Robertson funds recently surpassed $14.1 billion in contributions since its inception in 1937.

Pittman-Robertson Fund Surpass $14.1 Billion

To put in another perspective: congratulations hunters, shooters and ammo burners everywhere! Your purchases continue to fund the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, arguably the most comprehensive, well-funded, successful wildlife management system in the world. So give yourself a golf clap and take a bow. Because your continued purchases, and the tax levied against them, continue powering the whole darn enterprise.

“This is truly a remarkable win for wildlife conservation,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “This fund has been responsible for the restoration and recovery of America’s iconic game species, including the Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkeys and a variety of waterfowl. It is also responsible for funding the recovery and conservation of nongame species, including the American bald eagle, reptiles, fauna and conservation lands that allow them to thrive. The firearm industry is proud to perform such an important and vital function to ensure America’s wildlife remains abundant for future generations.”

How it Works

Pittman Robertson, officially dubbed the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, puts an excise tax on firearms and ammo sales. An 11-percent tax of wholesale price applies to long guns and ammunition. Meanwhile, the law levies a 10-percent of wholesale price tax on the sale of all handguns. The tax, paid by manufacturers and importers, applies basically to all firearms produced or imported for commercial sales, reported NSSF. So whether for personal defense, hunting or competition, those sales power wildlife management. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), within DOJ, currently administers the tax. It turns over all funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

USFWS then deposits Pittman-Robertson revenue into a special account. The USFWS then administers this Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund. It makes funds available to states and territories the year following collection, according to NSSF.

The excise tax dollars go to the states specifically to use by state wildlife agencies for conservation. Collectively, all of our firearm and ammo purchases continue supporting wildlife in America. So once again, take a bow. Every hunter out there owes all of Gundom a big ol’ “thank you.”