The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced more than $1.37 billion in apportionments to support states, commonwealths and territories in their efforts to fund conservation. $989,531,728, or 72 percent of that total, is derived from excise taxes on ammunition, firearms and archery equipment used by hunters, recreational shooters and other gun owners.
Established in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act created the excise tax that since generated more than $16.7 billion to conserve public land, improve public access, restore wildlife species and support hunter education and target shooting facilities.
The additional $381 million of the 2024 apportionment total comes from excise taxes on fuel and small engines via the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950.
Click here to view the apportionment totals for each state, commonwealth and territory.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)