Quick Answer
Pittman-Robertson funds are allocated to support wildlife conservation and management efforts in the United States, with a primary focus on state and federal agencies, as well as certain non-profit organizations.
Allocation Process
The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 established a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to fund wildlife conservation efforts. The funds are collected by the federal government and then allocated to state wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and certain non-profit organizations. In 2022, the federal government collected over $1.1 billion in Pittman-Robertson funds, with the majority being allocated to state wildlife agencies.
State Wildlife Agency Allocations
State wildlife agencies receive the largest share of Pittman-Robertson funds, with allocations typically ranging from 70% to 90% of the total annual distribution. In 2022, state wildlife agencies received over $780 million in Pittman-Robertson funds, with the largest allocations going to states with large populations of big game species such as deer and elk. The funds are used by state agencies to support a wide range of conservation and management efforts, including habitat management, research, and wildlife management programs.
Non-Profit Organization Allocations
A smaller share of Pittman-Robertson funds is allocated to non-profit organizations, with a focus on those that provide support for wildlife conservation and management efforts. In 2022, non-profit organizations received around $30 million in Pittman-Robertson funds, with the largest allocations going to organizations that focus on habitat conservation and wildlife research. Examples of non-profit organizations that receive Pittman-Robertson funding include the National Wildlife Federation and the Wildlife Management Institute.
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