Firearms & Ammunition
Conservation Fosters Hunting and the Shooting Sports
For almost a century, America’s firearms and ammunition manufacturers have shared a partnership with state and federal biologists through the Pittman-Robertson Act — a partnership that funds remarkable conservation success stories across America and fosters hunting and the shooting sports at the same time.
This partnership would be impossible without you, the craftspeople and business owners who help fund the Wildlife Restoration grants. Our Partner with a Payer initiative invites you to join us and see how your success keeps our country’s wild landscape open for all and sustains our robust tradition of outdoor stewardship.
Restoring wildlife
Biologists study, monitor and manage 500 species of mammals and birds using excise taxes, like the many grants used to study and restore black bears — including more than 87 bear projects in 17 states since 2017.
Supporting shooting facilities
Today, over 800 shooting ranges have been designed, constructed, renovated or opened to the public using excise taxes, like Arizona’s Ben Avery shooting complex, the largest of its kind in the United States.
Welcoming new shooters
Every year, over 1 million people receive hunter education supported by excise taxes, like at Vermont’s Green Mountain Conservation Camp, where children learn to shoot alongside many other outdoor skills.
Conserving public land
More than 36 million acres are maintained for public access or habitat management with excise taxes, like Kentucky’s 2,900 acre Rockcastle River Wildlife Management Area, acquired in 2016 and now open to the public.
Did You Know?
Wildlife Restoration grants use excise taxes to ensure abundant wildlife, increase hunter access to millions of acres of wildlife habitat, and welcome new people into the shooting sports through education — a productive trifecta that ultimately benefits manufacturers.
Upcoming Events
As part of this initiative, two types of events are held to support this important partnership: field tours and facility tours.
Field tours invite industry representatives to unforgettable in-the-field experiences that illustrate the importance of the conservation funds that make fish and wildlife research, habitat conservation, shooting facilities, fish hatcheries and stocking, hunter and aquatic education, and public access to lands and waters possible.
Facility tours invite state fish and wildlife agency representatives to industry facilities to learn about the processes that manufacturers use to make the products that are taxed and result in a critical funding source for state fish and wildlife agency conservation work.
Bighorn Sheep Population
Excise taxes provide the opportunity to observe population management
This important work is done for the health and preservation of the Bighorn sheep population, as well as many other species – in return providing enjoyment for both hunters and non-hunters alike.
Bringing Bighorns Back
An interactive Storymap about restoring an iconic species
Bighorn sheep are rebounding across the American West thanks to strong conservation partnerships. This ArcGIS Storymap shows how funding from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment has helped restore bighorn in Nevada and beyond.
Funding for Partner With A Payer
In The News
The Hunt for Sustainability
Giving thanks for the restoration of wildlife that offers a deeper connection to food
Tracking America’s Outdoor Pursuits
Fishing and hunting and wildlife-watching remain significant activities in the U.S. In only a few weeks, the fifteenth National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Associated Recreation will be published.