Some $886.5 million collected from the long-standing excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition will be available this year for wildlife conservation, public shooting ranges, and hunters’ education. 

Announced Wednesday as part of $1.3 billion in appointments by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week, the funds were collected via the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration program since 1937. These are drawn from taxes set at 11 percent of the wholesale price of long guns and ammunition, and 10 percent of each handgun. Controlled by the USFWS, this revenue can only be used for the benefit of public recreation and conservation. 

The balance of the appointments was in funds collected through the sale of fishing tackle to support aquatic education, fishing, and boating. 

"Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funding is vital to supporting collaborative conservation efforts, enhancing fish and wildlife health, and ensuring clean water and outdoor access for all,” said Service Director Martha Williams. "This partnership represents one of the most effective conservation tools in the world and is critical to strengthening the connection between people and nature."  

The funds are apportioned to state wildlife agencies, which must apply for them and supply matching local dollars. The typical grant is 75 percent funded by the allocation, met by 25 percent from state conservation agencies, with the latter usually drawn from hunting and fishing license revenues.

In addition to funding hunters' ed, animal habitat, and sportsmen access, the Pittman-Robertson funds also go to support more than 800 public shooting ranges nationwide. It is estimated that over 46 million Americans engage in target shooting. 

"The firearm industry is immensely proud of the role our industry fulfills for wildlife conservation and access to public lands," Mark Olivia, public affairs director of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, told Guns.com. "Of the $1.3 billion apportioned to the states this year, over $886.5 million of that was derived from the taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers. When adjusted for inflation, that brings the lifetime total to over $29 billion since 1937. These are investments to ensure all Americans have the robust wildlife resources and public lands we enjoy conserved for future generations."