New York State will receive $23,888,754 in federal conservation funding in 2020 that sportsmen/women have paid in excise taxes in 2019. Through the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, an excise tax is applied to the sale of firearms, ammunition and certain archery equipment.

Under the Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Bordeaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, boaters & anglers also pay excise taxes on numerous items including fishing tackle and equipment, as well as a motorboat fuel tax.

These federal funds are distributed back to each state, as administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, within the Department of the Interior. These funds must be spent on conservation projects that only benefit fish and wildlife.

Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said, “Our conservation model is funded and supported by America's hunters, shooters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. These stewards of conservation generated nearly a billion dollars last year alone and make our country's conservation legacy the envy of the world.”

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Katharine MacGregor stated, “When people pay taxes¸ they want to know that their money is going to good use. These grants are a great example of fees paid by sportsmen/women that are being reinvested in opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. We are proud to work with the states and appreciate their efforts to keep public lands open for dispersed recreation where appropriate for those who need to get outside.”

Service Director Aurelia Skipwith added this comment, “These grants are the epitome of the great things that can happen when industry, hunters and anglers, and state and federal governments work together.

As the administrator of these grants, the Fish and Wildlife Service is the linchpin in the circle of funding that arcs from the hunters and anglers generating these dollars as consumers, through the states as conservation managers, and back to hunters, anglers and recreational users as beneficiaries, for improved hunting, fishing and conservation opportunities. It is a role we are honored to play.”

New York's $23,888,754 included $8,201,051 for fish restoration and $15,687,703 for wildlife.

Sportsmen/women take pride in the fact that under these federal programs, hunters and anglers pay their share for conservation.

Jack Danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.