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Thanks to thousands of Oregon hunters, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reports that taxes collected during firearms and ammunition purchases have provided more than $15 million to the state for wildlife conservation initiatives. This is proof that the Pittman-Robertson Act is a successful way to propels funds back into conservation management programs.

“Land for wildlife make Eastern Oregon a great place to live and attract hunters who spend time and money in rural communities,” says Roger Lee of Economic Development for Central Oregon. “Not only do taxes on hunters provide this funding for wildlife, they pay about $27 million in state and local taxes and support about 3,700 jobs across the state.”

Oregon will use these conservation dollars to continue projects that help restore and manage wildlife habitat. According to WorldLink.com, specific projects like a mule deer population study in south central Oregon and a kit fox study in southeastern Oregon will benefit from these funds. 

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“It’s fitting that those very sporting activities help sustain wildlife, their habitats and the agencies that manage them,” FWS Director Dan Ashe said in the agency’s press release.

“Hunters care about passing on our wonderful natural heritage to future generations, and these funds are part of that commitment,” says Rep. Sal Esquivel of Medford. “The $15 million for wildlife restoration provided by taxes on hunters in an important part of our commitment to promote outdoor recreation and bring the economic and wildlife benefits to communities across Oregon.”