USFWS Distributes More Than $1 Billion to States for Recreation Access, Conservation

by
posted on April 17, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
usfws-1billionconservation-access_lead.jpg
courtesy of USFWS

On April 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that it will be distributing more than $1 billion to all 50 states and U.S. territories this year.

The funds comes from excise taxes collected over the course of the year on the sale of hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, as well as boat fuel as authorized through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, and aids in critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.

“For many decades funds generated by these programs have consistently supported millions of acres and miles of outdoor recreation access and wildlife habitat in this country,” said Margaret Everson, USFWS Principal Deputy Director. “Thanks to industry, states and hunters, shooters, anglers and boaters, America’s wildlife and natural resources and the opportunities they provide will be available for generations to come.”

To date, the USFWS has distributed over $21 billion for state conservation and recreation efforts. State wildlife agencies also matched these funds with approximately $7.3 billion over the years, primarily though hunting and fishing license revenues.

Click here for the state-by-state listing of the Service’s final apportionment for the Wildlife Restoration Program and here for the Sport Fish Restoration program funds for Fiscal Year 2019.

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.