The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 funds state wildlife conservation through excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, originally supported primarily by hunters. Over time, amendments expanded the tax base to include pistols, revolvers, and archery gear, bringing non-hunters—such as sport shooters and target archers—into the funding pool. With hunting participation declining and handgun sales rising for non-hunting uses, non-hunters now contribute a growing share of Pittman-Robertson revenue. This shift poses challenges for a system historically linked to hunters, as its funding base evolves. To sustain and strengthen this vital conservation funding source, new coalitions and public outreach efforts may be needed to raise awareness of its broad conservation benefits and to engage the changing community of contributors.
