Located in one of the most productive flyways on the continent, Aurora Skies Outfitting delivers unforgettable waterfowl action, comfortable lodging and exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter or someone looking to take their first trip north, this is the perfect opportunity to chase ducks and geese in a setting known for its sky-darkening flocks and scenic prairie landscapes.
You may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/game-birds/a-public-lands-waterfowling-master-plan/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/game-birds/waterfowl-hunting-gear-guide/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/conservation-organizations-to-know/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/recipes/wild-goose-and-pineapple-stir-fry/
ARTICLES
Osprey Restoration: Understanding Excise Taxes & Wildlife Conservation
Preserving Wildlife Through Partnership: Osprey Restoration Supported by Firearm and Ammunition Excise Taxes
Hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike share a common goal: the preservation of wildlife and their habitats. One of the successful initiatives that demonstrate this commitment is this osprey restoration project, a collaborative effort funded by firearm and ammunition excise taxes. This project, carried out in partnership with the NSSF, Henry Repeating Arms, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife, showcases how excise taxes play a crucial role in supporting wildlife conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
In the latest video in our Partner with a Payer series, representatives from Henry Repeating Arms, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, and NSSF join to survey and band an osprey population. Read NSSF’s press release here.
The Osprey Restoration: A Triumph of Conservation
One remarkable conservation success story is the revival of the osprey population in New Jersey. Four to five decades ago, ospreys were a rare sight in the state. However, through the funding provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, and the partnership of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife, and firearm manufacturers like Henry Repeating Arms, osprey restoration has become a reality.
Representatives from Henry Repeating Arms, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife, and USFWS have joined forces to actively engage in osprey population surveys and banding efforts. These initiatives provide a firsthand perspective on the tangible results of the excise tax contributions. The restoration efforts have led to a remarkable increase in osprey nests, from a mere 50 to over 700, showcasing the effectiveness of dedicated funding and collaborative partnerships.
Excise Taxes: Funding the Future of Conservation
The United States has long been a leader in wildlife conservation thanks to The North American Model of Conservation, a system that recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between natural resources and their sustainable use. This model emphasizes the value of cooperation between various stakeholders, including hunters, firearm manufacturers, and conservation agencies. By paying excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, these manufacturers contribute to a dedicated funding stream that fuels conservation initiatives across the nation.
Under the Pittman-Robertson Act, firearm and ammunition manufacturers and importers pay excise taxes, which are then redistributed to individual states for wildlife conservation efforts, hunter-education programs, and target shooting programs. To date, more than $16.4 billion (over $25 billion when adjusted for inflation) has been contributed through these taxes. This consistent funding has allowed for the resurgence of osprey populations, a testament to the impact of sustained financial support.
A Call to Action for Manufacturers
Henry Repeating Arms is a shining example of a company that not only contributes to the excise tax fund but actively participates in conservation projects like the osprey restoration. By supporting initiatives that focus on wildlife conservation, shooting sports traditions, education, and advocacy, firearm and ammunition manufacturers are making a positive impact on the environment and preserving outdoor experiences for generations to come.
The Osprey Banding Project serves as a beacon of hope for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. By showcasing the positive outcomes of excise tax contributions, collaborative partnerships, and dedicated conservation efforts, this project highlights the power of working together to ensure the survival of endangered species and the protection of their habitats. Through the ongoing support of manufacturers, hunters, and outdoor advocates, the legacy of the North American Model of Conservation continues to thrive, creating a better future for both wildlife and humanity.
Partner with a Payer
The Partner with a Payer initiative was developed to help generations of employees in the firearm, archery and angling industries, state agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to better understand their, and each other’s, roles in conservation.
More info and resources at https://www.nssf.org/partner-with-payer/
See other Partner with a Payer Videos:
How Do Excise Taxes Benefit Hunter Education | Clark County Shooting Complex
How Excise Taxes support Fish Restoration, Conservation and More
Understanding Excise Taxes & Wildlife Conservation | Bighorn Sheep Population Management
Rice fields are considered a prime location for duck hunting because they provide a rich food source for ducks, making flooded rice fields particularly attractive to large waterfowl populations. Waste grain, weed seeds, and aquatic invertebrates bring tens of thousands of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes to this area of Texas, approximately 85 miles southwest of Houston. Many rice farmers lease their fields to hunters or hunting outfitters during the hunting season to generate additional income; 
At dinner that night, I asked Karen Butler what her inspiration was in getting this group of dynamic women together for the hunt. “I started Shoot Like A Girl because I wanted every woman to feel the confidence that comes from shooting sports, and I’ve proved that if we can just introduce people to shooting in a safe and controlled environment, they become participants,” she said. “The NSSF does so much for our industry; their +ONE initiative aligns perfectly with our mission. Beretta asked us four years ago to organize an all-female hunt to take new hunters afield; each year these hunts have evolved. When we create content that highlights this great program, it is a win for Beretta, Shoot Like A Girl, and the shooting sports industry, as we must encourage new enthusiasts to guarantee our traditions for future generations.”