Understanding the Crucial Relationship Between Firearm Manufacturers and Wildlife Conservation
NSSF, SIG SAUER, AFWA and USFWS unite to ensure the future of wildlife and habitat for many years to come.
The importance of the relationship between manufacturers like Sig Sauer and wildlife conservation can’t be understated. The symbiotic nature of the excise tax funding model in the United States allows for all involved parties to benefit, and further, the funds generated benefit all citizens through great conservation projects and supporting healthy fish and wildlife populations.
https://youtu.be/ecmFvQfXHeo?si=_YbigDX71L7ZF7oD
In the latest video in our
Partner with a Payer series, representatives from various wildlife agencies visited Sig Sauer’s facility in Newington, NH, to see how the money from excise taxes, paid by manufacturers, supports conservation efforts. Read NSSF's
press release here.
Financial Impact of the Pittman-Robertson Act
Since its implementation, the Pittman-Robertson Act has generated over $16.4 billion (more than $25 billion when adjusted for inflation) for states across the U.S. These funds are pivotal for wildlife conservation, hunter education programs, and the development of public shooting ranges. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, emphasized the critical nature of the partnership between firearm and ammunition manufacturers and state and federal wildlife agencies. This symbiotic relationship, he noted, has been instrumental in the success of conservation efforts over the past several decades.
SIG SAUER’s Contributions
Tom Taylor, an executive at SIG SAUER, explained that the company does more than just make products. SIG SAUER takes pride in providing significant funding for initiatives that support hunters, wildlife conservation, and other projects funded by the Pittman-Robertson Act. Their contributions help maintain healthy habitats and create public shooting sports ranges, showing their commitment to the environment.
The Significance of Excise Taxes
The excise taxes collected from manufacturers like SIG Sauer are indispensable for state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds support a broad array of conservation activities, from buying land for habitat preservation to active habitat management.
Broad Benefits of Conservation Funding
The benefits of these funds extend beyond the hunting and shooting communities. The conservation efforts supported by excise taxes enhance biodiversity, preserve natural habitats, and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. This, in turn, benefits all citizens, as healthy environments are crucial for clean air, water, and the overall well-being of communities.
The partnership between firearm manufacturers and wildlife conservation agencies is a model for the world. It shows how industry participation can positively impact the environment and highlights the need for ongoing support for conservation efforts.
In short, the relationship between firearm manufacturers and wildlife conservation is vital. By understanding how excise taxes and industry contributions fund conservation, hunters and shooters can see the positive impact their purchases have on preserving nature for future generations.
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:
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/how-do-excise-taxes-benefit-hunter-education-clark-county-shooting-complex/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/how-excise-taxes-support-fish-restoration-conservation-and-more/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/understanding-excise-taxes-wildlife-conservation-bighorn-sheep-population-management/