Hunter Education Funding Sources

• The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provides federal aid to state wildlife agencies to support a variety of hunting-related projects, including hunter education, land acquisition, and improvement of wildlife habitat. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funding was established in 1937 by the Pittman-Robertson Act.
• State wildlife agencies sponsor the hunter education programs that are found in each state or province.
• Non-governmental organizations (Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association, International Hunter Education Association, etc.) offer hunter education and firearm safety education materials and training.
• Many firearm and archery manufacturers provide training materials to teach hunters how to use their products safely.
• Local hunting clubs, civic clubs, and businesses often provide the facilities and equipment for hunter education courses.

Pittman-Robertson Act

• The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, popularly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, was approved by Congress in 1937. The Act provides funding for the selection, restoration, and improvement of wildlife habitat, and for wildlife management research. The Act was amended in 1970 to include funding for hunter education programs and for the development and operation of public target ranges.
• Funds for the Act come from an 11% federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10% tax on handguns. One-half of the excise tax on handguns and archery equipment is used for hunter education and target ranges. These funds are collected from the manufacturers and are distributed each year to the states and territorial areas by the Department of the Interior.
• Each state’s proportion of the federal funds is based on the area of the state and the number of licensed hunters in the state. The state covers the full amount of an approved project and then applies for reimbursement through federal aid for up to 75% of the project’s expenses; the state is responsible for the other 25% of the project’s cost.