Hunting is declining in the US, which is good news for wildlife, but bad news for conservation agencies that rely on hunting-related taxes for funding. Some states are considering alternative funding sources, such as sales taxes and taxes on wildlife hobbyists. President Teddy Roosevelt protected 230 million acres of land for wildlife, and the word “snipe” originated from the difficulty of hunting the bird.
There is good news and bad news regarding wildlife life in the United States. The good news is that hunting is steadily declining. Ironically, the bad news is that this decline is cutting funding from conservation agencies that help protect wildlife.
State wildlife agencies receive about 60 percent of their funding from hunting-related taxes, including hunting licenses and equipment taxes. Until recently, the system has worked well, with agencies even restoring the populations of some animals that had been hunted to near extinction.
However, only 5% of Americans are hunting these days, up from 10% in the 1960s and 1970s, and it seems likely that this decline will continue. With such a loss, conservation agencies are looking for money elsewhere, including Congress, which could draw on oil and gas revenues to help. Some states are considering raising sales taxes and levying taxes on those who enjoy wildlife as a hobby, such as people who carry binoculars instead of shotguns.
Hunting in the crosshairs:
About one-third of American hunters are baboomers; most hunters hang up their rifles around age 65.
An avid hunter, President Teddy Roosevelt enacted laws that now protect 230 million acres of land for wildlife.
The word “snipe” originated in response to how difficult it is for a hunter to shoot a snipe, which is an alert and fast bird.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
