Letter: Taxes on hunting equipment fund conservation

The Salt Lake Tribune
October 26, 2013

I am a hunter and a conservationist who recognizes how blessed I am to live in one of the most pristine and breathtakingly beautiful states in the America. It is important that hunters continue to preserve this gift for our next generation of hunters.

Many people are unaware that hunters support conservation with every purchase of hunting equipment because the proceeds of the 11 percent excise tax on hunting equipment are allocated toward conservation, as dictated by the Pittman- Robertson Act. The proceeds from the licenses hunters are required to purchase are also allocated toward conservation.

Prior to the enactment of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937, many game animal populations were dwindling, many nearing extinction, and their habitats significantly degraded. Since the passage of Pittman-Robertson and the contributions of hunters, many species have rebounded and habitat is being appropriately managed and restored.

Hunters are important assets for Utah and America’s conservation model, and with every purchase of hunting equipment we continue to preserve hunting for our next generation.

Roy Hampton
President
Utah Bowman’s Association
Lehi