Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs
The
Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration programs are tremendous
examples of true partnership programs between private
industries, state governments, the federal government and the
hunters, anglers and boaters. The manufacturers of firearms,
ammunition, bows and arrows, rods, reels fishing tackle and fish
finders pay an excise tax (3-12.4%) at first sale. Additionally,
gasoline fuels are taxed and a portion of those dollars from
motorboats and small engines are dedicated to the Sport Fish
Restoration Program. The federal government collects these taxes
and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service administers and disburses
these funds to the state fish and wildlife agencies. Hunters,
anglers, shooters and boaters ultimately pay these taxes through
the purchase of products. It is these same people who benefit
from these funds as the states must spend the money on sport
fish and wildlife habitat restoration/development, population
management, user access and facilities and education.
The funds are used by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation for:
- purchasing fish and wildlife lands and waters
- developing lakes, wetlands and other fish and wildlife habitat
- construction fish hatcheries, research laboratories and user facilities
- operating and maintaining wildlife management areas, shooting ranges, fishing lakes and access areas for the optimum use by the public
- constructing boating access facilities such as boat ramps, docks, parking lots, restrooms and fish cleaning stations
- surveying and managing fish and wildlife populations
- training volunteer instructors and educating young hunters, archers and anglers in safe firearms handling, archery instruction, water safety, fish and wildlife resources, ethics afield and introductory hunting and fishing techniques.
The Cycle of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funding
2008 Sport Fish Restoration Dollars at Work in Oklahoma: $7,502,897.00
2008 Wildlife Restoration Dollars at Work in Oklahoma: $6,549,087.00
Total Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration Dollars: $14,051,984.00
Economic Benefits of Fishing and Hunting in Oklahoma*
Your Involvement is Needed!
Because these programs are critically important to anglers, hunters, recreational shooters and boaters your awareness and support of the Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration Programs is important. The Success of Oklahoma’s fisheries and wildlife management efforts depends upon these dedicated funds and your license dollars.
Your purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, equipment, and motorboat fuels
keeps your outdoor traditions alive.