Gun Owners Fund $1+ Billion for Wildlife, Ranges, and Conservation in 2026
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More than $1 billion generated from federal excise taxes on firearms and ammunition will be distributed this year to support wildlife conservation, public shooting ranges, and hunter education programs across the country.
That funding comes from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, one of the most successful conservation programs in American history. And here’s the part that often gets ignored: Gun owners pay for it.
How Pittman-Robertson Works
Since 1937, Pittman-Robertson has collected:
11% excise tax on long guns and ammunition
10% excise tax on handguns
Those dollars are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and distributed to state wildlife agencies. States must apply for funds and provide a 25% match—usually through hunting and fishing license revenue—while federal dollars cover 75% of approved projects.
The result? A powerful user-pay system that directly ties firearm and ammunition purchases to conservation and public access.
The Numbers Are Massive
Over the past 15 years, funding has surged due to increased firearm and ammunition sales.
In 2012: $371 million allocated
By 2014: $760 million allocated
Fiscal Year 2026: Over $1.2 billion distributed
Since its creation, Pittman-Robertson and its companion acts have generated:
$31+ billion in federal conservation funding
$10+ billion in state matching funds
Officials credit the program with:
Supporting over 800 species of mammals and birds
Providing hunter education to more than 1 million students
Opening over 36 million acres of land to public hunting and fishing
Constructing or renovating 850+ public shooting ranges
That’s real impact.
Hunters and Shooters Make It Possible
Funds are distributed based largely on hunting license sales. In FY2026:
Texas received $38.5 million
Alaska, with only 738,000 residents but strong hunting participation, received $35.5 million
California, despite a much larger population, received $26.8 million
The difference? Participation. States that encourage hunting and shooting sports benefit the most from this conservation model. According to National Shooting Sports Foundation Public Affairs Director Mark Oliva:
“The wildlife we enjoy in America is the envy of the world. That’s possible because of the user-pays system that funds it… It is today’s hunters—and most accurately today’s recreational target shooters—who make this possible.”
In other words, firearm and ammunition purchasers are among the largest contributors to wildlife conservation in the United States.
Conservation Is a 2A Story
This is a powerful reminder that the Second Amendment community isn’t just about rights—it’s about stewardship.
Every box of ammunition sold and every firearm purchased helps fund:
Habitat restoration
Wildlife management
Public land access
Hunter safety education
Shooting range construction
That’s a legacy worth protecting.
Proud to Be Part of the Tradition
At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s Premier Indoor Range and Firearms Store, we’re proud to serve a community that directly funds conservation across America. When you shop with us—whether for hunting rifles, target ammunition, or range time—you’re contributing to a system that supports wildlife, public access, and future generations of sportsmen and women.
The anti-gun narrative often ignores this reality. But the truth is simple: Gun owners are conservationists. And through Pittman-Robertson, they continue to prove it—year after year.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
