What is the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition used to fund?

The federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition is specifically allocated to fund wildlife restoration projects. This tax generates significant revenue that is used to support various initiatives aimed at restoring and enhancing wildlife populations and their habitats across the country. The funding contributes to programs that improve the management and conservation of wildlife resources, which is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable hunting and fishing opportunities.

This federal funding comes from the Pittman-Robertson Act, which was established to promote conservation efforts by leveraging revenue from the sale of firearms and ammunition. The tax helps in the development of state programs that enhance wildlife populations, allowing them to recover and thrive. In contrast, state-level programs, the administration of hunting licenses, and wildlife protection laws may be funded through other means such as state taxes or license fees, but they are not funded by this specific federal excise tax.