The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds much of the wildlife conservation in Texas.

This federal excise tax has provided billions of dollars to state wildlife agencies for habitat improvement, game conservation and enhancement, range development and hunter education programs.

So how does it work? States receive the funds collected from federal excise taxes paid by manufacturers, producers and importers:

• 11% on sporting rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and archery equipment

• 10% tax on handguns

This applies to all commercial sales, whether for hunting, sport shooting or even home defense. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service then distributes this money to states based on land area and the number of hunting licenses sold. The funds allow TPWD to offer services including:

• Technical guidance to private landowners (who control most Texas wildlife habitat)

• Surveys and research for development of hunting regulations

• Wildlife management area operations

• Hunter education course instruction

• Wildlife population and habitat management

• Shooting range construction and management

So how do you fit into this? Your purchases of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment directly contribute to a system that has become known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation - the world's most successful wildlife management system. Hunters, shooters and firearm owners contribute to creating better opportunities for hunting and shooting.

In a nutshell, sportsmen and women provide the resources needed to protect and preserve Texas wildlife, create safer hunters and expand Texas sporting traditions.

Click here for more information.