Did you know that as active outdoors people and shooting sports participants we all help contribute to making the outdoor world the great place that it is? We do this through a special excise tax collected on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. These monies are part of a piece of legislation called the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. Monies from these taxes are distributed to state wildlife agencies for the good of everyone who uses the outdoors, including campers, hikers, birdwatchers, hunters, shooters, anglers and many more. Here’s an infographic created by the NSSF about the Act.

Some of the many programs funded by the Pittman-Robertson Act are state hunter education courses. Even if you never plan to hunt, taking a hunter education course with family and friends is well worth your time. Many subjects are covered that can provide you with a better understanding of wildlife and habitat conservation (and how firearms enthusiasts and sportsmen play such an important role in both) and improve your firearms safety knowledge. You may even find a reason to try hunting.

The International Hunter Education Association-USA has links to all state wildlife agencies. Click here to find yours.

Someone once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Never is that statement truer than when it comes to firearms and how sportsmen and sportswomen come together to contribute to something like the Pittman-Robertson Act in which we all work together to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. So get out there, shoot, participate, and share your new-found appreciation for the shooting sports and the great outdoors—for it truly is great, and you are an important part of helping it stay that way.