I think it's time for our legislators to reevaluate the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson) and the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingle-Johnson). Amendments ought to be made to place excise taxes on binoculars, spotting scopes, camo clothing, etc. that sportsmen and sportswomen buy, regardless of the outdoor activity they are participating in. This would increase the general funds of both acts and hence provide more money to states for wildlife and fishery habitat restoration. Even better might be the creation of a separate non-game habitat restoration act that places an excise tax on binos, scopes, clothing, packs, and other field gear used by outdoor enthusiasts.
Also, you don't have to fish or hunt to support Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trout Unlimited, etc. All of these organizations employ wildlife and fisheries biologists who are dedicated to finding and implementing practical management plans for our natural resources. These organizations are geared towards managing game species, but non-game species benefit tremendously from their management plans. Patrick Beauzay Department of Entomology 217 Hultz Hall, Bolley Drive North Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58105 701-231-9491 [email protected]
