Where Wildlife Funding Comes From (and How Its Spent)

I was checking some info on the website for the Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife (aka the best state agency we have) and came across some great statistics.  They detail where KDFW gets their funding and how it is spent. It’s not a new story but it’s one worth retelling.

 

Funding Sources

53% Hunting and fishing licenses

34% Federal grants (based on number of licenses sold)

7% Boating

6% Miscellaneous

 

Funding Use

28% Law Enforcement

27% Wildlife

17% Fisheries

13% Information & Education

11% Administrative & Support

4% Capital Construction

 

You will notice that 53% of the money they get comes from sportsmen. 60% if you count boaters. That’s huge folks.  You will also notice there isn’t a line on there for Greenpeace, PETA or any of the other so-called environmental/animal protection groups. The fact remains that sportsmen are the number one source of money for wildlife protection in this country. Factor in land donations, land management, volunteer hours and the necessary work of managing animal populations through harvesting and the level of involvement goes even higher.

I truly believe that preserving our natural heritage is a moral cause. I’m proud that my fellow sportsmen (and women) are a big part of that effort. What is even more critical though is in finding ways to being outdoor enthusiasts who do not hunt or fish into the funding stream. I’m not sure what the most fair way is to do that, but it needs to be done. Sportsmen have voluntarily regulated themselves for over a generation. It’s time other nature lovers begin to do the same.