PRATT -- While many Kansans receive income tax returns each spring, few think of a state agency getting a "tax return." However, this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will receive a share of more than $530 million in excise taxes that are returned to the states and have been paid by America's recreational shooters, hunters, anglers, and boaters. This "tax return" helps support the department's fish and wildlife, conservation, and education programs. The total apportionment to Kansas this year is $8,393,497. Of this, nearly $4.3 million will be used for fisheries programs, and about $4.13 will be allocated for wildlife programs, including approximately $463,000 for hunter education. The money will also help pay for aquatic education and fish and wildlife-related recreation projects.

Programs such as fish and wildlife monitoring, habitat improvement, acquisition of land for habitat conservation and species protection, research, education, and other programs are partially funded through two federal programs. Wildlife restoration is guided by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 and is funded by the collection of excise taxes and import duties on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Sport fish restoration is guided by the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 and is funded by the collection of excise taxes and import duties on sport fishing equipment and tackle, trolling motors, motorboat and small engine fuels, and pleasure boats.

"These federal monies are critical for Kansas sportsmen and women," said Joe Kramer, director of KDWP's Fisheries and Wildlife Division. "They make possible such popular programs as Walk-In Hunting, a variety of fish culture and stocking programs, and the recent Community Fisheries Assistance Program that enabled us to take over the management of community lakes and reduce angler costs."

The total 2005 wildlife restoration apportionment for all the state and territorial agencies is more than $235 million, with more than $46 million dedicated to hunter education and shooting range programs. Sport fish restoration support for 2005 totals nearly $295 million.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distributes wildlife funds to states based on land area (land plus inland waters, such as lakes and large rivers) and the number of hunting license holders in each state. Distribution of hunter education funds is based on the relative population of each state.

Sport fish restoration funds to the states are based on the land and water area (land plus inland water, plus the Great Lakes and marine coastal areas) and the number of fishing license holders in each state. States use Sport Fish Restoration Program funds to stock fish, acquire and improve sport fish habitat, provide aquatic resource education opportunities, conduct fisheries research, and build boat ramps, fishing piers and other facilities necessary to provide recreational boating access.

For more information on other state-by-state funding allocations, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website
-30-