House passes changes to Pittman-Robertson

The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 2591, Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act last week.  The bill allows states to use Wildlife Restoration Account funds to build and maintain shooting ranges, and for communications and marketing efforts aimed at recruiting and retaining hunters and recreational shooters. The number of hunters in the U.S. has declined over the past several decades.

The Wildlife Society previously submitted testimony supporting the general effort but also outlining concerns the bill could result in funds being directed away from science-based management and wildlife research efforts.

A related bill in the Senate, S. 1613, has not yet been considered by committee.

See also The Wildlife Society’s Standing Position on Hunting.