The Pittman Robinson Act became law in 1937. This act set an excise tax of 11% on the wholesale price of long guns and ammunition and 10% on hand guns. This tax applies to all commercial sales and imports and is paid by all manufacturers and importers. Since its inception over $8 billion dollars has been collected. The funds are distributed to each individual state by a formula determined by the area of the state and the number of paid hunting licenses in the state.

These funds cannot be used for law enforcement but are used for conservation efforts, hunters education and shooting projects and programs.

In 2000 Alabama's allocation was $3.4 million dollars. By 2014, that had grown to $18.4 million dollars. Alabama department of conservation can access this money on a 3 to 1 dollar match. Alabama's part must come from the sale of hunting licenses. Monies not claimed by Alabama are returned for distribution to other states.

Although it is not neccessary to have a license in order to hunt at Selwood, I would like to encourage each of you to purchase a license annually, which will help our state maximize the oppotunity for these funds.

I hope to see each of you soon at Selwood. Come have a blast!

Respectfully,