Since the 1930s, hunters have paid for wildlife conservation through license fees and Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on guns and ammunition. Anglers pay through Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Act.
Citizens in general were typically ignored relating to wildlife management and conservation issues and outdoor participation. Most state natural resource agencies ignore general populations because they were not paying into the conservation funds the way anglers and hunters do. Times have changed.
Commentary: Why we need a ‘Walk On Wildside’ conservation plan in Minnesota
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