In 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act, applied a user fee on fishing equipment. Through these programs, hunters and anglers pay for conservation projects each time they purchase rods, reels, guns and other hunting and fishing gear. Teaming With Wildlife is expanding upon this successful model for other outdoor enthusiasts to benefit wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and conservation education programs in all 50 states. A steering committee of national conservation organizations reviewed a wide range of potential funding mechanisms. This approach was tried for the past 20 years.
Revenues generated are neither adequate nor stable.
It is a difficult program to market. Americans are generally not supportive of making contributions this way. This approach requires a large, expensive marketing effort. The costs associated with administering and collecting revenues are very high. A large, expensive infrastructure of collection stations is necessary, including personnel funds.