The agencies need these funds primarily for non-game wildlife management. This category of wildlife, unlike game and threatened and endangered species, has no specifically directed funding. We continue to feel that the Teaming With Wildlife funding mechanism that called for a small excise tax on outdoor equipment would have addressed an equity issue. Hunters and anglers have for decades willingly paid such a tax on their equipment and continue to provide the vast majority of funding for state fish and wildlife agencies. The need for financial support of state fish and wildlife agencies is well documented.
Support is long overdue, both from within the states and from a dedicated federal source.
We believe that federal aid is a critical and appropriate component. Wildlife is oblivious to political boundaries. While states have a statutory responsibility for managing most wildlife, these populations can and do cross boundaries and are a part of the nation's commonly held assets. All citizens have an interest in the wellbeing of wildlife populations, regardless of geography. The states have the lion's share of responsibility to provide for the needs of wildlife under their stewardship.