U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program

Wildlife Restoration Program - Overview

About
The Wildlife Restoration Program (WR) provides grant funds to the states and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for projects to restore, conserve, manage and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitat. Projects also include providing public use and access to wildlife resources, hunter education and development and management of shooting ranges. The Program is authorized by the Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson PR) of 1937.

The WR Program is the nation's oldest and most successful wildlife restoration program. Through the purchases of firearms, ammunitions and archery equipment the WR Program is a successful user pay, user benefit program.

The WR Program symbol may be downloaded and displayed by authorized users.

Learn more about Wildlife Restoration Program accomplishments.

Preview or download 2011 information brochures for the WSFR Program and Items Taxed to Support Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration in America.

Source of Funds
Excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and arrow components are collected and appropriated from the Wildlife Restoration Account. These funds are apportioned to states, the District of Columbia and insular areas based on a formula. The formula for apportioning WR Funds is based on land area, number of paid license holders, minimums and maximums. The formula for apportioning Hunter Education funds is based on population and also includes minimums and maximums. Learn about the economic benefits of the use of these funds.

Grants
States and the U.S. Insular Areas fish & wildlife agencies may apply for WR grants by contacting the specific WSFR Office or apply online at grants.gov.

Grants funds are disbursed to states for approved grants up to 75% of the project costs and insular areas up to 100% of the project costs.