The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recently re-named Office of Conservation Investment announced that it has released two videos that highlight wildlife and sport fish conservation efforts made possible through excise taxes paid by the outdoor industry.

The first video released in March spotlights the relationship between firearms manufacturers and state and federal wildlife management agencies. Filmed during a tour of the SIG SAUER factory in New Hampshire, the video includes interviews that help to explain the excise tax funding made available through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. The symbiotic nature of the excise tax funding model in the United States allows for all involved parties to benefit, and further, the funds generated benefit all citizens through great conservation projects and supporting healthy fish and wildlife populations.

“At SIG SAUER we believe it’s not just our job to make products,” said Tom Taylor, CMO and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales at SIG SAUER. “It has been an honor to be able to provide significant funding to provide these types of initiatives for conservation.”

The second video highlights sport fish conservation efforts and shows how the Sport Fish Restoration Act ensures sustainable fish populations in the United States. The film creates an awareness of the Sport Fish Restoration Program partnerships and the opportunities for anglers and boaters made possible by excise taxes on angling equipment and fuel tax. Led by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources staff and hosted by Pitman Creek Wholesale in Stanford, Kentucky, this video footage includes state agency biologists conducting sport fish management field work and illustrating the importance of Sport Fish Restoration funding in benefiting fisheries resources and opportunities in Kentucky and beyond.

The videos are a product of the Partner with a Payer initiative, a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state fish and wildlife managers through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, as well as industry trade groups including the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, the American Sportfishing Association, the Archery Trade Association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Partner with a Payer is helping to explain the connection of these partners and how their relationship has benefited fish and wildlife conservation as well as provided increased recreational hunting, shooting, and fishing opportunities.