In this section you’ll find information and resources about how the system of state wildlife management in the U.S. works: how it is structured, where the money comes from, and who makes the decisions. You’ll also find information about some important current trends that have the potential to upend the status quo, as well as key concepts needed to transform the current system.
Overview of State Wildlife Management: The components of state wildlife management vary in detail by state but share some broad similarities. Every state has a wildlife agency that is either a standalone entity or part of a larger natural resources or environment department.
State Wildlife Agencies: All the states have an agency responsible for wildlife management. Twenty three states have a standalone wildlife agency. Three states have a standalone agency responsible for both wildlife and state parks. Twenty four states have a wildlife agency that is part of a larger natural resources or environmental department.
Where the Power Is: Understanding State Wildlife Commissions: In almost every state, there is an appointed volunteer commission, sometimes called a board (e.g. VT) or council (e.g. OH) that either oversees or advises the wildlife agency. Three states (MN, CT, RI) do not have wildlife commissions.
Follow the Money: Funding for State Wildlife Management: Funding for state wildlife agencies comes from four main sources: 1) license fees; 2) federal grants; 3) general funds; and 4) other sources. The relative contribution of these sources varies widely by state.
The Decline of Hunting and Fishing: In recent decades the number of hunters and anglers in the U.S. has declined both in actual numbers and as a percentage of the total U.S. population, based on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service records.
The Rise of Wildlife Watching: While the number of hunters and anglers has declined relative to the general population, public interest in wildlife watching has grown dramatically.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA): The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) has been knocking around Congress for a number of years in various versions. It would provide matching federal grants to the states for implementation of state wildlife action plans to conserve “species of greatest conservation need” (SGCN).
The Importance of Values in Wildlife Governance: Values play a key but seldom recognized role in wildlife decisions. Values – what people believe is important and ethical – underlie every decision about how wild animals should be treated. Science is important, of course, and should inform decisions as well.
The Ideal Wildlife Commissioner: Wildlife for All has developed the following recommended qualifications for commission candidates to ensure that they have the expertise, integrity and understanding needed to fulfill their principal duty: to serve as trustees of the wildlife public trust.
Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson at a Glance: The federal government makes matching grants to states and territories for the restoration and management of birds, mammals and sport fish, and for wildlife-associated public recreation. States are required to pay a 25 percent match. The source of these grants are federal taxes levied on various types of items.
