Our Work /

Preserving Our Outdoor Heritage

Few Americans fully appreciate the importance of hunting and shooting sports to conservation. In 1937, a national coalition of hunters concerned about the long-term fate of America’s natural lands and wildlife supported passage of a federal tax on hunting gear to fund wildlife conservation at state and federal levels. Known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, this landmark legislation has generated more than $21 billion – yes, billion — for the conservation of wildlife and habitat across the United States.

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At the same time, in the absence of large natural predators, which have been eliminated in most of the continental United States, hunting is the most important and effective tool for keeping populations of deer and other game animals – including non-native, destructive wild pigs – in balance. By leasing lands for hunting, hunters also provide an important economic incentive for farmers and other private landowners to manage their lands for wildlife.

But the number of Americans who hunt has dropped sharply as older generations of hunters retire from hunting. Too few younger people are taking their place, leading to significant ecological and economic issues.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida financially supports FWC’s efforts to attract a new generation of men and women to hunting and the shooting sports, including archery. We also make grants to protect and manage important wildlife habitats and ensure public access to hunting lands, while improving deer stands, creating food plots, funding construction of wheelchair-accessible blinds and much else. One of our largest recent projects was completing the Palm Beach Shooting Sports Park, a multipurpose shooting facility that can host collegiate, national, and Olympic-caliber competitive events, as well as safely support the needs of recreational target shooters, hunters, and hunter-safety students.

You can help support the Foundation’s hunting and shooting sports initiative by making a donation here or buying the “Wildlife Foundation of Florida” specialty license plate that features the image of a deer. For every plate sold, our Foundation receives $25 for the above programs.

OUR OTHER WORK

Conserving Wildlife

Conserving Wildlife

We work with FWC and many others to conserve Florida’s outstanding animals and plants and the habitats they call home.

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Conserving Wildlife

Restoring our Reefs

Restoring our Reefs

Florida’s fisheries are renowned. But our reefs are declining. Read what we and others are doing about it.

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Restoring our Reefs

Combatting Invasives

Combatting Invasives

Lionfish, Burmese pythons and tegu lizards are among the non-native species threatening Florida’s ecosystems. You can help.

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Combatting Invasives

Getting Kids Back to Nature

Getting Kids Back to Nature

We help fund the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network which provides 200,000 children and teens annually with outdoor experiences.

Getting Kids Back to Nature