OSCF Partners with Mossberg® and Georgia Department of Natural Resources to Thank HATS
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has partnered with Mossberg and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) for a new episode of Connecting with Conservation. This video series was developed to thank America’s 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) for being primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in the United States.
OSCF has developed a series entitled ‘Connecting with Conservation’, where it collaborates with industry manufacturers and state agencies. The latest video showcases a visit to the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center managed by the GADNR and a visit with Mossberg® staff to share how purchasing a hunting license, ammunition or a firearm helps improve both wildlife populations and their habitats.
“The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and O.F. Mossberg & Sons are integral parts of the wildlife conservation cycle, and we thank them for everything they do,” said OSCF’s Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “Most of all we want to thank our fellow hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters for buying hunting and fishing licenses, as well as outdoor products like firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods, reels and lures that support conservation funding efforts. Without the support of HATS, state fish and wildlife agencies would not be able to do all the great conservation work they do, so thank you for being primary funders of conservation.”
In the early 1900s, as numerous wildlife species faced declinining populations due to loss of habitat and unregulated market hunting, sportsmen and the firearms and ammunition industry pass the Pittman-Robertson (P-R) Act in 1937, now known as Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. The P-R Act ensures that revenues generated from excise taxes on firearms and ammunition are allocated to state wildlife agencies, enabling them to fund conservation projects, hunter education programs and the operation of archery and shooting ranges.
“If you’re a hunter, a shooter, a trapper or an angler, we thank you,” said Jennifer Davison of the GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division. “Without you and your purchases, we could not accomplish all the work we’ve done through our outreach and conservation that are making our state great.”
For more than 75 years, this partnership between hunters, sport shooters and the firearms and ammunition industry has helped fund wildlife conservation and public access to natural resources in America. To date, more than $7 billion has been collected from manufacturers and made available to states for their conservation efforts.
“I’m proud to be a hunter, and of my role in being a conservationist,” said Linda Powell, director of media relations for Mossberg®. “I want to thank the other hunters out there who also contribute. Remember, your firearms, ammunition and hunting license purchases all help fund wildlife conservation.”
To learn more about the OSCF, GADNR and Mossberg® watch the latest episode of Connecting with Conservation:
This 'Connecting with Conservation' video was produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
About OSCF
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of conservation in America. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Come With!”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council”, please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, jim@stewardsofconservation.org.
About Georgia Department of Natural Resources
From protecting coastal resources to overseeing preservation of historic sites, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources protects, conserves, and enhances the state's natural, historic, and cultural resources for present and future generations. It also recognizes and supports commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices. To learn more, visit www.gadnr.org.
