[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat if your business or organization had a 2,000 percent return on investment? Such returns are a reality in the sportfishing industry, courtesy of the Sport Fish Restoration program. Thanks to this program, sportfishing excise taxes (10 -11 percent on tackle) have generated an amazing 2,157 percent annual return on the monies invested in fisheries and conservation. The excise tax dollars are allocated to state fish and wildlife agencies through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. These receipts are then matched by other funds including license fees paid by sportsmen and women and private dollars. State agencies use the funds to enhance fisheries and public access to fishing opportunities. One-time investments by state agencies often pay dividends for decades.
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A copy of the report “The Benefits to Business from Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes,” is available on the ASA website under Facts & Figures – Studies and Surveys. For more information, contact Rob Southwick, (904) 277-9765.
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