Wildlife Resources Division fact sheet

FACT SHEET

Mission
Conserve and promote fishing, hunting and wildlife resources through management, education and scientific research.
www.georgiawildlife.com

Hunters, anglers, boaters and other wildlife enthusiasts spend MILLIONS OF DOLLARS each day in Georgia.
FISHING
1.08 million resident anglers fish in Georgia.* Anglers spend more than 8.7 million days a year on the water. Anglers in Georgia generate $1.3 billion in retail sales, with a $2.1 billion ripple effect each year. Fishing in Georgia is responsible for 15,644 jobs, $622 million in salaries/wages/earnings, $109
million in state and local tax revenues, and $147 million in federal tax revenues.
*6 years old and up

HUNTING
640,324 residents hunt in Georgia.* Hunters spend more than 9.9 million days a year in the field. Hunters account for $977 million in retail sales in Georgia, with a $1.6 billion ripple effect each
year, up $500 million since 2006. Hunting in Georgia is responsible for 23,996 jobs, $600 million in salaries/wages/earnings,
$106 million in state and local taxes, and $145 million in federal tax revenue.
*6 years old and up
WILDLIFE VIEWING
2.4 million residents and visitors take part in Georgia wildlife-viewing activities each year. On average, wildlife watchers spend $639 per person on food and lodging, transportation,
equipment and supplies each year. This group spends an estimated $1.8 billion annually in the state.
SHOOTING SPORTS
Over 660,000 people participate in target shooting in Georgia. Shooters account for $326 million in retail sales with a total economic impact of $559 million. Shooting provides over $191 million in salaries/wages/earnings. Shooting provides $40 million in state and local taxes and $48.5 million in federal taxes each year. WRD is currently renovating shooting ranges at Clybel, Wilson Shoals, West Point, and
Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Areas using over $4 million of Hunter Education and Shooting Range grant funds.
SOURCES: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, American Sportfishing Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Southwick Associates, Responsive Management 2011 & 2018 (Resident Participation In Freshwater and Saltwater Sport Fishing and Hunting in Georgia), License Sales Data CY17

FACTS & STATS

105 Wildlife Management Areas 10 Public Fishing Areas 10 Fish Hatcheries 7 Regional Education Centers
17 Shooting Ranges 22 Archery Ranges 152 Boat Ramps
Management & research efforts on more than 500,000 acres of public waters, 16,000 miles of streams/rivers & one million acres of public land

Wildlife Resources Division reaches tens of thousands of children each year through: Outdoor Adventure Days Conservation Education Programs Kids Fishing & Hunting Events Hunter Education and more

Georgia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, ranking: 2nd in amphibian species 3rd in freshwater fish species 7th in reptile species 7th in vascular plant species
SOURCE: NatureServe

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT
ACCOUNTABILITY
Wildlife Resources Division averages approximately $20 million in federal Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration funds each year. These funds come from a federal tax on ammunition, guns, archery equipment, fishing equipment and motorboat fuel. To receive federal funds, Georgia must spend 100% of state revenue collected from hunting/fishing licenses on sport fish and wildlife management to benefit hunters and anglers.
HUNTING & FISHING LICENSE INCREASE
With the passage of HB 208 in 2017, hunting and fishing license fees increased for the first time since 1992. How are the additional funds being used? The new revenue is dedicated to supporting DNR's core mission.
How WRD is Reinvesting Revenue: Increase services to citizens--Technical assistance with private lands, and clubs Increased production of fish at state hatcheries for stocking public rivers, streams and reservoirs Better access on wildlife management areas, public fishing areas, Georgia lakes and rivers Improving opportunity--educational programs, habitat management, etc.

FY 18 REVENUE SOURCES

FY 18 EXPENSES

Other Funds* $33,476,753
37%
State Funds: Other State Revenue $3,990,437 4%
State Funds: License Revenue
$16,658,251 18%

Federal Funds $37,155,919 41%

Administration/License & Boat Registration $7,092,505 8%

Wildlife Conservation $20,320,490 22%

Game Management $46,784,011 51%

*Other funds comprise license plate sales, donations, timber revenue, bond funds, etc.

Fisheries $17,084,354
19%