FACT SHEET www.georgiawildlife.com MISSION Conserve and promote fishing, hunting and wildlife resources through management, education and scientific research. FISHING 1 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. HUNTING 642,545 residents hunt in Georgia. Hunters spend more than 8.9 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. 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. 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 More than 1.2 million people participate in shooting (handgun, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader) in Georgia. Shooters account for more than $532 million in retail sales with a total economic impact of $644 million. Shooting provides over $243 million in salaries. Shooting provides $41 million in state and local taxes and $58.8 million in federal taxes each year. Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is currently renovating ranges at Dixon Memorial, Mike Commander, Ocmulgee, Yuchi and the Walton Wildlife Management Areas using over $8 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) 20192020 FACTS STATS 107 Wildlife Management Areas 10 Public Fishing Areas 10 Fish Hatcheries 7 Regional Education Centers 17 Shooting Ranges 21 Archery Ranges 156 Boat Ramps on public waters Management and research efforts on more than one million acres of public land, 500,000 acres of public waters, and 16,000 miles of streams/rivers. 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 2002 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 The Outdoors GA app, free in Google Play or Apple store, has multiple uses, including purchasing and storing hunting and fishing licenses (for multiple people), finding hunting and fishing areas, helping locate boat ramps, viewing regulations and allowing hunters to check their game harvest, even without cell service. RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT 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, 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. YOUR LICENSE DOLLARS AT WORK When you purchase a hunting or fishing license, did you know that it directly affects the work that WRD is able to do for you? Some examples of projects completed this past year using license dollar revenue, includes: Shooting Range Renovations: Extensive renovations were completed at West Point, Wilson Shoals and Richmond Hill shooting ranges. Boat Ramp Improvements: In an effort to provide better access, WRD worked on three new projects, such as Pope's Ferry Landing, and did multiple renovations and upgrades, such as adding lighting, restrooms, signage, parking and more. Other Funds* $25,654,005 32% State Funds: Other State Revenue $3,071,880 4% Federal Funds $32,237,376 41% State Funds: License Revenue $18,339,497 23% FY 19 REVENUE SOURCES Administration/License & Boat Registration $7,176,007 9% Wildlife Conservation $10,780,024 14% FY 19 EXPENSES Fisheries $17,027,380 21% Game Management $44,319,348 56% *Other funds made up of license plate sales, donations, timber revenue, bond funds, etc.