AP 1-15,2016
The director of Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department says the agency’s financial situation has improved, largely due to federal funds supported by gun and ammo sales.
Scott Talbott says the department’s revenue has increased “almost exponentially” in recent years. He attributes the growth to President Barack Obama and other leaders who’ve pushed for stricter gun control measures, prompting a surge in gun purchases.
Gov. Matt Mead formed a task force last year to address the Game and Fish Department’s budget troubles. But Talbott says the extra federal funding has helped, and now the agency doesn’t need a $12.6 million funding increase included in its 2017-18 budget request.
State wildlife agencies receive federal payments funded by a federal excise tax on firearms and ammo.
