Hunting Gear and Conservation Timeline

Hunters and shooters pay for much of the wildlife conservation in the country through their gear. These are the key dated moments.

Hunting gear categories: optics, clothing, boots, packs, calls and decoys, knives and tools
Hunting gear categories

1937: The Pittman-Robertson Act puts a 10 percent federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition to fund state wildlife restoration.

1940s: The tax rate rises to 11 percent during World War II.

1970: Handguns are added to the excise tax.

1972: Archery equipment is added at 11 percent.

2009: Hunting Gear Buyers Guide.com publishes gear reviews and videos as part of the network.

Today: About 44 states have some blaze orange requirement for hunters.

Sources