Date: August 29, 2024
To: The Honorable Senator Wimberger and Representative Wittke, and members of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee
From: Luke Hilgemann, Executive Director of the International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action
Subject: Support for Legislative Audit of Wisconsin State Fish and Wildlife Accounts
Honorable Members of the Committee,
My name is Luke Hilgemann, and I am the Executive Director of the International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action. Our organizations have been educating Americans on the importance of maintaining the North American Conservation Model since our founding in 1975. We also advocate for the protection of fishing and hunting rights with members in all 50 states.
I am writing to you today to voice our strong support for a legislative audit of the Wisconsin State Fish and Wildlife Accounts, as well as the funds Wisconsin receives from the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs.
According to recent news reports, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) anticipates collecting $62.3 million in license fee revenues and other funds into the Fish and Wildlife Accounts by 2026. Despite this, they are projecting a shortfall of an estimated $16 million in the account for that same year. This discrepancy raises serious concerns and underscores the need for a thorough audit.
Additionally, the state of Wisconsin has received record payments from federal programs designed to support conservation efforts:
– Pittman-Robertson: $33,751,000 in 2023
– Dingell-Johnson: $13,100,000 in 2023
These funds are generated through excise taxes willingly paid by sportsmen and women on outdoor-related products such as guns, ammunition, bows, arrows, fishing rods, and tackle. For decades, these individuals have gladly contributed to conservation related programs, trusting that their dollars are being used effectively and transparently to advance and protect our
outdoor heritage.
Before the DNR seeks to increase fees or collect additional revenues, we believe it is imperative that they account for the over $100 million in hunting and fishing-related dollars they are already entrusted with. Accountability and oversight are not just themes; they are essential principles that ensure the proper use of funds dedicated to wildlife and habitat conservation.
To be clear, the fee increases that some in the DNR are discussing will make hunting less accessible for hard-working Wisconsinites. As a proud Wisconsin hunter and angler, I want to protect these traditions for the next generation and support our Legislature taking every possible step to avoid unnecessary cost increases during a time of inflation and uncertainty in our economy. We need to cherish our hunting heritage and make sure that everyone in Wisconsin can afford the opportunity to take part in our sport.
An audit is the first critical step in providing the transparency that Wisconsin sportsmen and women deserve. We must ensure that our dollars are being spent on the intended purposes—enhancing herds, flocks, and access, rather than on unrelated programs and potentially unnecessary bureaucratic positions.
In conclusion, we thank Senators Stafsholt and Felzkowski and others for calling for this audit. IOTR and TRA strongly urge the committee to support a full legislative audit of the Wisconsin State Fish and Wildlife Accounts and the funds received from the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs. This audit will provide the transparency and accountability needed before any additional revenues are asked for or collected. It is our duty to ensure that the financial resources dedicated to conservation are managed responsibly and effectively.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Luke Hilgemann
Executive Director
International Order of T. Roosevelt and T. Roosevelt Action
