OSCF Partners with Mossberg and Georgia DNR to Thank H.A.T.S.

The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has once again partnered with another firearm industry giant in Mossberg as well as the Georgia DNR (Department of Natural Resources) for a new episode of “Connecting with Conservation.” OSCF developed the “Connecting with Conservation” video series to collaborate with industry manufacturers and state agencies. The latest video showcases a visit to the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center managed by the Georgia DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and a visit with Mossberg staff to share how purchasing a hunting license, ammunition, or a firearm helps improve both wildlife populations and their habitats.

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) Coverage on AllOutdoor

Middlebury, Connecticut – March 26th, 2024 – Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has partnered with Mossberg® and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) for a new episode of Connecting with Conservation. This video series was developed to thank America’s 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) for being primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in the United States.
“The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and O.F. Mossberg & Sons are integral parts of the wildlife conservation cycle, and we thank them for everything they do,” said OSCF’s Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “Most of all we want to thank our fellow hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters for buying hunting and fishing licenses, as well as outdoor products like firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods, reels and lures that support conservation funding efforts. Without the support of HATS, state fish and wildlife agencies would not be able to do all the great conservation work they do, so thank you for being primary funders of conservation.”
In the early 1900s, as numerous wildlife species faced declining populations due to loss of habitat and unregulated market hunting, sportsmen and the firearms and ammunition industry pass the Pittman-Robertson (P-R) Act in 1937, now known as Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. The P-R Act ensures that revenues generated from excise taxes on firearms and ammunition are allocated to state wildlife agencies, enabling them to fund conservation projects, hunter education programs and the operation of archery and shooting ranges.

“If you’re a hunter, a shooter, a trapper or an angler, we thank you,” said Jennifer Davison of the GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division. “Without you and your purchases, we could not accomplish all the work we’ve done through our outreach and conservation that are making our state great.”
For more than 75 years, this partnership between hunters, sport shooters and the firearms and ammunition industry has helped fund wildlife conservation and public access to natural resources in America. To date, more than $7 billion has been collected from manufacturers and made available to states for their conservation efforts.
“I’m proud to be a hunter, and of my role in being a conservationist,” said Linda Powell, director of media relations for Mossberg®. “I want to thank the other hunters out there who also contribute. Remember, your firearms, ammunition and hunting license purchases all help fund wildlife conservation.”

This ‘Connecting with Conservation’ video was produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Adam Scepaniak