Help ensure your harvest is just as memorable on the table as it was in the field.
Bacon-Wrapped Venison Filet Mignon
One of the most popular dishes at any good steakhouse is bacon-wrapped beef filet. Good reason, too. The combination of tender grilled beef and salty, smoky bacon is a classically delicious pairing, and the fat from the bacon helps add flavor to this lean cut of cow. Know what’s even better? Using the same technique with thick-cut venison backstrap.
Ask any group of dove hunters what their favorite recipe is, and chances are good that most of them are going to reply with “dove poppers.” They are a traditional appetizer treat when the sun goes down on dove season openers everywhere.
How Pittman-Robertson Funding Helps Keep America’s Elk Herds Thriving
For hunters across the country, elk represent one of North America’s most majestic and sought-after big game species. Whether it’s the crisp mountain air of the Rockies or the dense forests of the East, the opportunity to hunt elk is a privilege made possible by decades of dedicated conservation efforts—funded largely by hunters and the firearms industry through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.
https://youtu.be/yjGRitBCQAI?si=jPEw93wq-j_V3AfU
A new video in the Partner with a Payer® series highlights how Pittman-Robertson funds have contributed to the restoration and management of Pennsylvania’s elk herd, an effort that mirrors similar success stories across the country. Thanks to the excise taxes paid by firearms, ammunition and archery manufacturers—matched with the dollars spent on hunting licenses—state wildlife agencies have been able to restore elk populations, improve habitat and ensure that future generations will continue to have opportunities to experience these incredible animals.
Pennsylvania’s Elk Success Story
Elk were once abundant in Pennsylvania, but overhunting and habitat loss in the 1800s nearly wiped them out. Thanks to conservation funding, including Pittman-Robertson dollars, the state successfully reintroduced elk in the early 1900s. Today, Pennsylvania boasts a thriving herd of 1,400 to 1,500 elk, attracting hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
“With any wildlife species and especially our precious elk here in Pennsylvania, it's the primary economic driver of this whole area,” said David Gustafson, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission. “The visitation, the tourism from elk helps engage the greater public with wildlife and our mission as an agency.”
Each year, Pennsylvania hunters eagerly apply for a coveted elk tag, helping to manage the herd responsibly while also funding future conservation efforts. But the impact of Pittman-Robertson funding isn’t just limited to Pennsylvania—this funding model has helped restore elk herds across the country, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Western Plains.
How Hunters and Manufacturers Keep Conservation Thriving
Through the Pittman-Robertson Act, a 10-11% excise tax is placed on the sale of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment, with those funds being directed to state wildlife agencies for conservation projects, habitat restoration, hunter education and shooting range development.
Companies like Beretta USA, a long-time supporter of conservation efforts, recently sent a team to Pennsylvania to see firsthand how their contributions are being used to sustain the elk population.
“Because of the Pittman-Robertson Act, they were able to fund the habitat for the reintroduction of elk. Now they actually have a huntable population,” said Joe Cunniffe, Brand Marketing Manager, Hunting, Beretta USA.
“We cannot have places to go and spend time in the outdoors without the conservation efforts from the excise tax dollars,” added David Armistead, Manufacturing Manager, Beretta USA.
The work doesn’t stop with elk—Pittman-Robertson funds support conservation for deer, waterfowl, upland birds and countless other game species. Whether you hunt elk in the mountains, whitetails in the Midwest or turkeys in the South, the dollars you spend on firearms, ammunition and licenses help sustain the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.
Why This Matters for Every Hunter
The next time you step into the field, remember that the very landscapes and wildlife populations we enjoy today exist because of a conservation funding model that hunters and industry have supported for decades. Pittman-Robertson funding is proof that hunters are the original conservationists and our continued support of this system ensures that elk and other wildlife will thrive for generations to come.
You may also be interested in
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/explore-hunting/understanding-the-crucial-relationship-between-firearm-manufacturers-and-wildlife-conservation/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/hunter-education/archery-fuels-conservation-through-excise-taxes/
Bringing New Hunters Afield: Inside NDA's First Field to Fork Rifle Event on a Refuge
Bringing New Hunters into the Outdoors
Pennsylvania held its first Field to Fork rifle event at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Stroudsburg, PA. Organized by the National Deer Association (NDA) and supported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NSSF, this event provided a unique opportunity for adults from non-hunting backgrounds to experience deer hunting in a mentored setting.
This event was held in support of the NSSF's +One® Movement, which challenges hunters to become mentors, helping to secure the future of hunting and shooting sports. A Hunting Heritage Grant from the NSSF provided rifles for the participants. Additional support was provided by The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
A First-Time Rifle Hunt for New Hunters
For many participants, this was their first time hunting with a rifle. Pennsylvania has a rich tradition of deer hunting and rifle season holds a special place in the state's outdoor culture. Expanding Field to Fork into the rifle season meant that more newcomers had the chance to learn, practice marksmanship and ultimately experience their first hunt in a controlled, educational environment.
The event took place at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a former agricultural farm and golf course now undergoing habitat restoration. With a focus on conservation and sustainable land management, this refuge serves as an ideal setting to demonstrate how responsible hunting supports wildlife populations and land stewardship.
More Than Just the Hunt
Field to Fork events go beyond simply teaching new hunters how to harvest a deer-they emphasize the ethics, values and skills necessary to become responsible members of the hunting community. Participants learn about safety, tracking, deer behavior and ethical shot placement. For some, this experience was a culmination of multiple mentored hunts, showcasing the persistence and dedication required to become a successful hunter.
[caption id="attachment_65566" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Field to Fork Mentor Keith Doyle in the blind with new hunter Nina.[/caption]
One participant, Nina, had attended several mentored hunts before but had yet to harvest a deer. Instead of giving up, she remained determined, continually learning from mentors and refining her skills. Her resilience reflects the true spirit of hunting-patience, perseverance and respect for the process.
[caption id="attachment_65569" align="aligncenter" width="600"]New hunter Justin with Field to Fork mentor and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rep Matt Falteich.[/caption]
For another participant, Justin, the moment of taking his first deer was overwhelming. As soon as he made a successful shot, his mentor, Matt, stood up, cheered and embraced him-a moment of shared excitement that highlights the importance of mentorship in the hunting tradition. "That made it ten times better-sharing that with somebody," Justin said
Mentorship and Conservation: A Lasting Impact
Many participants in the Field to Fork program expressed interest in giving back by mentoring others. The value of a supportive hunting community was a recurring theme, as new hunters spoke about the confidence gained through hands-on learning with experienced mentors.
Additionally, the event reinforced the connection between hunting and conservation. Venison is not only a nutritious and sustainable food source, but responsible hunting also plays a critical role in maintaining balanced deer populations and healthy ecosystems. By participating in ethical hunting practices, new hunters become active contributors to conservation efforts.
A Path Forward for Hunting's Future
Programs like Field to Fork are vital in ensuring that hunting remains a strong and sustainable tradition. By removing barriers to entry-such as access to land, equipment and experienced mentors-these initiatives make hunting more accessible to a new generation.
For those in Pennsylvania looking to get involved in hunting, visit www.HuntDeerPA.com for more information on local programs and opportunities. To learn more about Field to Fork and how you can participate or support the program, visit National Deer Association's Field to Fork page.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or someone looking for a way to get started, mentoring or participating in a Field to Fork event is a powerful way to contribute to the future of hunting. These experiences create lifelong hunters, strengthen conservation efforts and ensure that hunting remains a valued part of our outdoor heritage.
Deer Hunting 101 Online Course
The Official NDA Deer Hunting Course will teach you where to hunt, deer hunting tips and strategies, the best rifle for hunting deer, and much more.
February 7, 2025
Moose population growth, ice skating turkeys and more! Here are some of the top trending social media posts:
1).
Cheers to the incredible women of #SCINashville who made the Women Go Hunting Mix & Mingle unforgettable! 🥂 From once-in-a-lifetime auction items to @LDWF's Madison Sheehan’s inspiring message and a global gathering of women - this event truly had it all. Here’s to celebrating… pic.twitter.com/TdgsHMsT3P
Shiras’ moose now roam Nevada, thanks to effective wildlife management! 🌿 Sustainable hunting supports conservation and habitat health. Curious to learn more about this success story? Visit here: https://t.co/xr0tpG5J3N
Ducks Unlimited and its Conservation Programs Committee congratulate the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Conservation Awards. @DUConservehttps://t.co/lYx1qmyziS
(1/2) RESCUE STORY! ⛑️ When Wildlife Manager Matthew Binney got a call about an elk that fell into a ditch, Matt quickly hatched a plan. After chemically immobilizing the elk, he used a few vehicle tow straps and a nearby excavator to pull the elk back to safety. pic.twitter.com/GcY4PiR4Mo
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Field to Fork Mentor Keith Doyle in the blind with new hunter Nina.[/caption]
New hunter Justin with Field to Fork mentor and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rep Matt Falteich.[/caption]
