One shouldnt be surprised to discover that some major issues pushed into laws regarding conservation were introduced by people concerned with the preservation and sustainability of hunting grounds and in turn the quantity of game. Hunters have been influential in implementing support for various laws and in financing many programs geared towards habitat restoration and conservation. The first law enactment supported by hunters on a national level was the implementation of the Federal Duck Stamp in 1934. The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act requires waterfowl hunters over the age of 16 to purchace this stamp in addition to their small game hunting license to be legal to hunt waterfowl in the USA. 98% of all funds generated by their sale go directly toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It is estimated that 1/3rd of the US endangered species use lands and waterways purchaced via the additional monies provided by the Duck Stamp.
It has been estimated that the funds generated by this stamp (which could be called a User Fee), exceed $670M and helped to purchase or lease 5.2M acres of habitat. Distribution of funds is managed by The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC).
In 1937, hunters lobbied for the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. It was passed by congress and hunters fund this program through an 11% tax on all hunting equipment. This tax generates approximately $700 million each year and is used exclusively to establish, restore and protect wildlife habitats.
Duck Unlimited is probably the most well known and oldest of the existing hunting groups conservation efforts. Founded in 1937 by Joseph Knapp, this organization has become a leader in habitat conservation and restoration. My personal favorite bird watching area has been helped significantly by this organization with funding, data, equipment donations and a host of methods that have helped propel this Wildlife Management Area into one of the primer bird watching areas in the USA.
Other groups include Pheasants Forever, White-tailed Deer Forever, Safari Club International and a host of regional groups interested in maintaining quailty hunting, fishing and other related activities.
More on Ducks Unlimited general information Here. The Ducks Unlimited Main Page Here. There are programs going on in many states in the USA, usually under a regional conservation project heading.