Anglers in northern states celebrate opening day of fishing season, but few of them understand where the money comes from to manage the various species they pursue.

Upland wildlife research funded through Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, derived from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery gear, reveals new information for biologists — and for hunters.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources surveys the state’s whitetails by using spotlights. This conservation work is funded by excise taxes paid by archery, firearms and ammunition manufacturers through the Pittman-Robertson Act.

The creation of new fish habitats along the Georgia coast are funded by excise taxes paid by manufacturers of sport fishing gear and on motorboat fuel.

Essential research to learn more about the unique alligator gar is underway in Oklahoma, one of the states in which the fish lives and thrives.