While hoarding ammo and people buying it “right off the truck” is an annoyance for most of us, the increased (and sustained) buying of ammo (and guns) has benefited one major aspect–conservation.

The taxes related to the purchase of firearms and ammo contributes to the “Pittman-Robertson funds” which bypasses the US Treasury and goes directly to the Department of Interior (and from there back to the states).  This money funds things like improving lands for hunting, restoration efforts, and studies.  And by law, this money cannot be spent on anything other than effort to sustain and restore wildlife.

A pretty decent article discussing the impact of this appeared in the Grand Forks Herald: http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/business/3779504-gun-ammo-taxes-hit-record-high-2014-creates-windfall-conservation

It sounds like the bigger problem may be that some states may not be able to use all of their potential allotment due to the large increase in funds (the Act allows for a 75% reimbursement to the state; meaning the state has to foot the other 25%).  Though not necessarily a bad problem to have, as unused money rolls into the Migratory Bird Conservation fund.

So, keep buying weapons and ammo.  It benefits us all… 🙂