Since the late 1930s, hunters, target shooters and the firearms industry have been the nation’s largest contributors to conservation, paying for programs that benefit America’s wildlife and all who love the outdoors.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Interior just announced that firearms and ammunition manufacturers contributed a record $760.9 million in excise taxes in 2013 through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program.

NSSF has created a new infographic, “How Wildlife is Thriving Because of Guns and Hunting ,” to illustrate how we as an industry and as sportsmen are the greatest contributors to wildlife conservation in America, providing nearly $9 billion over the past 76 years.

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Britt Lamotte

Panoramic Living

Next week I graduate from the University of Idaho. It makes me laugh to imagine opening up the mail after they send out my diploma this summer, how small it’s going to seem compared to what I actually learned during my years at school. It also makes me laugh because I’m job hunting and have no idea where the envelope holding my diploma should be addressed.

Oh, well. Idaho requires an appreciation for the unexpected from its residents. We expect the weather to surprise us as often as the pot holes in the roads do, and with cardigans and four-wheel drive we try to handle it gracefully. It’s only natural in a state famous for ski hills, sand dunes, whitewater and big open spaces; the northern and southern halves connected only by a two-lane scenic highway...

Castaway
A story of survival and being pushed to learn to live in the wild.

Into the Wild
Post college graduation, a young man quests out to Alaska for adventure and bites off more than he can chew (pun intended).

Jeremiah Johnson
A man turns his back on civilization and learns to survive in the wild.

The River Why
A man runs away to put miles between his old life and present and falls in love with nature and a woman who shares his love of the outdoors.

The River Wild
A former river raft guide takes her family on an unforgettable rafting trip.

True Grit
Following the murder of her father, a girl goes out to the wild west in hopes of capturing her father’s murderer.

Women often cite spending quality time with friends and family as the number one reason they get outdoors. Mother’s Day is coming up (Sunday, May 11 for those of you who need a little reminder) so this is a great opportunity to ditch the flowers and get mom something that will build memories. Here are some ideas for you:

1. This Mango Wood Bowl brings nature to the table | 2. The Ladies Ugly Stik was just named one of the top fishing rods and Mom definitely deserves the best | 3. The Badlands Kali Day Pack was designed specifically for a woman | 4. Prois Ultra Backcountry Shirt will keep you in camo but fit like it was actually made for a lady (because it was) | 5. A customized cutting board will remind Mom of all of your fun times outdoors

In the late 1970s, two Wisconsin professors conducted a series of surveys from more than 1,000 hunters. The results showed that there are five stages of hunter behavior and development. HuntingBoots.com visualized these stages and wants to know—do they ring true for the hunters you know?