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Idaho Fish and Game

Check-Off for Nongame Wildlife

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It's time again to "Check-Off" for nongame wildlife on your Idaho State income tax form. The year-2000 tax form gives wildlife enthusiasts a chance to continue support for nongame wildlife like songbirds, birds of prey, amphibians and reptiles, while at the same time contributing to programs that help everyone enjoy all wildlife. Idaho Department of Fish and Game's (IDFG) Nongame program does more that just preserve the majority of non-hunted, fished, or trapped wildlife species. "The Nongame program also supports appreciative uses like viewing, interpretive education and photography, for all wildlife, including species that are game animals," said Rita Dixon, Nongame Biologist. Look for the Wildlife Conservation Fund box on Idaho income tax forms to direct donations from your refund to the nongame program. Other ways to help: give to the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707; and purchase Bluebird wildlife license plates for motor vehicles registered in Idaho at your county vehicle licensing office. Most IDFG funds come directly, in the form of license and tag fees from hunters and anglers, or indirectly from federal excise taxes on sporting equipment. Most non-game funding comes from the voluntary tax form check-off, wildlife license plate purchases and direct donations. Tax check-off funds for wildlife have fallen off severely in recent years as several other check-off programs have been added to the tax form. When the program started in the early 1980s, it raised about $90,000 annually. The figure has stabilized around $40,000 in the last six years. To learn more about nongame program activities, contact the IDFG Nongame Program at P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707, (208) 334-3700 or visit the Department's web site at http://www.state.id.us/fishgame.