Check Off For Wildlife On Your Idaho Income Tax Return

It comes as a surprise to most people when I mention to them that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is not supported by income tax, property tax, or state sales tax dollars. The agency is funded through license and tag sales to hunters and fishermen, excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, and a variety of programs of the federal government. Only those who choose to use wildlife by hunting or fishing must contribute to the management of wildlife in Idaho. There are, however, people who contribute to wildlife programs through voluntary contributions on their Idaho state income tax forms. These contributions are used to manage Ônon-game' wildlife, those species which are not hunted, hooked or trapped. Although non-game wildlife makes up 80 percent of all Idaho wildlife species, the Fish and Game Department spends most of its income on game species. This is because hunters and anglers provide nearly all of the funds available to manage wildlife. Contributing to the non-game wildlife check-off is a way for all Idahoans, whether they are hunters, anglers or wildlife watchers (or a combination of all three) to help provide for the wildlife they enjoy. Voluntary contributions through the non game tax check-off have been used to fund a variety of projects including research on non-game species, nursing home bird feeding projects, wildlife viewing site development, watch-able wildlife educational programs, etc. In general, the contributions help manage non game species through gaining a better understanding of their habitats and life cycles, or through education which expands public appreciation of and knowledge about the non game wildlife resources in the state. Idaho's expanding population increases strains on non-game wildlife and their habitats. In 1985, there were 30 species of special concern in the state. This classification means these animals need special attention to ensure they do not slip into threatened or endangered status. By 1990, there were 48 species on the special concern list. The number has grown significantly since then. Contributing to the tax check off is a way for all Idahoans to help biologists understand the particular needs of non game species, and hopefully prevent the need to list additional species as endangered. Other ways to help the non game and watchable wildlife programs in Idaho include voluntary donations to the Non-game Wildlife Trust Fund, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Id. 83707, and by purchasing the special wildlife license plates for motor vehicles featuring either the mountain bluebird, the Rocky Mountain elk, or the cutthroat trout. So this year when you prepare your state income tax form, consider giving a donation to benefit non game wildlife. That way you can contribute to the well-being of Idaho's wildlife.