CHECKOFF FOR WILDLIFE ON YOUR IDAHO INCOME TAX FORM

The time is fast approaching for all wage earners to begin the task of annual income tax preparation. While paying taxes is a burden both in time and money, most of us concede that it is a necessary part of life. We would all probably feel better about the whole process if we felt we had more influence over how our tax dollars are spent after we sign on the bottom line on (or before) April 15th. It comes as a surprise to most people that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is not supported by income tax dollars. The agency is funded through license and tag sales to hunters and fishermen, and excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. Only those who choose to use wildlife in these ways must contribute to the management of wildlife. There are, however, people who contribute to wildlife programs through voluntary contributions on their Idaho state income tax forms. These contributions are spent to manage "nongame" wildlife, those species which are not hunted, hooked or trapped. Although nongame wildlife makes up 80 percent of all Idaho wildlife species, the Fish and Game Department spends most of its income on game species because hunters and anglers provide nearly all of the funds available to manage wildlife. Contributing to the nongame wildlife checkoff 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 nongame tax checkoff are used to fund a variety of projects including research on nongame species, nursing home bird feeding projects, wildlife viewing site development, "watchable wildlife" educational programs, etc.. In general, the contributions help manage nongame species through gaining a better understanding of their habitats and life cycles, or through education which expands public appreciation of and knowledge about the nongame wildlife resources in the state. Idaho's expanding population increases strains on nongame 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. Contributing to the tax checkoff is a way for all Idahoans to help biologists understand the particular needs of nongame species, and hopefully prevent the need to list additional species as endangered. Other ways to help the nongame and watchable wildlife programs in Idaho include voluntary donations to the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund, P.O. Box 25, Boise, Id. 83707, and by purchasing the special Wildlife License Plates for motor vehicles. So this year when you "prepare" your state income tax form, consider giving a donation to benefit nongame wildlife. That way you can contribute to the well being of Idaho's wildlife and have a direct say in how some of your money will be used!