Wildlife Tax Break

Idaho nongame species

Idaho taxpayers have a simple way of contributing to the management of nongame species and watchable wildlife Programs.

Simply check the “Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund” box on the Idaho income tax form, indicating that a part of your refund can be directed to the benefit of wildlife.

As simple as this is, contributions to the fund have been steadily declining. In 1995, contributions totaled about $43,000. That was less than half of the total received in the program’s 1982 debut.

Ironically, as the contributions have declined, interest in watchable wildlife programs has continued to grow, Idaho Fish and Game Department officials say. About 80 percent of the wildlife species in Idaho are nongame.

Hunters and fishermen pay the costs for managing game species, as well as many nongame programs.

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