Each day we are all reminded of the effect this economy has on our everyday lives. Recently I saw a national, informal survey of hunters and fishermen about whether the economy would have an effect on their hunting and fishing this year.

Over 60 percent said it would have an effect.

Even though these sportsmen are dedicated to their outdoor passion, the increased cost of everything will take its toll.

From the price of ammo that has more than doubled in the last two years, to the price of corn for the feeders and of course the price of gasoline, it all adds extra expenses for the sportsman.

So what does this have to do with wildlife? First, when fewer deer are taken by hunters, the deer suffer from additional numbers sharing their forage. It is already showing in this area due to lack of rain.

The deer are actually eating the plants in flower pots on our front porch. When hunters and fishermen spend less money on equipment and certain supplies, the federal excise taxes, Pitman Robinson and Dingle Johnson, are reduced, resulting in less money to distribute to the individual states for wildlife conservation and many other programs.

Even though the states have to match 25 percent of these grants, the federal funds constitute a very substantial part of their annual budgets.

Decreased hunting also reduces income from hunting and fishing licenses.

There are deer and turkeys in many counties of Texas that were not there in the 1960s or 1970s.

This is due in large part to the grants provided by the federal excise taxes.

Sportsmen contribute more to wildlife conservation than the total of all the other socalled conservation groups.

Even bass fishing has improved with stocking programs and the development of larger fish from state fisheries.

Lampasas County residents greatly benefit from hunting, either directly or indirectly. This year we will have to wait and see how much of an effect we will experience.

These excise taxes we pay as sportsmen are taxes I do not mind paying.

John Johnston is a retired sergeant detective who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He also was a licensed gun dealer for 25 years and now resides in Lampasas County.

He can be contacted via email at olsingleshot@gmail. com.