Nov. 27, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Silencer Central.

What if money spent on silencers could support causes close to outdoorsmen and hunters? That’s the hope of a new bill being considered by Congress.

Right now, each time someone buys a silencer, a $200 tax stamp fee is collected and sent to the U.S. Treasury.

Essentially, that’s the federal government’s general fund – meaning millions of dollars from silencer purchases can be spent most anywhere in the budget.

But under a newly proposed bill in Congress, the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act, a portion of that firearms transfer tax would be dedicated instead to wildlife population and habitat restoration through the Conservation of America’s Wildlife Trust Fund.

“We believe some people are hesitant to pay a tax that goes to the government to spend on whatever they want,” said Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central.

“We think there are a number of changes in this bill that are really going to support both our customers’ needs and the causes they care about.”

Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, and Brandon Maddox

Eight-five percent of the funds collected – estimated at $200 million annually – would directly support Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, which was created by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act passed in 1937.

It established a program of matching federal grants to the states for wildlife restoration, directly supporting conservation activity, as well as an improved experience for hunters and outdoors enthusiasts.

Right now, the program is funded by federal excise taxes collected from manufacturers and importers on firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and accessories, and archery equipment.

“But the number of hunters buying things has gone down, so the money going to conservation is less,” Maddox said. “And for a lot of states, that also drives their locally matched funds. This would add significantly to the fund because silencer sales are increasing and are one of the most vital and effective tools to recruiting and retaining new demographics of hunters and shooters, particularly women and young people, to shooting sports.”

In addition to wildlife conservation, the changes also would provide support to law enforcement, hunter recruitment and other related activities, plus development, maintenance and operation of recreational shooting ranges. These dedicated ranges enhance safety, reduce environmental impact and contribute to the recruitment and retention of ethical hunters and shooters.

The remaining 15 percent of the tax collected on silencers would go directly to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to give additional resources to that area of the government.

“They are the ones processing forms that allow people to purchase silencers, so this gives them an ability to hire and enhance their IT infrastructure,” Maddox said. “Our demand is related to how quickly the customer gets approval. Right now, it’s at seven to eight months, but with this significant funding, we’re hoping to get it to 60 to 90 days, so there’s a big impact on business and a much better experience for customers.”

As written, the bill requires ATF to approve licenses within 90 days.

“We also hope this shows states that currently consider suppressors illegal that they are safe and a great option to help fund conservation efforts,” Maddox said. “All states will have access to the funds generated, and it’s a huge infusion of cash every year to benefit conservation.”

Most importantly, the bill has bipartisan support, he said. In the House of Representatives, it’s co-sponsored by Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, and Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine.

Brandon Maddox and Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota 

“It’s unique to have a bill brought forward jointly by both a Republican and Democrat, and our hope is to have the same in the Senate,” Maddox said. “We’re thankful Sen. John Thune has agreed to sponsor in the Senate and are optimistic we’ll have bipartisan support there as well.”