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• This program would expand the outdoor recreation market as it would increase the 

 number of people enjoying the outdoors and provide quality experiences 



• For every $1 00 spent for outdoor recreation equipment — another $3 00 to $4 00 is 

 spent on recreational services 



• 160 million Americans are participating in wildlife related activities $18 billion in 

 revenue was generated from the sale of these outdoor products and associated sales in 

 1991. 



From a Bass Pro Shops perspective we feel "Teaming with Wildlife" will increase the profitability 

 of the outdoor recreation industry and our business We are a profit corporation and I assure you, 

 we could not and would not endorse this initiative if we thought this excise tax would be a 

 detriment to our outdoor recreation focused enterprise 



"Teaming with Wildlife" is a capital investment With more recreational opportunities being 

 created through trails, access points, land acquisition, instructional guides, nature centers and a 

 stronger environmental education curriculum available to teachers and schools, we draw more 

 people to outdoor recreation These projects translate to more people buying our products 



With continued maintenance and conservation of our outdoor resources, we continue to satisfy 

 our current customers with a quality outdoor experience We are aware of the decline in wildlife 

 populations and the lack of funding available to address pressing conservation needs, as well as 

 recreation and environmental education needs If we don't maintain and invest in our natural 

 resources, our industry is in the same danger as our wildlife 



Lastly, "Teaming with Wildlife" offers an excellent marketing opportunity By having all user fee 

 products identified by a "green logo" (as indicated in the legislation), and by identifying on-the- 

 ground projects as having been fijnded through this initiative, our company can cuhivate a unique 

 relationship with our customers who would be aware of their contributions to and who care 

 deeply about such conservation issues 



The excise tax levied at the manufacturer's level makes sense for efficiency and fairness purposes 

 Companies that are truly competitive should be able to withstand the increase in their prices 

 because 1 ) the excise tax (and hence, the pnce increase) is applied across the board for all 

 companies, 2) the excise tax is minimal, and 3) there is considerable customer support for these 

 flinds cannot be diverted for other purposes 



As I review the potential benefits of this initiative, the most important point for me is that it 

 creates a full service conservation menu for the outdoor customer. 



I feel very lucky to live in Missouri, the home of the Missouri Department of Conservation, which 

 by reputation is the leading conservation department in North America Thanks to an 1/8 of 1% 

 conservation sales tax initiative voted in by the citizens of the state, 1 can 



Martin G. Mac Donald 

 Bass Pro Shops 

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