The operations of the State Fish and Game Department, including the operation of fish hatcheries, inland and marine fisheries, and wildlife areas, and functions related to law enforcement, land acquisition, and wildlife management and research, are financed through the Fish and Game Fund.

Principal revenues of this fund include fees from fish and game licenses, the marine gas tax, penalties, and recoveries, and federal grants-in-aid related to fish and game management, all of which are appropriated annually by the Legislature for the use of the Fish and Game Department.