Grants fund local efforts to expand hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping participation
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish is offering $75,000 in grants to local sportsmen’s groups for projects that promote or facilitate hunter, angler, shooter and trapper recruitment and retention. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 12 by 5 p.m. (MST).The Local Sportsmen’s Group Grant Program offers financial assistance to groups that are conducting outreach programs that specifically introduce someone new to the sport of hunting, fishing, trapping, and target shooting or perpetuates someone’s existing interest in these activities.
“The recruitment and retention of hunters, anglers, shooters, and trappers is paramount to the perpetuity of wildlife conservation in North America,” said Craig McMullen, the department’s chief of wildlife recreation. “This grant program is an investment in local organizations that, day-in and day-out, are teaching these important traditional outdoor recreational pursuits in our communities.”
Examples of eligible projects include small game hunting camps, big game hunting camps, fishing clinics or camps, trapping seminars, target shooting clinics or programs, and educational outreach to promote these traditional recreational activities.
Funds will be awarded through a competitive application process. Multiple awards may be made. To be eligible, a group must: (1) be a local Arizona-based sportsmen’s group with a focus on hunting, fishing, shooting or trapping, (2) propose a project that fits the eligibility criteria, and (3) complete the project by June 30, 2011.
Grant dollars cannot be awarded or used for activities such as group banquets, raffle prizes, trophy hunting competitions, for-profit projects, or for the purchase of hunting or fishing licenses, tags or stamps.
McMullen added, “Not only are these outdoor recreationists the stewards of wildlife, they are the primary funding source to wildlife conservation. As we become a more urban society, it’s our responsibility to invest in the next generation of outdoorsmen and women by supporting these mentoring programs.”
To apply, download an application packet from www.azgfd.gov/i_e/local_sportsmens.shtml. Packets can also be obtained by calling Grant Coordinator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. The deadline to submit applications for Local Sportsmen’s Group grants is Monday, July 12, 2010 at 5 p.m. (MST). Three copies of the application and any supporting documents must be submitted.
This grant program is funded by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and big game tags, and there is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds, and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model through the products and services. To learn more, visit www.azgfd.gov.
-30-