Grants Now Available To Expand Participation

Local sportsmen's groups can apply now for grant funding for programs that promote activities and events for hunter, angler, shooter and trapper recruitment and retention. The Arizona Game And Fish Department is offering $75,000 in grant funding this year. Applications must be received by the department by 5 p.m. (MST) on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013.

Examples of projects eligible for the Arizona Game And Fish Department grants include —

Hands-on mentored hunting events:

• Small game hunting camps - quail, squirrel, rabbit

• Migratory bird hunts - dove, duck, and geese

• Predator hunts - coyote, fox and bobcat

• Big game hunts - javelina, turkey, deer and elk

• Bowhunting - small and big game

• Trapping and fur harvesting

Fishing events and camps:

• Marketing and educational outreach projects promoting hunter, angler, shooter and trapper (HAST) recruitment and retention, the North American Model, the Arizona Game And Fish Department, and activities highlighting the next steps for newcomers to the shooting sports, hunting, fishing and trapping.

"The Local Sportsmen's Group Grant is perfect for organizations that are looking to start up or expand introductory programs in their communities, but lack the funding they need to make it happen," said Doug Burt, hunting and shooting sports program manager. "This grant program is an investment in the local organizations that, day-in and day-out, are teaching people how to be safe, ethical, and responsible participants in these important American traditions."

Funds will be awarded through a competitive application process. Projects funded by the grant must be open to the public and conducted in Arizona. Multiple grant awards may be made.

To be eligible, applicants should —

• Be local, Arizona-based, or an Arizona-chapter sportsmen’s/outdoor development organization with a focus on hunting, fishing, shooting or trapping;

• Propose a project that fits the eligibility criteria; and

• Complete the project before June 30, 2014.

"There is plenty of public interest in hunting and fishing, but many folks are from families that did not grow up with this type of recreation and need an experienced mentor to show them the way," Burt said. "Local sportsmen's organizations offer a perfect solution because they can give future hunters and anglers the kind of introduction they need."

To apply for a grant, download an application packet from http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/local_sportsmens.shtml. Packets are also available upon request from Grant Coordinator Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. The deadline to submit applications for Local Sportsmen's Group Grants is 5 p.m. (MST) on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013.

Applications can be submitted by e-mail to RBeck@azgfd.gov or sent by U.S. mail to:

Arizona Game and Fish Department, DOFP

Attn: Robyn Beck

5000 W. Carefree Highway

Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000

Join the fun and participate in activities funded by the Local Sportsmen's Group grant program. Visit http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills for a complete listing of current events scheduled.

Note: 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, public-benefit model. The Local Sportsmen's Group Grant Program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in the state of Arizona.