Anglers still cast lines and hunters head to deer camp each year, but the percentage of Minnesotans who hunt or fish is shrinking.
To help grow the number of hunters and anglers, organizations can apply for grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“Groups that will help move people through the process of becoming hunters and anglers, or of continuing to hunt or fish, are encouraged to apply for funding,” said Jeff Ledermann, DNR angler recruitment and retention supervisor. “We give priority to programs for underserved audiences, new immigrant populations and those with an ongoing impact rather than onetime events.”
Types of activities could include fishing and hunting educational programs, clinics, workshops, and camps, and funding for fishing and hunting equipment and transportation. Groups must apply for this round of grants by Jan. 19, 2017. The grant program began this year and this is the third round of grants. In this round, awards will range from $5,000 to $50,000. The DNR anticipates a total of $100,000 will be available. Third-round projects must be completed in Minnesota and be finished by June 30, 2018.
New in this round, there is no longer a requirement of a funding match. Organizations are nonetheless encouraged to include a match in their project that can be funding, or donated labor, materials or services. Match amounts will be considered in the selection process.
“The grant program began this year and the first two rounds were competitive, with more than 50 applicants,” Ledermann said. “The groups we chose shared a commitment to ongoing support for helping people enjoy the outdoors through hunting or fishing.”
To learn more about the DNR’s work in recruitment, retention and reactivation, and to find grant application requirements, visit www.mndnr.gov/r3. Details about the grant and a list of award winners can be found at the link under “Help others discover.”
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