AZGFD invests in retention programs for new hunters, anglers
PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded $75,000 in grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, hands-on, mentored projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers.
Of 22 proposals submitted in this latest grant cycle, 16 were approved by a three-member panel that rated and scored the proposals. The grants were awarded through a competitive application process that closed July 14.
“The Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program is an investment in local organizations that, day in and day out, are teaching people how to be safe, ethical and responsible hunter-angler conservationists,” said Doug Burt, hunting and shooting sports program manager. “We wish we could fund them all, but the demand always exceeds our available funds.”
The department is committed to developing and retaining the next generation of hunter-angler conservationists. A growing body of science points to the need for multiple experiences, social support and the mentoring required to develop hunter-angler conservationists. The 16 projects approved meet those objectives.
Burt pointed out that these organizations represent the “boots on the ground,” or the backbone of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in Arizona. Many are involved in the building of water catchments, making “wildlife-friendly” fence modifications, and reaching out to the public through advocacy and education.
The following projects have been awarded:
- Anglers United Inc., “Just for Kids Fishing Festival,” awarded $4,500.
- Arizona Deer Association, “ADA Youth Deer / Elk Hunters Camp,” awarded $5,513.
- Arizona Elk Society, “AES Junior Elk Camp Units 6A/5B,” awarded $3,900.
- Ben Avery Clay Busters, “Upland Bird Hunting for Women and Youth,” awarded $2,717.
- CouesWhitetail.com, “2016 Women’s Javelina Hunting Camp,” awarded $4,300.
- Desert Christian Archers, “Desert Christian Archers 2016 Javelina Camp,” awarded $4,700.
- Kahuna Kids, “Mentoring Kids Fishing Derby,” awarded $2,368.
- Mule Deer Foundation, “Mule Deer Foundation Youth Camps,” awarded $16,500.
- Southern Arizona Quail Forever, “Southern Arizona Quail Forever Youth Quail Camp,” awarded $3,390.
- Southwest Fur Harvesters, “SWFH November Youth Trappers Camp,” awarded $5,122.
- Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Junior Javelina, Small Game & Predator Camp Units 20C, 18B, and 16A,” awarded $3,900.
- Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Junior Deer / Javelina Camp Units 18B & 20C,” awarded $2,515.
- Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Unit 1 Squirrel Camp,” awarded $2,000.
- Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Wallow Fire Turkey Science and Hunting Camp Units 1 & 27,” awarded $6,575.
- Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, “2016 Cibola Junior Waterfowl Camp,” awarded $2,500.
- Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, “Youth Small Game Camp,” awarded $4,500.
To learn more about the annual Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program, as well as a listing of Outdoor Skills Network recruitment and retention events, visit www.azgfd.gov/LSG.
There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for the Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program. The program is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and hunt permit-tags and stamps and is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general funds and operates on a user-pay, public-benefit model.
