AZGFD News - Grant money available for groups developing new hunters, anglers

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is increasing the funding of its annual Local Sportsmen's Group grants to $100,000. The grants help organizations provide public, mentored projects focused on the recruitment and development of new hunters and anglers.

"This year, funding will increase by $25,000 — an exciting and much-needed boost," said Doug Burt, AZGFD's recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) program manager. "The grant has remained at $75,000 since 2007 and no longer carries the same buying power due to inflation and rising costs associated with hosting events, projects, and activities. This increase will help support our partners in their R3 outreach efforts."

Projects eligible for this cycle's grant funding are those that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Online applications and instructions are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time), Sunday, June 14, 2026.

"This grant program continues to help Arizona's conservation organizations connect with the public through quality, mentored projects focusing on traditional outdoor recreation," said Burt. "These efforts return far more in value than the grant dollars would on their own by providing safe, ethical hunting and fishing experiences, and helping participants understand the vital role hunters and anglers play in wildlife conservation."

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. AZGFD does not receive any of the state's general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/wsfr for more information about how hunters, anglers, shooters, and boaters fund wildlife conservation through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program.

June 14 is deadline to apply for Local Sportsmen's Group grants

To learn more about AZGFD's Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills for hunting, and www.azgfd.gov/FishAZ for fishing.