The Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently awarded $100,000 to help support projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitat, populations, or benefit recreational opportunities associated with hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife recreation.
Grants went to the following organizations throughout the state:
Panhandle Region
Idaho Trails Association
- Award: $5,000
- Project: Support backcountry trails maintenance in Units 7 and 9 to facilitate hunter access.
Kootenai Valley Sportsmen
- Award: $2,500
- Project: Support a youth pheasant hunting clinic at Boundary-Smith Creek WMA in Boundary County in cooperation with First Hunt Foundation.
First Hunt Foundation
- Award: $2,500
- Project: Support a youth pheasant hunting clinic at Boundary-Smith Creek WMA in Boundary County in cooperation with Kootenai Valley Sportsmen.
Clearwater Region
Idaho Trappers Association
- Award: $10,000
- Project: Fisher research project
Southwest Region
Idaho Conservation Officers Association
- Award: $4,000
- Project: Reduce registration fees for the Mark Hill Memorial Youth Conservation Camp.
Idaho Trails Association
- Award: $4,400
- Project: Clearing trails in the Big Creek and Indian Creek drainages.
Snake River Quail Forever
- Award: $1,600
- Project: Purchase of two shotguns to be used for wing shooting classes.
Magic Valley Region
Mule Deer Foundation
- Award: $4,000
- Project: Habitat improvement
Idaho Trappers Association
- Award: $5,000
- Project: Trapper’s education
Wood River Land Trust
- Award: $1,000
- Project: Macroinvertebrate study
Southeast Region
Blackfoot River Bowmen
- Award: $5,000
- Project: Longterm shooting range easement
National Wild Turkey Federation – Idaho Chapter
- Award: $3,000
- Project: Habitat improvement projects
East Idaho Houndsmen Association
- Award: $1,000
- Project: Youth hound hunting equipment
Idaho Trappers Association
- Award: $1,000
- Project: Youth trapping equipment
Upper Snake Region
American Bear Foundation
- Award: $1,666
- Project: Bear spray giveaway and trainings
Mackay High School
- Award: $5,000
- Project: Aquaculture lab improvements
Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association
- Award: $1,667
- Project: Hound hunting equipment giveaway for annual youth event.
Skyline Trap Team
- Award: $1,667
- Project: Purchase of clays, transportation, and range fees for students.
Salmon Region
Cast Hope
- Award: $9,605
- Project: Fly fishing clinic for underprivileged youth.
Statewide Awards
Idaho Conservation Officers Association
- Award: $10,000
- Project: Reduce registration fees for the Mark Hill Memorial Youth Conservation Camp.
Henrys Fork Foundation
- Award: $20,000
- Project: Infrastructure improvements for the Chester Dam Access Site.
About Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants
Commission Challenge Grants are awarded annually, and eligible groups include any officially recognized nonprofit, business (having a state/federal tax ID number), corporation, or recognized regional/state/national sporting organization (such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, etc.). Private individuals are not eligible for grant funding. Applicants must be willing to provide match, either cash or in-kind support.
When to apply
Grant applications will be accepted in March and April with annual grant awards announced during the July Commission meeting.