GRANTS

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded $1.7 million in Indiana Trails Program grants to five communities, supporting nearly $3.3 million in total trail development investment. Recipients include Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department, City of Fort Wayne, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, Hancock County, and Town of North Judson, with construction potentially beginning summer 2025.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting applications for 2026 Recreational Trails Program grants from May 4 through August 21. The program provides reimbursable grants with an 80% match component for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, with eligible applicants including municipalities, natural resources districts, and tribal entities.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is pursuing grant funding to repair Winchester Dam, classified as a high-hazard structure by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Estimated rehabilitation costs range from $2.8 million to $3.6 million, with water levels at Winchester Lake currently restricted to a 40-inch drawdown.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $334,536 to over 130 organizations in Michigan for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation through its 47 state chapters. The funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program, which expands hunting opportunities for youth, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $442,384 to over 150 organizations in Ohio for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation. Funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition program and shooting sports groups including NASP, 4-H shooting sports, and clay target teams.

The Mule Deer Foundation received a $4 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative to support conservation on working lands across the Great Plains. The program, supported by McDonald's USA and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will advance regenerative grazing practices, soil health, and wildlife habitat restoration on ranchlands.

Salt River Project awarded the Mule Deer Foundation $500,000 to expand forest restoration in Prescott National Forest's Upper Verde Watershed Project. The funding will support approximately 1,200 additional acres of forest restoration treatments in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $841,768 to mission-related projects in Q1 2026, supporting its four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement. The DEER Program and Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program received the largest allocations.

USA Archery received a USFWS Multi-State Conservation Grant to lead a nationwide initiative increasing target archery participation before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The project, partnering with state fish and wildlife agencies, will develop recruitment and retention strategies with research support from Responsive Management, an internationally recognized social science research firm.

Whitetails Unlimited awarded a grant to Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors to expand mentored hunting opportunities for youth across America. The partnership will help the organization, founded in 2002, reach more young hunters and conservationists while operating across eight states with plans for further expansion in 2026.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) donated $50,000 to the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) to combat misinformation and protect hunting rights. OHA will use funds for education projects opposing IP 28, a ballot proposal that would eliminate hunting in Oregon, while promoting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $46,561 to mission-related projects in Georgia, supporting outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation through its 12 Georgia chapters. The organization's Staying on Target Program helps youth gain shooting sports experience to preserve the hunting tradition.

The Mzuri Wildlife Foundation renewed its grant support for Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, a nonprofit founded in 2002 that provides mentored hunting and fishing opportunities to youth. The funding will expand youth hunting events, mentor recruitment and training, and gear provision to foster the next generation of hunters, anglers, and conservationists.

The Bay Mills Indian Community's long-term care facility in Brimley, Michigan received $50,000 from the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program. The project is among 10 statewide recipients sharing $400,000 in funding to advance mass timber construction across Michigan.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA announced Q4 2025 grants totaling nearly $250,000 to 11 organizations across nine states through the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative. Funding supports trail infrastructure, bridge construction, youth riding education, and stewardship efforts, bringing 2025 total funding to over $1 million toward the program's $10 million goal by 2028.

Whitetails Unlimited awarded $10,000 to the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association (LWAA) to support their annual conference. The LWAA comprises Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement agents and retirees dedicated to hunting and fishing education, conservation, and wildlife protection.

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced $1,484,960 in grants for 48 lake and stream projects across 17 Indiana counties through the Lake and River Enhancement program, funded by boat registration fees.

FWP approved nearly $60,000 in funding for four pond enhancement projects across Montana through its Community Pond Program, matched with $35,000 from outside sources. Projects include aeration systems, accessible fishing piers, and platforms at Deep Mill Pond, Medicine Stab Lake, Carter Ponds, and Hieronymus Ponds.

USA Shooting received a cash grant from MidwayUSA Foundation's Lones Wigger Endowment to support youth programs, including ammunition, targets, competition fees, and travel to the Junior World Championships in Suhl, Germany. CEO Kelly Reisdorf and Lones' daughter Deena McDorman praised the foundation's commitment to developing future Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Whitetails Unlimited issued $318,541 in grants through its HOPE for Wildlife Program, with majority funds supporting land acquisitions for public hunting access. The program partners with state and federal agencies to enhance deer habitat, increase hunting opportunities, and reduce poaching through initiatives like Deer Management and Whitetail Watch.