North Dakota – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is now accepting applications for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters program, a grant initiative designed to assist in the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters. Wildlife, shooting, fraternal, and nonprofit civic organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that supports projects and events aimed at creating lifelong, conservation-minded participants in hunting and shooting sports.

The program, which has a deadline of May 1, offers grants of up to $3,000. Each year, the department funds approximately 40 events and projects with an average grant of $1,550. The funds are intended to cover event-related expenses, including promotional printing, event memorabilia such as shirts and hats, ammunition, targets, and necessary protective gear like eye and ear protection.

Past grants have helped support learn-to-hunt events, trap shooting, and archery and rifle shooting competitions. The program is part of the department’s broader effort to encourage outdoor activities and preserve hunting traditions across the state. Additionally, Game and Fish runs separate grant programs supporting National Archery in the Schools Program and high school trap shooting teams.

Organizations interested in applying should review the grant process, application, and record requirements available on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. For further details, contact Cayla Bendel, the department’s R3 coordinator, at 701-220-3461.