Granted, MDF Does More in AZ

Granted, MDF Does More

Arizona Chapter of Mule Deer Foundation will recruit more hunters and do more good things for conservation with two grants out of the 17 awarded to groups recently by the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Local Sportsmen's Group Grant Program.

AZGFD awarded $75,000 for hunter recruitment efforts in the state.  MDF received $5,500 for the “Punkin Center Junior Deer & Quail Forever Youth Quail Camp," plus $6,000 for the "Mule Deer Foundation Youth Deer Camp and Deer Hunting Clinic."

The purpose of the grant program is to help local sportsmen's groups fund projects that promote wildlife conservation through hunter recruitment and retention. Eligible projects often include events like mentored, hands-on hunting for youngsters and their families.
The program received 37 applications this cycle totaling nearly $240,000 in project requests.



"We had an incredible response this year," said Doug Burt, hunting and shooting sports manager for Arizona Game and Fish. "The recruitment and retention of hunters, anglers, shooters and trappers is essential, and we strongly encourage projects that involve partnering among groups and organizations."



Reaching out to Arizona residents who might not be familiar with the fishing and hunting opportunities in this state is essential to preserving the future of our outdoor traditions, and it is no small task.

"This grant program is an investment in the local organizations that are critical in bringing important lessons about traditional outdoor recreational pursuits to our communities," Burt said. "Hunters and anglers are stewards of wildlife and a primary funding source for wildlife conservation efforts in Arizona and in most of the U.S."